Destinations
Washington outdoors
Glacier-capped volcanoes, old-growth rainforest, and wild Pacific coast, all within a few hours of Seattle.
Top parks in Washington
See all 147 parks
Mount Rainier
A 14,410-foot glaciated volcano ringed by wildflower meadows, old-growth forest, and some of the best alpine day-hiking in the Lower 48.
North Cascades
Jagged peaks, 300-plus glaciers, and turquoise lakes an hour from a highway, with almost no crowds.
Olympic
Three parks in one: glacier-capped peaks, rugged Pacific coast, and old-growth rainforest on Washington's Olympic Peninsula.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Where the Columbia meets the Pacific: two historic lighthouses, a Lewis and Clark interpretive center, old-growth coastal trails, and ocean camping.
Deception Pass State Park
Washington's iconic bridge-and-island park, with rugged beaches, old-growth forest, tidewater views, and reservable campgrounds.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
A high-desert Washington park above the Columbia River at Vantage, built around a National Natural Landmark of 15-million-year-old petrified wood, an interpretive center, and short fossil trails.
Palouse Falls State Park
Washington's official state waterfall: a 198-foot plunge into a basalt scabland canyon, viewed from rim overlooks. Day-use only since the campground closed, with all canyon trails and swimming off-limits.
Riverside State Park
A 10,000-acre river park on Spokane's doorstep, anchored by the Bowl and Pitcher basalt formation, a historic suspension bridge, miles of riverside trail, and reservable campgrounds.
Steamboat Rock State Park
A desert-reservoir park on Banks Lake in central Washington, anchored by a 600-acre basalt butte, with a summit hike, swimming, boating, and a large reservable campground.
Planning a Washington trip
Washington packs an absurd amount of variety into one state. In a single trip you can stand under 200-foot trees in a moss-draped temperate rainforest, walk a wild beach studded with sea stacks, and climb into alpine meadows below a glacier-capped volcano. That range is the whole pitch: the Cascade Range splits the state down the middle, leaving a wet, green, forested west and a drier, sunnier east, and you get to choose your weather.
The big three parks anchor any outdoor plan, and they could not feel more different from one another. One protects a single massive volcano ringed with wildflower meadows, one is a peninsula holding rainforest, mountains, and coast in the same boundary, and one is a wall of jagged peaks and glaciers in the remote north. Beyond the parks, the volunteer-built trail network is enormous. Mount Baker and the Chain Lakes Loop, the Maple Pass Loop in the North Cascades, Shi Shi Beach and the Hoh Rainforest on the Olympic Peninsula, and the San Juan Islands out in the Salish Sea all reward a day or more.
Time it for summer if you can. Mid-July through August is the sweet spot: trails and high lakes melt out, the subalpine meadows fill with lupine and paintbrush (peak wildflowers run roughly the last week of July into mid-August), and the dry, warm weather holds. Late May and early June can still be deep snow up high even when Seattle feels like summer, so the lowlands and coast are the better early-season call. Pack for the mountains regardless of the forecast: layers you can shed and re-add, a genuine rain shell (this is the Pacific Northwest), sturdy traction for lingering snow on high passes into July, and sun protection for exposed meadows. The coast and rainforest stay cool and damp even in August, so a warm layer earns its place in the pack year-round.
Getting around Washington
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the obvious hub and puts all three national parks within an easy half-day drive. Mount Rainier is closest, roughly 95 miles and about 2 hours 15 minutes southeast. The North Cascades sit about 103 miles north, and Olympic National Park is around 126 miles and 2.5 hours to the west, with the catch that the Olympic Peninsula is huge and the park's highlights (Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rainforest, the coastal beaches) are spread an hour or more apart once you arrive. Spokane (GEG) in the far east is the better gateway if you are focused on the drier eastern half of the state.
Plan on a rental car. Public transit to and around the parks is thin, and the destinations are far enough apart that a loop takes real driving. A classic circuit runs Seattle to Olympic (about 3 hours to the peninsula), then south and east to Mount Rainier (roughly 3 hours), then a longer haul north to the North Cascades (closer to 4 hours from Rainier). Getting to the Olympic Peninsula often involves a Washington State Ferry across Puget Sound, which is scenic but worth building into your timing. Mountain roads, including the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20), close seasonally with snow, so check current conditions before any shoulder-season trip.
