Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Is One Of Washington's Underrated Gems
By Jessica Wick|Published August 02, 2020
×
Jessica Wick
Author
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
The best part of living in Washington is knowing that there is beauty lying in every square mile of the state… you just have to know where to look for it. While our coastal territory and well-known spots are certainly stunning, Washington also has a lot of underrated territory most tourists aren’t aware of. One such area is Vantage, the Columbia River Gorge town that happens to be home to the beautiful Ginkgo Petrified Forest. The rugged beauty of this area is unparalleled.
Vantage is a blip on the radar of Kittitas County, sitting right on the majestic Columbia River.
Most people simply pass through on their way to or from Eastern Washington. But this area has a lot to offer.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, which is also known as Wanapum Recreation Area, is a geologic preserve and public recreation area located on the western shoreline of the Columbia River's Wanapum Reservoir, just outside of Vantage.
A geologist named George F. Beck started organizing excavations after local highway workers noticed the unique petrified wood. Beck also built a small museum.
You'll leave with a whole new appreciation for the Pacific Northwest.
The Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park/Wanapum Recreational Area is fully open, but social distancing measures are encouraged. Come check out Washington’s state gem at this hidden gem of a park.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
