Washington State Park Guide – 25 Most Beautiful State Parks in WA

Plan your next outdoor adventure with our Washington state park guide to the 25 best state parks in WA. Experience the wonders of the Pacific Northwest!

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Washington State Park Guide

The state of Washington is home to a total of 212 state parks, which is the 3rd highest amount of parks per state in the country. From the stunning shores of the Pacific Ocean to the heavily wooded forests of Eastern Washington, these parks offer diverse landscapes and a treasure trove of activities.

Washington is also home to millions of locals that are a bit more than enthusiastic about the great outdoors. With hobbies such as hiking, mountain biking, camping, fishing, and hunting – much of which we do in gorgeous WA state parks!

Many of these parks also serve as heritage sites and historical sites, providing a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the region. There are also several marine parks that offer a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.

With a Discover Pass in hand, you’ll have access to over a hundred parks, each with its own unique charm and attractions.

In this blog post, we will guide you through the 25 best state parks in Washington State, showcasing the unparalleled beauty and adventure that awaits you in the Evergreen State. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an action-packed outing, these parks are sure to offer an unforgettable experience. For more detailed information about the 212 state parks in Washington head to www.parks.wa.gov/find-parks.

Washington State Park FAQ

    • How many state parks are there in Washington State?

      Washington State has a total of 212 state parks.

    • Does it cost money to go to state parks in Washington?

      Yes, you must have your Discover Pass or Day Pass displayed on your windshield. A Discover Pass costs $35 annually. If you do not have a Discover Pass displayed, you could get a ticket that costs $99. To order a Discover Pass head to https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/

    • Do I need a Discover Pass to visit state parks?

      No, you can get a $10 day pass to visit a park as well.

  • Where is the closest Washington State park near me?

    Below is a map with every state park marked, feel free to click around and find the one closest to you!

1. Beacon Rock State Park

Beacon Rock State Park, located along the Columbia River Gorge in Washington State, is renowned for its towering basalt monolith, Beacon Rock. This 4,458-acre park offers hiking, rock climbing, and stunning panoramic views. As a historical site, it provides a glimpse into the region’s geological and cultural heritage.

Natural Features: Creek, forest, field, freshwater lake.

Amentities: Campsites, restrooms, fire pits, drinking water, picnic shelters, playground, hiking trails.

2. Camano Island State Park

Camano Island State Park, situated on Camano Island in Puget Sound, spans 173 acres and features gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and scenic trails. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, and boating. This tranquil park offers a perfect escape into nature with stunning views and diverse wildlife.

Natural Features: Field, forest, island, rocky beach, mountain view, saltwater.

Amentities: Campsites, restrooms, drinking water, fire pits, boat ramp, picnic shelters, hiking trails.

3. Cape Disappointment State Park

Camp Disappointment State Park, located in northwest Washington State, commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This historical site marks the northernmost point of their journey. The park offers interpretive displays, scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation, enriching visitors’ understanding of early American exploration.

Natural Features: Forest, lake, freshwater, saltwater, sandy beach.

Amentities: Boat launch, hiking trails, fire pits, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, lighthouse.

4. Columbia Hills Historical State Park

Columbia Hills Historical State Park, located along the Columbia River in Washington State, spans over 3,000 acres. This park features petroglyphs, historic sites, and diverse landscapes, including rolling hills and riverfront areas. Visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and exploring the cultural and natural history of the region.

Natural Features: Field, Freshwater Lake, River, Mountain view, Wildflower Meadows.

Amentities: Fire pits, boat ramp, restrooms, picnic sites, bike trails, hiking trails.

5. Crawford State Park Heritage Site

Crawford Heritage Site State Park, located in Washington State, is a serene park known for its historical significance and natural beauty. Covering diverse landscapes, it offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive displays. This park preserves local heritage and provides visitors with a peaceful retreat into nature and history.

Natural Features: Forest, wildlife.

Amentities: Restrooms, picnic shelters, hiking trails.