Weather and elevation
Choose coast, volcano, or alpine country before dates harden.
Washington's national parks sit in different weather systems. Olympic can be rainforest, coast, and mountains in one trip. Rainier and North Cascades ask more from road timing, snowpack, and visibility.
Best window
July to September for high-country access, with shoulder seasons better for lower forests and coast.
Base logic
Port Angeles and Forks split Olympic, Ashford or Packwood serve Rainier, Marblemount serves North Cascades.
Packing focus
Rain shell, insulating layer, traction in early season, and footwear for wet trail.
Trip shape
Olympic works as a varied road trip. Rainier and North Cascades reward fewer bases.
First Washington park trip
Choose Olympic if you want variety and lower-elevation backup plans when weather blocks a mountain day.
Peak mountain trip
Use Mount Rainier or North Cascades in the main summer window when roads, wildflowers, and alpine trails align.
Start with these guides
State park directory
Every Washington state park
A source-backed inventory layer for planning breadth. Full Kit Authority guides are marked when a park has camping detail, rules, and packing notes; the rest link straight to the official page.
147 parks
5 full guides · 111 with photos
Cape Disappointment State Park
State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park offers trails through forest, around freshwater lakes, saltwater marshes and ocean tidelands, with beaches that lure kite flyers and nature explorers.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Full guideDeception Pass State Park
State Park
Spanning two islands connected by iconic bridges, Deception Pass features rugged ocean cliffs and quiet old growth forests, known for panoramic views and sunsets.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Full guideGinkgo Petrified Forest State Park
State Park
A National Natural Landmark, Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park offers hiking and interpretive activities, with camping and water access at nearby Wanapum Recreation Area.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Full guideRiverside State Park
State Park
Riverside State Park spans 9,194 acres along the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers, with hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, boating and more.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Full guideSteamboat Rock State Park
State Park
Steamboat Rock State Park offers green lawns, climbing rocks, boating, camping and miles of trails amid a Pacific Northwest desert.
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
Washington State Parks
Full guideAlta Lake State Park
State Park
Alta Lake State Park is a camping and day-use park where mountainous pine forests meet the desert, with a 2-mile lake offering trout fishing, water skiing and windsurfing in summer.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageAnderson Lake State Park
State Park
Anderson Lake State Park is a day-use park with cedar, fir and alder forests and a freshwater marsh, with hiking, equestrian and biking trails sloping down to a lake teeming with wildlife.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageBattle Ground Lake State Park
State Park
In the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Battle Ground Lake State Park offers hiking, biking and equestrian campsites, and a spring-fed lake that draws swimmers, paddlers and anglers.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageBay View State Park
State Park
Bay View State Park is a camping park on the shores of Padilla Bay with magnificent views of the San Juan Islands on clear days.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageBeacon Rock State Park
State Park
Overlooking the Columbia River, Beacon Rock State Park is a destination for hiking, technical climbing, horseback riding and biking with year-round Columbia River Gorge views.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageBeebe Bridge State Park
State Park
Beebe Bridge State Park near Chelan is a scenic 56-acre Columbia River riverfront getaway offering swimming, boating, pickleball and roomy campgrounds.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageBelfair State Park
State Park
Belfair State Park sits on Puget Sound with wetlands, pebble beaches, tidal flats and salmon runs to discover and explore.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageBirch Bay State Park
State Park
Set in a cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park gives a secluded feel with relatively warm water suited to crabbing, windsurfing, swimming and paddling.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageBlake Island Marine State Park
State Park
Accessible only by boat, Blake Island Marine State Park offers classic island recreation while still being close to Seattle.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageBlind Island Marine State Park
State Park
Accessible only by boat, Blind Island provides few amenities but offers tranquil water views and a feeling of escape.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageBogachiel State Park
State Park
Bogachiel State Park provides a green-enshrouded riverside haven and an excellent base for touring the western Olympic Peninsula.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Swimming
Washington State Parks
Official pageBottle Beach State Park
State Park
Bottle Beach State Park sits on the tide flats of southern Grays Harbor and hosts more than a million migratory shorebirds and seabirds in springtime.
- Hiking
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageBridgeport State Park
State Park
Bridgeport State Park is a 622-acre camping park with 7,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Rufus Woods Lake, with 18 acres of lawn amid desert terrain.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageBridle Trails State Park
State Park
This equestrian-friendly park between Kirkland and Redmond is considered one of the top equestrian parks west of the Mississippi, featuring four horse arenas and ample trails.
