These 15 State Parks In Washington Will Knock Your Socks Off
The Pacific Northwest is an awe-inspiring place. And you can admire some of the most magnificent scenery at these 15 state parks to visit in Washington. Since Washington has a total of 186 state parks, this previous list didn’t even put a dent in all of the areas to head out and explore. So here are 15 more amazing places that you’ve got to check out. This list includes some of the best state parks in Washington. You will want to grab your camera and visit one today.
Being one of the largest parks in our state, the size alone will blow your mind at 13,919 acres. In comparison, the largest building in the world (Boeing Factory in Everett) is only about 98.3 acres! The forested park offers wonderful trails & outdoor recreation year-round, as well as a historic vista house on the summit. To prepare for your visit, check out the park’s website here.
Mount Spokane State Park, 26107 N Mt Spokane Park Dr, Mead, WA 99021, USA
This huge park on Orcas Island offers miles of trails for hikers & bikers to travel along. in Fact, it is has some of the most popular hiking trails in Washington. It also has beautiful sites by the lake to camp at, and a stone observation tower on top of Mount Constitution where you can catch a striking view of the mountains. Visit the park’s website for more information.
Moran State Park, 3572 Olga Rd, Olga, WA 98279, USA
This unique park is located at the international border we share with Canada. On Washington's side, there's a beautiful state park in Blaine, and on the other side is a Provincial Park. In the center, there's a giant 67-foot-high peace arch memorial. Visitors to the park are free to visit both sides without having to worry about any border formalities. Head over to the park’s’ website to start planning your visit.
Public Restrooms - Peace Arch Historical State Park, 19 A St, Blaine, WA 98231, USA
If you're looking for one of the best parks in Washington to spot wild orcas, this park on the western shore of San Juan Island is the perfect destination. It also features an iconic lighthouse and a network of walking trails to discover. You can learn more about this great park on its website.
Lime Kiln Point State Park, 1567 West Side Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
This historical park was once part of the Chicago-Milwaukee-St. Paul-Pacific Railroad, and now features miles of scenic trails in between Cedar Falls and the Columbia River. Pictured is the John Wayne Pioneer Trail, which travels east along the old Milwaukee Road. Take a look at the park’s website to learn more.
Iron Horse State Park, 150 Lake Easton State Park Rd, North Bend, WA 98045, USA
Whether you're looking to go hiking or you just love to see Evergreen scenery, you'll be amazed by this park south of our state's capital. It features 3,300-feet of freshwater shoreline along Deep Lake, a number of scenic trails, as well as old-growth Cedar & Fir trees. Start planning your trip by taking a look at the park’s website.
Millersylvania State Park, 12245 Tilley Rd SW, Olympia, WA 98512, USA
There is no shortage of things to do outside in Washington. And this park offers visitors an opportunity to do many great outdoor activities. Boasting 2 miles of shoreline, this park along the Green River is perfect for a relaxing day trip. It has an abundance of places where you can go picnicking, hiking, biking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and even kayaking & rafting. Learn more by checking out the park’s website.
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, 32101 Cumberland Kanasket Rd SE, Ravensdale, WA 98051, USA
This huge camping park features over 6,000-feet of shoreline on Potholes Reservoir, also known as O'Sullivan Reservoir. The desert & marsh area serves as a wonderful place to go fishing, camping, hiking, or just for an evening picnic. Get ready for your visit by learning more on website for Potholes State Park.
Between the miles of trails, picnic tables, wildlife, and jaw-dropping beach scenery, you'll definitely want to plan a trip to this forested park near Olympia. It's located on Nisqually Beach overlooking the picturesque Puget Sound. Check out the park’s website for more details.
Tolmie State Park, 7730 61st Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506, USA
Located on Port Orchard Bay, this marine park is an amazing place to go for a stroll. It offers year-round camping, plenty of parking space, and access to a variety of water activities. "Illahee" means "earth" or "country" in the Indian tradition, and the views of Puget Sound from the beach will really give you a sense of how it got its name. Plan your visit by first checking out the park’s website.
One of our state's most incredible natural wonders can be seen at this park near Coulee City. Formed by the Missoula Floods, Dry Falls was once ten times larger than Niagara Falls. Today, the tall cliff overlooks a desert landscape filled with lakes, places to go camping, a nine-hole golf course, and a miniature golf course. For more information be sure to check out the park’s website.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, 34875 Park Lake Rd NE, Coulee City, WA 99115, USA
There's a little something for everybody at this place on Whidbey Island! It features miles of trails, picnic areas, and three campgrounds to choose from. The photogenic park also has sand dunes, a variety of wildlife, saltwater & freshwater shoreline, and an iconic bridge where you can admire a jaw-dropping view. Deception Pass truly is one of the greatest state parks to visit in Washington. Learn more about this amazing park here.
Deception Pass State Park, 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA
The sandy beaches and water recreation aren't the only reason why you should check out this park in western Washington. There are plenty of trails around here and an abundance of wildlife to spot, from rabbits to hummingbirds. Plan your trip by visiting the park’s website.
Dash Point State Park, 5700 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023, USA
Fort Flagler is surrounded on three sides by 19,100 feet of shoreline and features areas for camping, hiking, boating, kite flying and more. It's located on the site of a former United States Army fort at the northern end of Marrowstone Island. Take a look on the park’s website for more information.
Fort Flagler Historical State Park, 10541 Flagler Rd, Nordland, WA 98358, USA
This treasure in Pend Oreille County is home to Gardner Caves, which is the third longest limestone cave in the whole state. It's full of fascinating stalactites, stalagmites, rimstone pools and flow stone. More details are available on the park’s website.
Crawford State Park, 10381 Boundary Rd, Metaline Falls, WA 99152, USA
What do you think are the best state parks to visit in Washington? Add to this list below!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in Washington
January 25, 2022
Jessica Bohl
What are the best hiking trails in Washington?
Washington abounds in amazing hiking trails. Whether you like rainforest hikes, beach hikes, or mountain hikes, there is a hiking trail in Washington for you. The Hoh Rain Forest is a temperate rain forest on the Olympic Peninsula that is absolutely worth a trip. The Hall of Moss hiking trail is only one mile long, but it feels like you have been transported to another world. You will marvel at the old-growth trees dripping in moss during this unforgettable hike. For a mountain hike, head over to Mount Rainier National Park and check out the five mile Skyline Loop Trail. The mountain views are truly stunning. Beach lovers rejoice. Washington also has miles and miles of coastline hikes. Be sure to check out the Shi Shi Beach Trail on the Olympic Peninsula and take in the breathtaking views of sea stacks and sandy beaches. If you are still looking for other amazing paths, but sure to check out this list of nine hiking trails in Washington.
What are some things to do outside in Washington?
Washington State is a nature lover’s dream. There are so many amazing opportunities to get outside and explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. For people who love the water, take a whale watching boat tour from Anacortes or rent an electric boat on Lake Union in Seattle. Head to Puget Sound or Lake Wenatchee for stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, or beachcombing. If you love forests and hiking, there are 186 state parks in Washington with amazing trails and forests to explore. There is no shortage of things to do. For a list of 8 unforgettable outdoor adventures, check out this great list.
