Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks offer unequalled beauty and diversity. From the almost inaccessible to right off the interstate many visitors flock annually to the state parks offered in Washington. Visitors will enjoy the wide variety of marine and land animals. Plant life is just as diverse.

Washington State Parks range from rocky coastline beaches to some of the tallest mountains in the country. There are also state parks that commemorate the achievements of the early pioneers and everything in between.

Fees are charged at Washington State Parks. In fact, over 27% of the state operating budget is derived from these funds. Annual permits can be purchased. To view a list of the fees charged, click here.

Blind Island - Washington State Parks
Blind Island State Park
c/o San Juan Marine Area
226 Roehls Hill Rd.
Olga, WA, 98279
Phone: 360-376-2073
LAT: 48.585053
LONG: -122.936993

Access to this park is only by boat. There are 3 acres of rocky shoreline to explore. Visitors may also camp. Garbage is strictly pack in, pack out. Boaters should not approach this Washington State Park from the northwest. The reef makes approach from this direction too dangerous. If you are unsure how to best get to this park by boat visitors are advised to contact the park for more information.

Westport Light - Washington State Parks
Location Pacific Ocean at Westport, Wash

Lighting the shore of the Pacific Ocean, this Washington State Park is an excellent day trip. The primary dune is protected by a concrete boardwalk. The state park offers easy access to the beach.

Centennial Trail State Park - Washington State Parks
Located between Spokane and the Idaho State Line
9711 W. Charles
Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026
Park Office: (509) 465-5064

This park runs from Nine Mile Falls to the Idaho state line. There are 42 historic sites and archaeological interest points along the trail. (Most are unmarked as of yet.) The 12 foot wide trail is 37 miles long. Visitors will enjoy camping, scenic beauty, watching for birds and other wildlife and picnicking. Horse rentals are available.

This park is part of the Riverside State Park Clicking the name of either park will take you to a website with detailed information.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and Wanapum Recreational Area- Washington State Parks
30 miles east of Ellenberg

The petrified forest offers fun day use activities. Visitors will enjoy seeing the forest. The park features both a visitor center museum and an interpretive trail. The park is part of the 7,500 acre park known as the Wanapum Recreational Area.

The Wanapum Recreational Area is a jewel in the crown of Washington State Parks. It features miles of shoreline on one of the post popular recreation areas in the state. The park offers year round camping, hiking, two boat ramps and a watercraft launch. There are picnic facilities, chances for viewing wildlife and many photographic opportunities in this beautiful park.

Lewis and Clark Trail- Washington State Parks
25 miles NE of Walla Walla

Over 1,000 feet of freshwater shoreline greet you at this Washington State Park. Named for the famous explorers, the Lewis and Clark Trail now provides exploring opportunities as a state park. Walk in their famous footsteps. View interpretive markers and programs. Enjoy learning about the mammoth fossils that were found in the area, have a picnic or camp.

Old Fort Townsend - Washington State Parks
4 miles south of Port Townsend

Located on the Olympic peninsula, there are 40 campsites waiting eager campers at this state park. To protect settlers, the US Army built the fort in 1856. The site became a state park a century later.

Visitors will enjoy the ball fields and children's play area, camping, hiking, viewing wildlife and learning about the area's rich history.

Interested in learning more about Washington State Parks? Click this link for a full list.

For more articles in the state park series by this author please visit this link.

Sources
Washington State Parks
State Parks.Com
Wildernet
Riverside State Park