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
- Geocaching
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageBrooks Memorial State Park
State Park
Brooks Memorial State Park offers panoramic mountain views, expansive wildflower meadows and starry skies, with tall pines and oaks in the Simcoe mountains near Goldendale.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageCamano Island State Park
State Park
Camano Island State Park feels a world away with forested trails, rocky shoreline and sweeping views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageColumbia Hills Historical State Park
State Park
Columbia Hills Historical State Park offers shrub-steppe beauty, high-desert panoramas and river shoreline, with climbing, biking, horseback riding and Native American petroglyphs.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageConconully State Park
State Park
Nestled in the forested mountains of north central Washington, Conconully State Park is a 97-acre angler's paradise on the Conconully Reservoir.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageDaroga State Park
State Park
Daroga State Park is a green oasis among the dry hills of Central Washington, with a calm lagoon for swimming and paddling and Columbia River access for boaters.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official page
Show 123 more Washington parks
Dash Point State Park
State Park
Dash Point State Park offers miles of forested hiking and biking trails plus a sandy beach on Puget Sound between two urban hubs.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageDosewallips State Park
State Park
Dosewallips State Park offers mountains and beach with clam digging and elk herds wandering through camp, on Hood Canal and the Dosewallips River.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageFederation Forest State Park
State Park
Federation Forest is a day-use park next to the White River with hundreds of acres of old-growth trees and kid-friendly hiking trails.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageFields Spring State Park
State Park
Located in the Blue Mountains of southeast Washington, Fields Spring is a forested camping park open year-round for hiking, biking and snow play.
- Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageFlaming Geyser State Park
State Park
Set on the Green River east of Auburn, Flaming Geyser State Park is known for wooded hiking, horse trails, expansive fields for play and fall salmon runs.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Swimming
Washington State Parks
Official pageFort Columbia State Park
State Park
Fort Columbia State Park is considered one of the most intact historic coastal defense sites in the U.S., with bird watching, forested hiking trails and secluded beaches.
- Hiking
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
Washington State Parks
Official pageFort Ebey State Park
State Park
Fort Ebey State Park is a coastal camping park on Whidbey Island with a historic military fort and 25 miles of wooded trails, plus beach, surfing and paragliding.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageFort Flagler Historical State Park
State Park
Fort Flagler Historical State Park is a camping park surrounded on three sides by saltwater shoreline, with historic forts and military history.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageFort Townsend Historical State Park
State Park
Fort Townsend Historical State Park is a small camping park south of Port Townsend with beach access on Port Townsend Bay and a hidden history dating to 1856.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageFort Worden Historical State Park
State Park
Fort Worden Historical State Park overlooks Admiralty Inlet at the entrance of Puget Sound, with camping, beaches, forests, historic gun batteries and museums.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageGrayland Beach State Park
State Park
Grayland Beach offers front-row access to sandy shores and sweeping ocean views, with beach and ocean activities in summer and yurts for relaxing.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageGriffiths-Priday State Park
State Park
Griffiths-Priday State Park offers both ocean and river access for picnicking, fishing or a relaxing stroll on the sandy beach.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageHarstine Island State Park
State Park
Harstine Island State Park offers miles of forested trails through old growth forest for hiking, swimming, birdwatching and fishing.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Washington State Parks
Official pageIke Kinswa State Park
State Park
Ike Kinswa State Park sits on 454 acres on the shore of Mayfield Lake, with swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, kayaking and nature watching.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageIllahee State Park
State Park
Illahee State Park offers verdant hiking trails, fishing, shellfishing and paddling, plus a memorial featuring two large naval guns from the U.S.S. West Virginia.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageJackson House State Park Heritage Site
State Park Heritage Site
Jackson House State Park Heritage Site is a small day-use park preserving the cabin home of John R. Jackson, the first pioneer settler north of the Columbia River.
