Washington isn’t the type of state to be lacking in nature, which is why every chance we get, we like to immerse ourselves in it. But the truth is, you don’t need to visit the big National Parks to get your daily dose. There is plenty of natural beauty hiding in the small state parks throughout the state. Take Kanaskat-Palmer State Park as the perfect example. Considered small by most standards, this 330-acre state park is just one of the magical hidden gems in Washington worth exploring on your next free day.

When you visit Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, you’re really stepping inside a natural wonderland in Washington.
Google Local/Jeff Lansidel
This small state park exudes true beauty, from the hiking trails to the diverse forested landscape and beyond.
Alltrails/Jessica Loving
Situated along the banks of the Green River, you’ll be able to enjoy views of the aquamarine water, which are as magical as you can imagine.
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Google Local/Wenqi Zheng
With various trails, like the 2.4-mole Kanaskat-Palmer Loop or the 9.7-mile McDonald Mountain Trail, you’ll have different views of the park, each offering something special.
Alltrails/Beau Chevassus

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There are also quite a few places to camp or picnic at this state park. Choose primitive camping and bring your own tent or rent one of the cool on-site yurts!
Google Local/Faith Fougeron
With river access here, too, experts are encouraged to run through the Green River Gorge and enjoy the Class II to Class IV frothy rapids.
Google Local/Steven Pavlov
But even if you just want to bring the family for some gentle trails, this state park can surely offer you that, too.
Google Local/Rocio Ferrer
Come enjoy the beauty of Kanaskat-Palmer State Park in Washington and find out why good things come in small packages.
Alltrails/Jessica Loving

Watch this YouTube video by John & Cheryl’s Video Library with a quick peek inside Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, one of the best hidden gems in Washington.

Have you been to Kanaskat-Palmer State Park in Washington before? Tell us about your adventure in the comments section! You can also find out more about how to visit this state park by checking out the Kanaskat-Palmer State Park page.

You can also enjoy more natural adventures in the Pacific Northwest when you check out these 15 Washington state parks that will knock your socks off. Or if you’re searching for more fun, here are some adventures in Washington that we recommend.

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Washington State Parks

Melanie J. | November 15, 2023

Aside from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, what are some more state parks in Washington that are worth visiting?

There are over 100 state parks in Washington, and if you ask me, all are worth visiting. However, these are the Washington state parks that we like the best:

  • Mount Spokane State Park, Mead
  • Moran State Park, Olga
  • Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, Chelan
  • Tolmie State Park, Olympia
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park, Friday Harbor
  • Camano Island State Park, Camano
  • Iron Horse State Park, North Bend
  • Beacon Rock State Park, Stevenson
  • Millersylvania State Park, Olympia
  • Fort Worden Historical State Park, Port Townsend

 

Be sure to read our article telling you more about these Washington state parks.

What are some cool day trip ideas in Washington?

If you love taking trips around our state, then here are the best day trip ideas in Washington that we recommend:

  • Mt. Rainier National Park
  • Seattle to Bellingham: Amtrak Cascades, Salem
  • Ape Caves: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Cougar
  • Lewis Clark Valley, Clarkston
  • Palouse Falls State Park, LaCrosse
  • Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Olympia
  • Bainbridge Vineyards, Bainbridge Island
  • Point No Point Lighthouse Park
  • The Hoh Rainforest
  • The Outback Kangaroo Farm, Arlington

 

Want more adventure? If so, visit our website to discover more fun day trip ideas in Washington.

What are the most unique hidden gems in Washington?

Here are some of the most unique hidden gems in Washington that belong on your list:

  • Bloedel Reserve, Bainbridge Island
  • Maryhill Stonehenge, Maryhill
  • High Steel Bridge, Shelton
  • The Kalaloch Tree of Life, Forks
  • Blue Lake Rhino Cave, Coulee City
  • Stehekin Valley, Chelan
  • Troll Haven, Sequim
  • San Juan Island National Historical Park

 

Read more in our previous article about these hidden gems in Washington.

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Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, 32101 Cumberland Kanasket Rd SE, Ravensdale, WA 98051, USA