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Extra! Extra! Read all about it: The people, special places and interesting and unique programs and activities that make up your Washington state park system.
News media: You are welcome to publish the staff-produced stories and photos in the "Park Stories" and "Accomplishments" tabs below. Simply provide credit to Washington State Parks. Please do us a favor, and let us know via emailing our office.
Do you have questions about a story? Want other story ideas? Let us know by e-mail, or call the Communications Office at (360) 902-8562.
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State Parks offers fun (and educational) at-home activities for junior rangers
State Parks has ideas and materials for fun ways to keep kids engaged with the natural world at home during the governor's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order. Read on... -
Washington state parks and wildlife areas to close following governor’s order
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife announce the temporary closure of all state-managed parks, wildlife areas and water access areas for at least two weeks starting March 25. Read on... -
Washington campgrounds to close through April 30
Today, Washington State Parks, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources announced the closure of all campgrounds across Washington state to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Campgrounds to remain closed through April 30. Read on... -
Washington State Parks camp host tests positive for COVID-19
Washington State Parks confirmed that a volunteer campground host working at Bay View State Park in Skagit County tested positive for COVID-19. The host had worked at the park since early March but has not been active in the park since March 14. Read on... -
State Parks Boating Program encourages boaters to ‘Spring Aboard’
During Spring Aboard Week, March 22-28, the Washington State Parks Boating Program encourages boaters to prepare for the upcoming season by taking a boating safety certification course. For many boaters, it's the law. Read on...
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Families create histories at Washington state parks
At Washington State Parks, rangers, Parks commissioners and staff hear from family, friend and neighbor groups who choose one park and return every summer, passing down a cherished tradition over four generations and half a century or more.
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State Parks interpretive staff visit Head Start
Washington State Parks’ interpretive staff juggle a full schedule of in-park activities and visits to local schools, all of which connect children with our state’s nature and history. Earlier this year, two interpretive specialists had a very special day at Skagit Head Start.
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Preserving the past
What happens when an artifact is found in a state park, or when it is donated? Meet the museologist who cares for Washington State Parks’ million artifacts, and learn the fascinating process used to keep this state history safe and long-lived.
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Parks' arbor crew goes out on a limb for trees
Washington State Parks’ six-person arbor crew serves the parks’ oldest and quietest residents, the trees and shrubs that make parks extraordinary. In doing so, the team provides visitors with a safe, healthy environment, and it preserves natural spaces for future generations.
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State Parks' Marine Crew Gets Deep
Meet the small team of divers and tradesmen who service the waters of Washington’s state parks. The watery haven of Washington has long been a boater’s delight, and hundreds of thousands of boaters enjoy its state parks each year.
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Bats get maternity ward at fort casey
People and pets are not the only mammals with camping privileges at Fort Casey Historical State Park. On March 13, staff installed two handmade bat boxes for the park’s bat maternity colony.
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Parks resolve flooding caused by beaver dams
Washington state parks are often tasked with balancing the needs of their human and non-human residents and visitors. This spring, the agency resolved flooding caused by beaver dams at Millersylvania and Lake Sylvia state parks.
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New sidewalk at Peace arch links two parks, two nations
Peace Arch State Park staff, with the help of local, state, national and international partners, has added 413 feet of sidewalk alongside I-5 from the border to the U.S. Customs Building. Pedestrians can enjoy a safer walk between Washington and British Columbia and from the park’s parking lot to the famous arch.
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Centennial Trail gets a rehab after severe winter storms
After parts of the Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail were damaged by 2017 winter storms, State Parks Capital program and FEMA completed restorations to the well-loved mixed-use trail, that once again allows it to run from Nine Mile Recreation Area, through Spokane to the Idaho border.
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State Parks, Tribe complete development of Kukutali Preserve
Washington State Parks and its partner, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, recently finished development of the Kukutali Preserve, a rare landform on the Swinomish Reservation that is co-owned by Parks and the Tribe. The enhancements to Kukutali improve visitor access, interpretation of the land and protection of its fragile environment.