6. Dash Point State Park

Dash Point State Park, located in Federal Way, Washington, spans 461 acres along Puget Sound. This park features sandy beaches, wooded trails, and excellent opportunities for fishing, beachcombing, and bird watching. With amenities like picnic areas, campgrounds, and a network of hiking and biking trails, it’s a popular family destination.

Natural Features: Creek, forest, saltwater, ocean beach.

Amentities: Fire pits, campsites, restrooms, picnic shelters, biking trails, hiking trails.

7. Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass State Park, Washington’s most visited state park, covers over 4,000 acres and includes marine and forest environments. Key features include dramatic cliffs, rugged coastlines, and the iconic Deception Pass Bridge. Amenities include campgrounds, picnic areas, boating facilities, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and kayaking.

Natural Features: Field, Forest, Freshwater, Island, Lake, Mountain Views

Amentities: Campsites, restrooms, fire pits, boat ramp, picnic shelters, ampitheater, bike trails, hiking trails

8. Flaming Geyser State Park

Flaming Geyser State Park, located in King County, Washington, spans 480 acres along the Green River. The park is named after its natural gas-fueled geyser and offers features like hiking trails, picnic areas, and river access for rafting and fishing. Amenities include a model airplane field and a designated off-leash dog area.

Natural Features: Creek, forest, river, field

Amentities: Restrooms, picnic tables, playground, volleyball court, hiking trails

8. Flaming Geyser State Park

Flaming Geyser State Park, located in King County, Washington, spans 480 acres along the Green River. The park is named after its natural gas-fueled geyser and offers features like hiking trails, picnic areas, and river access for rafting and fishing. Amenities include a model airplane field and a designated off-leash dog area.

Natural Features: Creek, forest, river, field

Amentities: Restrooms, picnic tables, playground, volleyball court, hiking trails

9. Fort Casey Historical State Park

Fort Casey State Park, located on Whidbey Island in Washington State, is a historic military fortification part of the Triangle of Fire defense system. Covering 467 acres, the park features century-old coastal artillery, bunkers, and the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. Amenities include picnic areas, hiking trails, camping facilities, and stunning views of Puget Sound.

Natural Features: Field, forest, mountain view, rocky beach, saltwater

Amentities: Restrooms, fires pits, boat ramp, picnic tables, light house, hiking trails

1o. Fort Flagler Historical State Park

Fort Flagler State Park, located on Marrowstone Island in Washington State, is a historic military site that was part of the coastal defense network known as the Triangle of Fire. Spanning 784 acres, the park features preserved gun batteries, military buildings, and a museum. Amenities include campgrounds, picnic areas, hiking and biking trails, and water activities like boating and fishing. Visitors can explore the rich history and enjoy panoramic views of Puget Sound.

Natural Features: Field, forest, mountain view, saltwater, sandy beach, viewpoint

Amentities: Camping, restrooms, fire pits, boat ramp, picnic shelters and tables, basketball court, playground, hiking trail

11. Fort Worden Historical State Park

Fort Worden State Park, located in Port Townsend, Washington, is a historic military fort that was part of the Triangle of Fire coastal defense system. Covering 432 acres, the park features historic bunkers, gun emplacements, and the Commanding Officer’s Quarters Museum. Amenities include campgrounds, conference facilities, hiking and biking trails, beach access, and opportunities for kayaking and wildlife viewing. The park’s rich history and scenic setting make it a popular destination for both education and recreation.

Natural Features: Field, rocky beach, forest, mountain views, saltwater

Amentities: campsites, restrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, tennis court, light house, bike trails, hiking trails

12. Gingko Petrified Forest State Park

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, located in Vantage, Washington, is renowned for one of the most diverse fossil forests in North America. Spanning 7,470 acres, the park features ancient petrified wood, interpretive trails, and the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center. Amenities include hiking trails, a campground, and scenic views of the Columbia River. This National Natural Landmark offers a unique glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past.

