Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Washington
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Will Suphan
Author
The Pacific Northwest is one of the lushest and most verdant areas in America with some of the most impressive national parks you’ll ever see like Mount Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park. Our Washington state parks are just as beautiful to behold. With old-growth forests, rushing waterfalls, and stunning vistas, Washington is a hotspot for hikers, birders, bikers, and more. Our state park system does a fine job of preserving so many beautiful places. If you’d like to find out about the best of these parks, then welcome to your ultimate guide to state parks in Washington!
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Most Popular State Parks In Washington
While we will cover camping, RVing, hiking, and hidden gems, we’ve got to show you the cream of the crop of our state parks. Whether you’re into mountain biking, boating, bird watching, whale watching, or just taking in the beauty of the American landscape, we’ve got you covered. Here are the most popular state parks in Washington.
1. Lake Wenatchee State Park
21588 WA-207, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
- Location: 21588 SR 207, Leavenworth, WA 98826
- Wow Factor: The waters of Lake Wenatchee are crystal clear, fed by glaciers, and are as pristine as can be!
- Need To Know: Each winter season, from December 1 through March 31, Lake Wenatchee becomes a Sno-Park, and Sno-Park permits are required. Discover Passes are not valid during this time.
Much of this area was formed by ancient glaciers, and Lake Wenatchee itself is fed by them. The water is icy cold but so crystalline and blue. It’s such a gorgeous place to visit. One of the fun things to do in Lake Wenatchee State Park is to take a horseback ride with Icicle Outfitters. There are also kayak and paddleboard rentals available as well as the Lake Wenatchee Park Store to get any essentials. This is a gorgeous area that should not be missed.
2. Palouse Falls State Park
Palouse Falls Road, Palouse Falls Rd, Washington, USA
- Location: Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143
- Wow Factor: The waterfalls were carved over 13,000 years ago and are one of the last waterfalls on the Ice Age Flood Path!
- Need To Know: There is an automated pay station for Discover Passes and boat launch permits. Parking is limited and can be crowded on holidays and weekends and RVs are not recommended at these times.
The stupendous views of the ancient waterfalls make this an extremely popular park, especially since Palouse Falls was named Washington’s state waterfall in 2014, so make sure to plan ahead on this one. It spans 94 acres and artists flock here to paint the scene and take photos. One of the things to do in Palouse Falls State Park is to see the falls from three angles: the lower viewpoint by the parking lot, the end of the interpretive path, and the highest viewing area at Fryxell Overlook.
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3. Deception Pass State Park
41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA
- Location: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
- Wow Factor: This park is so popular that it gets over two million visitors every year!
- Need To Know: It’s best to visit during the warmer months as winter often has storms that cause closures of many areas of the park.
This is one of the best parks for a lovely scenic drive as you’ll pass over vast bridges that connect two islands that are replete with old-growth forests and rugged cliffs. For some wonderful experiences, the best things to do in Deception Pass State Park include checking out the Kukutali Preserve and taking in views of Hope, Skagit, and Fidalgo Islands. There’s also a beautiful carved pole called the Maiden of Deception Pass which can be found in the Rosario Beach area.
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Best State Parks In Washington To Camp
With all of these lush forests and gorgeous landscapes, we are very fortunate to have a wide selection of beautiful camping spots in Washington. From organized campgrounds to primitive camping, we have it all. Here are three of the best state parks in Washington to camp.
4. Sequim Bay State Park
269035 US-101, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
- Location: 269035 US-101, Sequim, WA 98382
- Wow Factor: This park spans 92 acres and has 4,909 feet of coastline!
- Need To Know: The moorage dock has been shut down due to deterioration, however, the boat launch dock is open.
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and Sequim Bay, this lovely park has beach camping and beautiful lavender fields. The campsites are spaced out so you’re not cramped up with others and there are walking and biking trails throughout. There are restrooms with showers, a playground, and an interpretive center. Other things to do in Sequim Bay State Park are playing on the basketball and tennis courts, the baseball field, and the horseshoe pit. Not to mention all the water activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking.
5. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
34875 Park Lake Rd NE, Coulee City, WA 99115, USA
- Location: 34875 Park Lake Rd NE, Coulee City, WA 99115
- Wow Factor: There was once an Ice Age waterfall here that was four times the size of Niagara Falls!
- Need To Know: Waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing, and tubing are not permitted on Park Lake from the opening day of fishing season to May 20.
