Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission

Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission No matter how you connect with nature, Parks is here to welcome you into the wild, wonderful outdoors to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday), and as resources allow.

Washington State Parks protects some of the most diverse — and most beautiful — lands in the country. From ocean beaches to mountain waterfalls, hiking trails to swimming areas, Washington’s state parks welcome you to explore a wide variety of outdoor recreation and experience the state’s most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders. Mission
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission car

es for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives. Vision
Washington's state parks will be cherished destinations with natural, cultural, recreational, artistic, and interpretive experiences that all Washingtonians enjoy, appreciate, and proudly support.

-Social Media Comment Policy-

We welcome comments from the public to encourage a productive community dialog about state parks news, events, programs, activities, conditions, alerts and other matters related to state parks and recreation in Washington. Our social media channels provide a limited forum for public engagement. Information on the our social media pages are not a substitute for legal or official notice by the agency. Comments posted by users are not considered legal or official notice. Our Communications staff monitor agency social media channels during business hours (8 a.m. We do not monitor the page 24 hours a day and will respond to public comments as quickly as possible. Comments from the public should be on topic. The views expressed in comments reflect those of the author. We reserve the right to hide or remove comments as well as block offenders at its discretion for comments that:

-Are unrelated to topics posted by Washington State Parks
-Use offensive, abusive, vulgar, obscene, racist, sexist, homophobic, threatening, or harassing language, photos or other content
-Use language that includes libel, slander or personal attacks against individuals, organizations, agencies or programs
-Include unsupported accusations or false information
-Are solicitations, commercial or political endorsements, advertisements, spam or comments promoting services or products
-Share private, personal or protected information
-Contain copyrighted or other proprietary materials
-Incite or suggest violent action against others
-Suggest or encourage illegal, dangerous or destructive activity

Removal of inappropriate content and comments posted by outside users on agency social media sites shall be retained with a record of that contributor’s name, date and time the content was edited or removed. The records should be retained in such a manner that they can be deleted after meeting the required retention periods. Comments violating our comment policy will not be edited to comply with agency guidelines. Learn more here: https://parks.wa.gov/about/news-announcements/social-media-comment-policy

06/04/2026

Being a responsible and respectful visitor will help ensure Washington's magnificent places and communities are around for your next visit.

No internet, no problem! 💁Try:🚲 Going for a bike ride: parks.wa.gov/biking🐕 Taking your dog on a hike: parks.wa.gov/hiki...
06/03/2026

No internet, no problem! 💁

Try:
🚲 Going for a bike ride: parks.wa.gov/biking
🐕 Taking your dog on a hike: parks.wa.gov/hiking
🛶 Paddleboarding in the sun: parks.wa.gov/wateractivities
🍎 Enjoying lunch with a view: parks.wa.gov/find-parks
⛺ Camping under the stars: washington.goingtocamp.com

Anyone can become an unplanned swimmer. Wearing a life jacket and practicing water safety skills can help keep yourself ...
06/02/2026

Anyone can become an unplanned swimmer. Wearing a life jacket and practicing water safety skills can help keep yourself and others safe. Remember these three important tips to help protect yourself and your friends and family the next time you're near the water. 👇

Read more about water safety in our Field Guide Blog:
➡️ Three water safety tips to keep you afloat
parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/three-water-safety-tips-keep-you-afloat
➡️How to properly fit a life jacket
parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/how-properly-fit-life-jacket
➡️ Cold water shock: What it is and how to protect yourself
parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/cold-water-shock-what-it-and-how-protect-yourself
➡️ Know your depths: Staying safe in Washington’s waters
parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/know-your-depths-staying-safe-washingtons-waters

Sequim Bay is closing this week for major improvements to its entrance and parking. When the park reopens this fall, it ...
06/02/2026

Sequim Bay is closing this week for major improvements to its entrance and parking. When the park reopens this fall, it will be easier to turn into and drive through the park, and visitors will see improved restrooms as well. The Olympic Discovery Trail will be open for thru-travel, but there will be no restrooms or camping access. Boaters can reach the offshore mooring from the water, but the boat launch is closed, and no on-shore amenities will be open. We appreciate your patience as we work to make this park better than ever.

You can find more info about the project on our website: parks.wa.gov/about/strategic-planning-projects-public-input/projects/sequim-bay-entrance-reconfiguration.

The good news: Rock climbing has reopened at Deception Crag in Olallie State Park, east of Seattle, and you won't have t...
06/02/2026

The good news: Rock climbing has reopened at Deception Crag in Olallie State Park, east of Seattle, and you won't have to contend with any angry raptors while scaling those walls.

The not-so-great news: One of the peregrine falcons that had nested there did not return to lay eggs or fledge chicks this season, so the climbing area no longer needs to stay closed. After DDT restrictions and recovery efforts in the 1980s, the peregrine falcon population rebounded, but recent surveys have shown local declines in peregrine populations worldwide, including in Washington.

Read more about peregrine falcons here: parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/seasonal-climbing-closures-protect-nesting-peregrine-falcons-two-state-parks.

📸: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Let’s get real here: For dog families, it’s not a hike, campout or road trip unless your four-legged trail buddy comes w...
05/26/2026

Let’s get real here: For dog families, it’s not a hike, campout or road trip unless your four-legged trail buddy comes with you. 🐕‍🦺 While embarking on said adventure is optional, getting back healthy and whole is mandatory! And we're aiming to leave you and your canine BFF with only good memories and a pawsitive experience when you visit state parks.

Before your next state parks trip, check out our tips for camping and exploring with your dog ➡️ parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/how-have-great-state-park-visit-dogs.

How to have a great state park visit with dogs It’s not a hike, campout or road trip unless your loyal pup comes with you. While embarking on a state park adventure is optional, bringing the whole family back healthy and whole is mandatory! So, we have for getting out and camping out with your can...

As a rock climber, this is not the welcome you're looking for when you've just sent that 5.10 crux move! Beacon Rock's s...
05/24/2026

As a rock climber, this is not the welcome you're looking for when you've just sent that 5.10 crux move! Beacon Rock's south face and parts of Olallie's Deception Crag remain closed for peregrine falcon nesting season. For your own safety and that of these majestic birds, please heed all closures and check for updates on reopening dates: parks.wa.gov/about/news-announcements/alerts.

Learn more about the peregrine falcons at state parks in our latest blog post: parks.wa.gov/about/news-center/field-guide-blog/seasonal-climbing-closures-protect-nesting-peregrine-falcons-two-state-parks.

Address

300 Desmond Drive SE
Lacey, WA
98503

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