Natural Features: Freshwater, viewpoint, lake

Amentities: Campsites, fire pits, restrooms, boat ramp, picnic shelters and tables, hiking trails

13. Grayland Beach State Park

Grayland Beach State Park, located on the southwestern coast of Washington State, offers 412 acres of sandy beaches and dunes along the Pacific Ocean. Known for its excellent beachcombing, bird watching, and fishing opportunities, the park features amenities such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Established in the mid-20th century, it provides a scenic and tranquil retreat for visitors seeking coastal recreation and natural beauty.

Natural Features: Forest, Saltwater, Ocean, Sandy Beach

Amentities: Campsites, Fire Pits, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Ampitheater, Hiking Trails

14. Ike Kinswa State Park

Ike Kinswa State Park, located on the northern shore of Mayfield Lake in Washington State, spans 454 acres. The park offers diverse recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming, with amenities including campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Named after a local Native American leader, Ike Kinswa, the park provides a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural history, making it a popular destination for outdoor lovers.

Natural Features: Creek, Forest, Lake, Field, Freshwater, Sandy Beach

Amentities: Campsites, Fire pits, Swimming Area, Restrooms, Boat Ramp, Playground, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

15. Klickitat State Park Trail

Klickitat State Park, located in southern Washington State, follows the scenic Klickitat River along an old railroad corridor. Known for its recreational opportunities, the park features hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails, with stunning river and canyon views. The park’s history includes its origins as a railway line, now repurposed for public enjoyment. It offers a peaceful retreat with picnic areas and abundant wildlife, highlighting the natural beauty and historical significance of the region.

Natural Features: Creek, Foret, Meadow, Field, Freshwater, Mountain Views

Amentities: Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

16. Lake Chelan State Park

Lake Chelan State Park, located on the shore of Lake Chelan in Washington State, spans 139 acres and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. Established in 1942, the park features a long sandy beach, boating, fishing, and swimming. Amenities include campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The park’s crystal-clear lake and scenic mountain views make it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Natural Features: Creek, Freshwater, Mountain Views, Lake, Sandy Beach

Amentities: Campsites, Fire pits, Restrooms, Dock, Picnic Tables, Volleyball Court, Playground, Ampitheater, Hiking Trails 

17. Lake Sammammish State Park (best park for kids!)

Lake Sammamish State Park, which sits on the shores of Lake Sammamish in Washington State, covers 512 acres and offers a range of recreational activities. Established in 1953, the park features a swimming beach, boat launches, fishing docks, and picnic areas. Amenities include hiking and biking trails, volleyball courts, and a playground. The park’s history dates back to the Native American tribes who once inhabited the area, and its scenic beauty and diverse amenities make it a popular destination for not only outdoor enthusiasts lovers, but families as well.

Natural Features: Creek, Forest Lake, Field, Freshwater, Sandy Beach

Amentities: Restrooms, Boat Ramp, Picnic Shelters, Ball Fields, Playground, Soccer Field, Volleyball Courts, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

18. Lewis and Clark State Park

Lewis and Clark State Park, located near Toledo, Washington, covers 621 acres along the Cowlitz River. Established in 1937, the park offers camping, picnicking, and hiking opportunities with trails leading to river views and old-growth forests. Amenities include campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, and a boat launch for fishing and boating. The park’s history honors the exploration of the Pacific Northwest by Lewis and Clark, providing a scenic and educational experience for visitors.

Natural Features: Field, Forest

Amentities: Campsites, Fire Pits, Restrooms, Picnic Shelters and Tables, Ball Fields, Ampitheater, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

19. Mount Spokane State Park

Mount Spokane State Park, located in northeastern Washington State, is over 13,900 acres in size and is the biggest state park in Washington. It encompasses large amounts of diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and alpine peaks. Established in 1927, the park offers year-round recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, and snowshoeing. Amenities include campgrounds, picnic areas, and a network of trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Spokane area. The park’s history includes its designation as Washington’s largest state park and its role in preserving the region’s natural beauty and outdoor opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Natural Features: Creek, Forests, Field, Meadow, Mountain Views