If you’re already surrounded by green forests and the Pacific Ocean and would like a change of pace, then you may enjoy some picturesque desert camping. The Sun Lakes State Park Campground is nicely spread out and affords spectacular views of Park Lake. This whole area was carved out by glaciers which left behind some truly unique landscapes. One of the best things to do in Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is to go to the overlook near the visitor center and see a view that will take your breath away.
6. Alta Lake State Park
1 Otto Rd, Pateros, WA 98846, USA
- Location: 1B Otto Rd, Pateros, WA 98846
- Wow Factor: One of the few places on earth where you can camp where the forest meets the desert!
- Need To Know: Camping season is from April until October every year and a Discover Pass is needed to visit, including for day-use.
What if you can’t decide whether you want to camp in the desert or the forest? Why not both? This park is in a rare location in Eastern Washington where the forest and the desert meet and it is simply stunning. There are standard and partial-hookup campsites available. For a rare treat, one of the things to do at Alta Lake State Park is to play a few holes of golf at the Alta Lake Golf Resort with forest views to the west and desert views to the east. You can also do some freshwater fishing at Alta Lake.
Best State Parks In Washington To RV
Cruising around Washington in an RV is a lovely way to take in the sights at your own pace and stop whenever you want to do some RV camping or simply stand in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds you. It’s so nice to not have to set up and break down a tent and have your camp ready to go when you arrive. If you’d like to find some stellar spots to set up camp, here are three of the best state parks in Washington to RV. And, if you need to rent a vehicle, be sure to check out RVShare.
7. Tahuya State Forest
1371 NE Belfair Tahuya Rd, Belfair, WA 98528, USA
- Location: 1371-1001 NE Belfair Tahuya Rd, Belfair, WA 98528
- Wow Factor: This park has some of the best four-wheel, ATV, and motorbike trails in the state!
- Need To Know: Tahuya Adventure Resort is the best option for RV camping in this area.
When it comes to RV camping, this area is one of the best. At Tahuya Adventure Resort there are 12 pull-through RV sites that are large and thickly wooded and some have picnic tables and fire rings. There are all kinds of adventurous things to do in Tahuya State Forest like renting an ATV and roaming the trails or taking a peaceful horseback ride. The area is dotted with lakes and rivers that make for some excellent fishing.
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8. Salt Creek Recreation Area
3506 Camp Hayden Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA
- Location: 3506 Camp Hayden Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363
- Wow Factor: There’s an underwater park where you can explore a kelp forest and see wolf eels, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, and anemones!
- Need To Know: The Salt Creek Campground is open year-round, but busiest during summer and fall. Two sites are ADA-accessible.
Travel + Leisure Magazine called this “one of the most visually stunning RV campgrounds in the U.S.” When you come here, it will be hard to disagree. With views of the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea, there is breathtaking beauty wherever you look. One of the most fascinating things to do in the Salt Creek Recreation Area is to wander down to the tide pools and coves to see all kinds of marine wildlife. There are WWII bunkers to explore and at times you can see whales spouting in the sea. It’s paradise.
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9. Steamboat Rock State Park
51052 WA-155, Electric City, WA 99123, USA
- Location: 51052 WA-155, Electric City, WA 99123
- Wow Factor: Steamboat Rock is a butte made of basalt that looms 800 feet over the lake and is spread out over 600 acres!
- Need To Know: The campground has 136 full-hookup sites and is open seasonally from May through September.
This place has one of the most unique natural features in the state. The namesake rock is a basalt formation that was once an island in the Columbia River when ice dams filled the area with water. There are tons of things to do in Steamboat Rock State Park including horseback riding, fishing, boating, jet skiing, hiking, basketball, canoeing, and so much more. Plus, it’s only about a two-hour drive from Spokane.
Best State Parks In Washington For Hiking
Whether you like rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, or a winter snowshoe hike, the thousands of miles of trails in Washington are absolutely magnificent to explore. Considering how many state parks in Washington there are, you’re sure to find the perfect hiking trails to suit your ability and desire. We’ve picked out three of the best state parks in Washington for hiking so that you can see the beauty of this state up close.
10. Moran State Park
3572 Olga Rd, Olga, WA 98279, USA
- Location: 3572 Olga Rd, Olga, WA 98279
- Wow Factor: This is the largest public recreation area in the San Juan Islands and the fourth largest state park in the state!
- Need To Know: Mount Constitution Road is not accessible to large trailers or motor homes. Large vehicle access is restricted above Mountain Lake.