- Picnicking
- Historic Site
Washington State Parks
Official pageJarrell Cove State Park
State Park
Located on Harstine Island, Jarrell Cove is a saltwater haven with opportunities for swimming, camping, overnight boat moorage and wildlife watching.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageJoemma Beach State Park
State Park
Set on Key Peninsula in South Puget Sound, Joemma Beach offers salty bliss for kayakers, canoeists and paddlers with accessible solitude.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageJones Island Marine State Park
State Park
Jones Island lies among the San Juan Islands with cliffside campsites, untamed beaches and native residents such as deer and otter.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageJoseph Whidbey State Park
State Park
Joseph Whidbey State Park is a day-use park on the west shore of Whidbey Island with expansive views of Victoria B.C., Lopez Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
- Hiking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageKanaskat-Palmer State Park
State Park
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is a camping park on a forested plateau next to the whitewater of the Green River, with rafting, fishing and hiking.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageKitsap Memorial State Park
State Park
Located on the Hood Canal shoreline, Kitsap Memorial State Park is popular for weddings and picnicking, with Olympic Mountain views and Hood Canal kayaking.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageKopachuck State Park
State Park
Kopachuck State Park is a day-use park with beach sunsets, saltwater shoreline, forested trails and an underwater park, great for a family picnic.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Washington State Parks
Official pageLake Chelan State Park
State Park
On the shores of Lake Chelan, this popular park offers hiking, biking, volleyball, swimming, fishing and camping.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageLake Easton State Park
State Park
Located off I-90 between Seattle and Ellensburg, Lake Easton State Park is a forested camping park with freshwater access, water sports in summer and skiing in winter.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageLake Sammamish State Park
State Park
Close to Seattle, Lake Sammamish State Park offers two swimming beaches, trails, volleyball courts, soccer fields and more.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageLake Sylvia State Park
State Park
Set beside a placid lake, Lake Sylvia is a popular park with a classic Western Washington forest feel, a fishing bridge and a loop trail around the lake.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageLake Wenatchee State Park
State Park
Lake Wenatchee is a Northwest icon with a clear blue lake surrounded by forested mountains near Leavenworth.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageLarrabee State Park
State Park
Set on Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham, Larrabee State Park is known for views of Samish Bay and the San Juan Islands and was Washington's first state park.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageLeadbetter Point State Park
State Park
A small day-use park adjacent to the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, Leadbetter Point is full of natural wonders and abundant wildlife for birdwatching and exploring.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Paddling
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageLewis and Clark State Park
State Park
Horses are welcome at this 616-acre camping park set in a stand of old-growth forest with dense forest hiking trails, picnic shelters and camping.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
Washington State Parks
Official pageLewis and Clark Trail State Park
State Park
Set along the Touchet River, Lewis and Clark Trail State Park is a forested park surrounded by arid grassland with unusual vegetation, geology and a rich history.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
Washington State Parks
Official pageLime Kiln Point State Park
State Park
Set on a rocky cliff at the west end of San Juan Island, Lime Kiln Point is considered one of the best whale-watching spots on earth.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
- Beach
Washington State Parks
Official pageLincoln Rock State Park
State Park
Located just above Rocky Reach Dam, Lincoln Rock State Park offers shaded campsites, cabins and a boat launch on Lake Entiat with calm waters for paddling.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageLyons Ferry State Park
State Park
Admire the Ice Age flood-carved Palouse landscape while picnicking under shade trees or boating at the confluence of the Snake and Palouse rivers.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
Washington State Parks
Official pageManchester State Park
State Park
Manchester State Park is a year-round camping park with views of Puget Sound and a military history, including the historic Torpedo Warehouse.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageMaryhill State Park
State Park
Maryhill State Park is a waterfront camping park on the Columbia River with natural beauty and cultural history.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageMillersylvania State Park
State Park
Millersylvania is an old-growth forest camping park on the shores of Deep Lake with two swimming beaches and miles of forested hiking and biking trails.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageMoran State Park
State Park
On Orcas Island, Moran State Park features five lakes, forested campgrounds and trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding, plus Mount Constitution views.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageMount Pilchuck State Park
State Park
Mount Pilchuck State Park sits at 3,100 feet and offers alpine views, with a 2.7-mile trail up to the summit and historic fire lookout as the main attraction.