Amentities: Fire Pits, Restrooms, Wi-Fi, Picnic Shelters and Tables, Sno-Park, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

20. Nisqually State Park

Nisqually State Park, located in southwestern Washington State, offers a serene retreat along the Nisqually River. Spanning 1,200 acres, the park features old-growth forests, river views, and hiking trails. Amenities include picnic areas and a boat launch for fishing and kayaking. Established in 1971, the park preserves the natural beauty of the Nisqually River basin and provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Natural Features: Creek, Forest, Meadow, Field, Mountain Views, River, Rocky Beach, Viewpoints

Amentities: Restrooms, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

21. Paradise Point State Park

Paradise Point State Park, located in Ridgefield, Washington, spans 88 acres with beautiful views of the Lewis River and tranquil forests. Established in 1961, it offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and river access for fishing and kayaking. The park’s history includes its development from a private estate into a public recreational area, providing a peaceful escape for visitors to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

Natural Features: Field, Forest, River, Sandy Beach, Waterfall

Amentities: Campsites, Fire Pits, Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Ampitheater, Hiking Trails

22. Riverside State Park

Riverside State Park, situated in Spokane, Washington, sprawls across 11,162 acres along the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers. Established in 1933, it offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating. The park features scenic trails, picnic areas, campgrounds, and the Bowl and Pitcher rock formation, a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. Rich in history, the park’s lands were once home to Native American tribes and later served as a transportation route during the Gold Rush era, adding cultural significance to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Natural Features: Creek, Forest, Lake, Freshwater, Mountain View, River

Amentities: Campsites, Fire Pits, Restrooms, Picnic Shelters, Boat Ramp, Volleyball, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

23. Saltwater State Park

Saltwater State Park, located in Des Moines, Washington, offers 88 acres of coastal beauty along Puget Sound, and is one of the many marine state parks in the state. Established in 1926, it features a sandy beach, tide pools for exploring marine life, and a unique underwater artificial reef for diving. Amenities include picnic areas, hiking trails, and a campground. The park’s history includes its development as one of Washington’s first state parks and its role in preserving marine ecosystems and providing recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy.

Natural Features: Creek, Rocky Beach, Forest, Mountain Views

Amentities: Campsites, Fire Pits, Restrooms, Picnic Shelters, Picnic Tables, Playground, Volleyball Courts, Hiking Trails

24. Sequim Bay State Park

Sequim Bay State Park, located near Sequim in Washington State, spans 92 acres of coastal beauty along Sequim Bay. Established in 1981, the park offers camping, boating, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. Its features include a sandy beach, picnic areas, hiking trails, and stunning views of the bay and surrounding mountains. The park’s history involves its development as a state park to provide public access to the scenic bay area and to protect its natural resources for future generations to enjoy.

Natural Features: Creek, Forest, Field, Mountain Views, Saltwater

Amentities: Campsites, Fire Pits, Restrooms, Boat Ramp, Picnic Shelters and Tables, Ball Fields, Basketball Court, Playground, Soccer Field, Tennis Court, Ampitheater, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

25. Wenatchee Confluence State Park

Wenatchee Confluence State Park, located at the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia Rivers in Washington State, offers 197 acres of recreational opportunities. Established in 1975, the park features a sandy beach, boat launches, fishing areas, and scenic river views. Amenities include picnic shelters, hiking trails, and a playground. The park’s history includes its development as a public space to enjoy the natural beauty and water activities at the meeting point of two major rivers in the region.

Natural Features: Field, Freshwater, River, Viewpoints

Amentities: Campsites, Fire Pits, Restrooms, Boat Ramp, Dock, Picnic Tables and Shelters, Ball Fields, Basketball Court, Playground, Volleyball, Bike Trails, Hiking Trails

PLAN YOUR TRIP:

Thank you for reading my Washington StateParks Guide. Leave me a comment below and let me know which state parks are your favorites!

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