Washington has 124 state parks. And each year, a whopping 40 million people visit them. Many of those people call the Evergreen State home, while some visit from other parts of the country. But they can all appreciate the diverse landscapes and endless natural beauty our state parks offer.

If you’re very familiar with Pacific Northwest history, you may already have heard of Ranald MacDonald. Ranald’s gravesite sits up near the Canadian border within our state’s smallest state park—and it’s definitely worth a visit.

Ranald MacDonald's Grave is a Washington State Park Heritage Site.
Bryan Hermans / Google
It's located up near the Canadian border, near the town of Curlew in the northeastern part of the state.
The gravesite is about 20 miles north of the beautiful Curlew Lake State Park, a popular summer destination.
Brenda S / TripAdvisor
Curlew Lake State Park is a bit of a hidden gem for those who don't live in this part of Eastern Washington.
Ranald MacDonald's Grave State Park Heritage Site is a 100 square foot park, making it Washington's smallest, by far.
Bryan Hermans / Google
There isn't much to this area, but if you can appreciate our local history, it's definitely worth paying a visit.

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Ranald MacDonald was best known for being the first English teacher in Japan.
Lori Thompson / Google
He served as an early ambassador during a time when Japan was closed off to the outside world.
Ranald MacDonald was born in 1824 in Fort George, which later became Astoria, Oregon. His parents were fur trader Archibald McDonald and Princess Raven, daughter of Chief Comcomly of the Chinook Confederacy.
Bryan Hermans / Google
When he was sailing near Japan, he convinced his captain to set him adrift so he could go ashore and connect to the Japanese. While the Japanese were skeptical, MacDonald convinced them that his intentions were good. Luckily, they believed him, and he was soon put to work teaching the locals English. Later, he helped negotiate a trade agreement between Japan’s government and Admiral Perry, which helped open Japan to the West.
Eventually, MacDonald returned to Washington, although his sailing career wasn't over. During his time on land, he made a written declaration to the US Congress and spoke highly of the Japanese.
Bryan Hermans / Google
Until his death at the age of 70, he explored the world whenever he could. He passed away in 1894 while visiting his niece.
History aside, this tiny, picturesque park is a fantastic place to visit from late spring until mid-autumn, before the real snowfall begins.
Lori Gibson / Google
Come check out this little-known piece of local history.

Before today, had you ever heard of Ranald MacDonald?

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Ranald MacDonald's Grave State Park Heritage Site, 984-1050 Customs Rd, Curlew, WA 99118, USA