- Hiking
- Winter Sports
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
Washington State Parks
Official pageMount Spokane State Park
State Park
Nestled in the forested Selkirk Mountains with 100 miles of trails, Mount Spokane offers both summer and winter recreation.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
Washington State Parks
Official pageNolte State Park
State Park
Nolte State Park is a laid-back day-use park on Deep Lake near the Green River Gorge for swimming, kayaking, fishing and relaxing on the grass.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageObstruction Pass State Park
State Park
Obstruction Pass State Park offers access to one of the few public beaches on Orcas Island, with madrone trees, pebbly beaches and water views.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageOcean City State Park
State Park
For a walk on the beach, clamming or camping, Ocean City State Park offers a forested campground near the sand with sandpipers, kites and campfires.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageOlallie State Park
State Park
At Olallie State Park east of Seattle, view waterfalls, hike, bike, rock climb and connect to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pagePacific Beach State Park
State Park
This small camping park northwest of Aberdeen features campsites next to the Pacific Ocean with a flat, sandy beach for kites and play.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pagePacific Pines State Park
State Park
Dune grasses, knobby shore pines and a sandy shore create a classic Washington beach scene at this 10-acre day-use park for sand play, birdwatching, fishing and sunsets.
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
- Beach
Washington State Parks
Official pagePalouse to Cascades State Park Trail
State Park
The Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail gives hikers, cyclists and equestrians a 251-mile route from Cedar Falls near North Bend east to the Idaho border.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pagePalouse to Cascades State Park Trail East
State Park
The east 126-mile section runs from Warden to the Idaho border and is the most variable and remote section, requiring pre-registration before you visit.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageParadise Point State Park
State Park
Paradise Point State Park is a camping park off I-5 on the Lewis River, featuring a sandy riverfront swimming area, meadow and woodsy campsites and a disc golf course.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pagePeace Arch Historical State Park
State Park
The International Peace Arch is a 67-foot white arch on the U.S.-Canada border at Blaine, set among green lawns and flowering gardens devoted to peace.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Playground
- Picnicking
Washington State Parks
Official pagePearrygin Lake State Park
State Park
Pearrygin Lake State Park offers camping, hiking, swimming and winter snowshoeing and Nordic skiing across 1,186 acres near Winthrop.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pagePenrose Point State Park
State Park
Penrose Point is a forested 237-acre marine park with nearly 2 miles of Puget Sound shoreline, trails, overnight moorage and a shady campground.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pagePeshastin Pinnacles State Park
State Park
Peshastin Pinnacles is a 34-acre day-use park in the Wenatchee River Valley where hikers view sandstone slabs and panoramas of mountains, hills and orchards.
- Hiking
- Geocaching
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
Washington State Parks
Official pagePosey Island State Park
State Park
Posey Island is a one-acre marine park north of Pearl Island near Roche Harbor, with two primitive group campsites and a terrific overnight stop for kayakers.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pagePotholes State Park
State Park
Set in desert terrain on Potholes Reservoir with freshwater marshes, Potholes State Park is a spot for camping, water activities and family time.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Cabins
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pagePotlatch State Park
State Park
Set on a rocky estuary shoreline, Potlatch combines sea and land, with mature pine forest giving way to sweeping views of the Hood Canal.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageRainbow Falls State Park
State Park
Rainbow Falls State Park is a 129-acre camping park on the Chehalis River, a popular stay for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders on the Willapa Hills Trail.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageRasar State Park
State Park
Offering forested campgrounds, grassy fields and views of the Skagit River, Rasar State Park is a 180-acre retreat with freshwater shoreline for hikers and families.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageReed Island State Park
State Park
Reed Island State Park is a marine day-use park on the Columbia River east of Vancouver, with a sandy beach, grassy meadows and resident herons.