This park is located on Orcas Island and there are over 30 miles of trails to wander. One of the best things to do in Moran State Park is hiking to the top of Mount Constitution, the highest point of the San Juan Islands, and taking in the views of the surrounding islands and Puget Sound. You may even catch a glimpse of Bellingham in the distance. There are gorgeous waterfalls all over the park as well.
11. Cape Disappointment State Park
244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624, USA
- Location: 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624
- Wow Factor: You can experience ocean tidelands, saltwater marshes, and freshwater lakes all on the same trail!
- Need To Know: From September 16, 2024 - March 31, 2025, all Cape Disappointment State Park campsites, yurts, and cabins will be closed for road repairs and new office construction. Vacation houses will remain open during this time. Trails are still open.
Despite the name, the hiking and the views here will certainly not disappoint. This is one of the best state parks in Washington in the summer months. There are WWII bunkers to explore and a gorgeous lighthouse. One of the best trails is the Bells View Overlook Trail which will reward you with some truly stunning views. Besides hiking, one of the fun things to do in Cape Disappointment State Park is to explore the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center where you can learn about their arduous journey from St. Louis all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
12. Rockport State Park
51905 State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283, USA
- Location: 51905 State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283
- Wow Factor: The rare old-growth trees here can reach a height of 250 feet!
- Need To Know: This park is day-use only and dogs must be on a leash.
Located at the base of Sauk Mountain, this lush park has groves of very rare old-growth trees that closely resemble those found in Olympic National Park. Hiking along the Evergreen Trail will fill you with reverence for nature. For more things to do in Rockport State Park, check out some other fantastic one-mile trails like Skagit View Trail and Sauk Springs Trail. Visit the Discovery Center here to learn more about the area.
Little-Known State Parks In Washington
With 140 state parks, Washington is sure to have quite a few that you may not have heard of. There’s so much natural beauty here that it could take a lifetime to see it all, especially the more underrated places in Washington. If you want to find out about some of these hidden gems, take a look at these three stupendous little-known state parks in Washington.
13. Grayland Beach State Park
925 Cranberry Beach Rd, Grayland, WA 98547, USA
- Location: 925 Cranberry Beach Rd, Grayland, WA 98547
- Wow Factor: Grayland Beach State Park has 7,449 feet of achingly beautiful shoreline that faces the Pacific Ocean!
- Need To Know: Please respect nesting area closed signs for endangered Snowy Plover birds and keep dogs on leash.
Located just south of the charming town of Grayland and about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle, this beautiful park is one of those lovely places where the forest becomes dunes and the dunes become a beach. One of the things to do in Grayland Beach State Park that locals love is to come here to watch the vivid sunsets. You can see endangered plover birds flitting about and it’s a spectacular place for kite flying.
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14. Lake Sylvia State Park
1812 Lake Sylvia Rd N, Montesano, WA 98563, USA
- Location: 1812 Lake Sylvia Rd N, Montesano, WA 98563
- Wow Factor: This 233-acre park has a whopping 15,000 feet of shoreline around the lake!
- Need To Know: Visitors may enjoy non-motorized boating, swimming, kayaking, and fishing at Lake Sylvia. Kayak and paddle board rentals are available in season, and a boat launch and ADA-accessible fishing dock are available.
This beautiful park is the epitome of a hidden gem. The placid lake is a great place for freshwater fishing and some peaceful camping. One of the things to do in Lake Sylvia State Park that is a real treat is to take a kayak or a canoe out to the lake, drop a line, and marvel at the views of the forests that surround the lake. It’s a lovely quiet getaway that’s much less crowded than many of the other places on this list.
15. James Island Marine State Park
Blakely Island, WA 98222, USA
- Location: Blakely Island, WA 98222
- Wow Factor: This is one of the most remote parks in the state and the park surrounds the entire island!/li>
- Need To Know: This park is only accessible by boat and boaters must self-register and pay required fees upon arrival. There is no wifi or cellular service.
When it comes to hidden gems, this one truly is hidden! You need to take a boat to get here but once you do you’ll be treated to one of the most remote and beautiful spots in the state. One of the things to do in James Island Marine State Park, as long as you have a license, is to harvest oysters and clams. There is also some excellent salmon fishing. If you truly want to get away from it all, this is the place.
Did our ultimate guide to state parks in Washington help you find places you haven’t heard of before? Have you been to some of the places on this list? Let us know all about your experiences and favorite ones in the comments. If you like hiking and history, get those hiking boots on and check out these hiking trails in Washington that lead to historical sites.
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