- Boating
- Swimming
- Paddling
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageRockport State Park
State Park
At the foot of Sauk Mountain, Rockport State Park features rare 250-foot-tall old-growth trees and a Skagit River overlook.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
Washington State Parks
Official pageSaint Edward State Park
State Park
Saint Edward State Park is a day-use park with sprawling lawns and forested trails set around Romanesque Revival-style brick buildings.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageSaltwater State Park
State Park
Saltwater State Park delivers a sandy beach getaway two miles from I-5, with forested campsites along a creek, tide pools and an artificial underwater reef.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageScenic Beach State Park
State Park
Picturesque Scenic Beach has stunning views of the Olympic Mountain range, with groomed forest trails, native rhododendrons and the historic Emel House.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageSchafer State Park
State Park
Schafer State Park offers fishing for steelhead, cutthroat trout and salmon as well as camping in a cool, classic Western Washington forest.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageSeaquest State Park
State Park
Seaquest is a 475-acre year-round camping park among fir trees in the shadow of Mount St. Helens, with forested campgrounds, hiking trails and a wetland boardwalk.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageSequim Bay State Park
State Park
Set in the Olympic rain shadow, Sequim Bay State Park is a year-round camping park with saltwater shoreline in one of the driest microclimates west of the Cascades.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageShine Tidelands State Park
State Park
Shine Tidelands State Park is a day-use park with a sandy shoreline along Bywater Bay offering a picnic area and views of Hood Canal.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Fishing
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageSouth Whidbey State Park
State Park
South Whidbey State Park preserves an old-growth forest with western views of Admiralty Inlet, hiking trails, a picnic area and an amphitheater.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageSpencer Spit State Park
State Park
Spencer Spit State Park features a rare sand spit enclosed by a saltwater lagoon on Lopez Island, with a campground and group camps.
- Beach
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageSpring Creek Hatchery State Park
State Park
Spring Creek Hatchery is a day-use park with windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in southeast Skamania County.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageSquak Mountain State Park
State Park
Squak Mountain State Park is a day-use park less than 15 minutes from Seattle with hiking and horse trails amid mossy rocks and creeks.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Geocaching
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Washington State Parks
Official pageSquilchuck State Park
State Park
Squilchuck State Park sits at 3,200 feet near Wenatchee with a group camp, forested trails for mountain biking and winter snow play.
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Washington State Parks
Official pageSteptoe Battlefield State Park Heritage Site
State Park Heritage Site
Steptoe Battlefield State Park Heritage Site is a three-acre day-use park in Rosalia commemorating an 1858 battle between U.S. Army forces and Native American tribes.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Historic Site
Washington State Parks
Official pageSun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
State Park
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a high desert camping park between Soap Lake and Coulee City with deep gorges, lakes, hiking and golf.
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
Washington State Parks
Official pageTolmie State Park
State Park
Tolmie State Park is a day-use park on a split cove with beach exploration, an underwater park with an artificial reef and a saltwater marsh.
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageTriton Cove State Park
State Park
Triton Cove State Park is a small day-use park on Hood Canal with 555 feet of shoreline and an ADA-accessible boat launch.
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageTwanoh State Park
State Park
Twanoh State Park is a 188-acre marine camping park on Hood Canal built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, with warm saltwater swimming and abundant shellfish.
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
Washington State Parks
Official pageTwenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
State Park
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park sits where the creek flows from the mountains to Lake Chelan, suited to a day trip or campout.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageTwin Harbors State Park
State Park
Twin Harbors State Park is a coastal park with trails winding through grassy sand dunes to a driftwood-strewn Pacific beach.
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageWallace Falls State Park
State Park
Wallace Falls State Park features a lush forest, two lakes, the three-tiered Wallace Falls and 17 miles of hiking and biking trails.
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- Geocaching
Washington State Parks
Official pageWanapum Recreation Area
State Recreation Area
Wanapum Recreation Area is a camping and day-use park in a shrub-steppe landscape next to the Columbia River with a swim beach.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageWenatchee Confluence State Park
State Park
Wenatchee Confluence State Park is a 194-acre park at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers with camping, a swim area and a wetland preserve.
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
Washington State Parks
Official pageWestport Light State Park
State Park
Westport Light State Park is named for the historic Westport Lighthouse and sits along the Pacific Ocean with a boardwalk and beach.
- Beach
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageWillapa Hills State Park Trail
State Park
Willapa Hills State Park Trail spans 56 miles between Chehalis and South Bend with scenic views of valleys, rivers, farms and small towns.
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Horseback Riding
Washington State Parks
Official pageWillie Keil's Grave State Park Heritage Site
State Park Heritage Site
Willie Keil's Grave State Park Heritage Site is a small private cemetery off State Highway 6 near Raymond honoring the so-called Pickled Pioneer.
- Historic Site
Washington State Parks
Official pageYakima Sportsman State Park
State Park
Yakima Sportsman State Park is a 266-acre camping park created by the Yakima Sportsman's Association to promote game management and preserve natural resources.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageCama Beach Historical State Park
State Park
Cama Beach is a waterfront park with spectacular views of Saratoga Passage and amenities including the Cama Beach Cafe.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageClark Island Marine State Park
State Park
Located midway between Orcas and Lummi islands, Clark Island Marine State Park is a stretch of land perfect for camping and relaxing after a day of boating or paddling.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageColumbia Plateau State Park Trail
State Park
The 130-mile Columbia Plateau State Park Trail starts southwest of Spokane and follows an abandoned railbed along the Snake River south, ending near Pasco.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Winter Sports
Washington State Parks
Official pageCrawford State Park Heritage Site
State Park Heritage Site
Crawford State Park is a 40-acre forested day-use park home to Gardner Cave, one of Washington's longest limestone caves, with tours by reservation.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
Washington State Parks
Official pageCurlew Lake State Park
State Park
Located in northeastern Washington, Curlew Lake State Park is an 87-acre park popular for fishing and camping with lake vistas of pine-covered hills.
- Camping
- RV Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
Washington State Parks
Official pageCutts Island Marine State Park
State Park
Cutts Island State Park is a small island reachable only by boat that offers the perfect day at the beach.
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageDoe Island Marine State Park
State Park
Adjacent to Orcas Island, Doe Island Marine State Park offers quiet marine camping with a short hiking loop.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageDoug's Beach State Park
State Park
Doug's Beach is a popular site for windsurfing, swimming, paddle boarding and wildlife viewing in the scenic Columbia River Gorge.
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Paddling
- Beach
Washington State Parks
Official pageEagle Island Marine State Park
State Park
Eagle Island is a place to moor or anchor your boat, with views of Mount Rainier, a beach and harbor seals close to shore.
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageFort Casey Historical State Park
State Park
Fort Casey Historical State Park features historic military batteries and a 1903 lighthouse with an interpretive center, plus stunning views and beach access on Whidbey Island.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageFort Simcoe Historical State Park
State Park
Once a Yakama Nation camping area, Fort Simcoe was built by the U.S. Army in 1856 and is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War forts in the west.
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
- Playground
Washington State Parks
Official pageGoldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site
State Park Heritage Site
Goldendale Observatory, set in the hills above the Columbia River, houses one of the nation's largest public telescopes, with reservations required for programs.
- Historic Site
Washington State Parks
Official pageHope Island Marine State Park - Mason County
State Park
A hidden gem reached only by watercraft, Hope Island Marine State Park in Mason County offers trails, seals in the water, eagles and historic fruit trees.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageHope Island Marine State Park - Skagit County
State Park
A quick paddle or boat ride reaches Hope Island State Park in Skagit Bay, where most of the island is a nature preserve supporting a diverse ecosystem.
- Camping
- Boating
- Swimming
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageJames Island Marine State Park
State Park
James Island Marine State Park is a water access-only island in the San Juans with emerald coves, forested trails, spectacular views and two white sand beaches.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageKinney Point State Park Property
State Park Property
Located on Marrowstone Island and accessible only by beachable watercraft, Kinney Point State Park is a quiet place to spend the night and explore the beach.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageKlickitat State Park Trail
State Park
The Klickitat Trail follows an old railroad corridor along the Klickitat River through Swale Canyon, lined with oak and pine forests and springtime wildflowers.
- Biking
- Hiking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Winter Sports
Washington State Parks
Official pageMatia Island Marine State Park
State Park
Located in the San Juan Islands, Matia Island is a secluded little island accessible only by boat, known for old-growth trees and a dramatic cove.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageMcMicken Island Marine State Park
State Park
On the waters of South Puget Sound, McMicken Island is surrounded by moorage buoys and can only be accessed by boat, making it a unique getaway.
- Fishing
- Boating
- Paddling
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageMiller Peninsula State Park Property
State Park Property
Set in one of the driest microclimates west of the Cascades, Miller Peninsula State Park dwells in the Olympic rain shadow with shared-use trails and saltwater shoreline.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageMystery Bay State Park
State Park
Mystery Bay State Park is a hidden escape on the west side of Marrowstone Island for a day on the water with views of the Olympic Mountains.
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageNisqually State Park
State Park
Nisqually State Park is a day-use park in development on the Nisqually River with views of Mount Rainier and trails for foot, bicycle or horseback.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
Washington State Parks
Official pageOlmstead Place Historical State Park
State Park
Olmstead Place demonstrates homesteader family life, farming history and equipment, with grounds to walk or guided tours of late-19th century life.
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Winter Sports
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pagePalouse Falls State Park Heritage Site
State Park Heritage Site
Palouse Falls State Park Heritage Site is a 94-acre day-use park with dramatic views of the official state waterfall.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Picnicking
- Historic Site
Washington State Parks
Official pagePalouse to Cascades State Park Trail Central
State Park
The central 107-mile section of the trail begins at the Snoqualmie Tunnel and continues east through Ellensburg, over the Columbia River on the Beverly Bridge.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pagePalouse to Cascades State Park Trail West
State Park
The west 18-mile section runs from the North Bend area to the Snoqualmie Pass Tunnel and is the most improved for recreational use.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pagePatos Island Marine State Park
State Park
Patos Island is a 207-acre marine park with dramatic rock formations, madrone trees and a working lighthouse, accessible only by boat in the San Juan Islands.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pagePleasant Harbor State Park Property
State Park Property
Pleasant Harbor is a cozy one-acre state park property for overnight moorage only, ideal for tying up your boat to enjoy Hood Canal.
- Fishing
- Boating
- Swimming
- Wildlife Viewing
Washington State Parks
Official pageSacajawea Historical State Park
State Park
Sacajawea Historical State Park is a 267-acre day-use park at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers.
- Hiking
- Biking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageSaddlebag Island Marine State Park
State Park
Located in Padilla Bay, Saddlebag Island is a boat-in only park with a warm pebble beach, green forest and grassy meadows with spring wildflowers.
- Camping
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Boating
Washington State Parks
Official pageSkagit Island Marine State Park
State Park
Skagit Island Marine State Park is a 25-acre island offering marine camping in Skagit Bay within kayaking distance of Cornet Bay.
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
Washington State Parks
Official pageSpokane River Centennial State Park Trail
State Park
The Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail is a 40-mile trail running through eastern Washington from Nine Mile Recreation Area to the Idaho border.
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Fishing
Washington State Parks
Official pageSteptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site
State Park Heritage Site
Steptoe Butte State Park Heritage Site is a National Natural Landmark with panoramic views of the surrounding farmlands, mountains and states.
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
Washington State Parks
Official pageStuart Island Marine State Park
State Park
Stuart Island is the northwestern-most San Juan Island, a water-access-only marine park with a primitive campground and clear waters.
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Paddling
Washington State Parks
Official pageSucia Island Marine State Park
State Park
Sucia Island is a world-class boating marine park with emerald waters, forested trails, sandstone formations and sheltered coves and harbors.
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
Washington State Parks
Official pageTurn Island Marine State Park
State Park
Turn Island Marine State Park is a kayaker's destination with pebble beaches and shoreside campsites in the San Juans.
- Beach
- Wildlife Viewing
- Boating
- Camping
Washington State Parks
Official page
Inventory source: USGS PAD-US 4.1. Photos are public-domain or Creative Commons via Wikimedia Commons, credited per image. Official reservations and rules remain state-specific, so use the state booking links before committing to dates.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Washington's national parks?
Mid-July through August is the prime window for the high country. By then the snow has melted off the trails and passes, the subalpine meadows are full of wildflowers (peak bloom is roughly the last week of July into mid-August), and the weather is reliably warm and dry. Late May and early June can still be buried in snow at higher elevations even when Seattle feels like summer, so save the high alpine hikes for later and stick to the coast and lowland rainforest in early season.
Which national park in Washington is the best one to visit?
It depends on what you want, because the three are genuinely different. Olympic is the most varied single destination, packing rainforest, mountains, and wild coastline into one park, which makes it a great pick if you only have time for one. Mount Rainier is the move for that iconic glaciated volcano and its wildflower meadows, and it is the closest to Seattle. The North Cascades are the most rugged and remote, best for hikers chasing dramatic peaks and glaciers with smaller crowds.
Do I need a car to explore Washington's outdoors?
Yes, in practice. Public transportation to and within the national parks is limited, and the major outdoor areas are spread across the state, so a rental car gives you the flexibility to actually reach trailheads and link destinations. Build in extra time for a Washington State Ferry if you are heading to the Olympic Peninsula, and check seasonal road closures (like the North Cascades Highway) before traveling outside summer.