It’s difficult to imagine the state of Washington without its impressive system of state parks. These dedicated natural areas are the places we go for respite, peace, and to gather appreciation for the great outdoors. Without a doubt, our Northwest state has so much natural splendor to see! The next time you’re inspired to spend quality time outside, you might consider visiting any of these 15 places that we consider to be the best state parks in Washington.
- Pearrygin Lake State Park, Winthrop
Flickr / 29638108@N06 Pearrygin Lake State Park certainly qualifies as one of the best state parks in Washington. With over 11,000 feet of shoreline, endless recreational opportunities await. This gigantic park features a blissful lake, mountain views, boat ramps, a large dock, fantastic trails, and campsites.
- Joemma Beach State Park, Longbranch
Flickr / ecologywa
Joemma Beach State Park is located south of Lakebay, where you can also see the gorgeous Penrose Point State Park.
- Curlew Lake State Park, Republic
Flickr / karmapup If you’re in need of a new camping spot, check out the sites at this park in northeast Washington.
- Steamboat Rock State Park, Electric City
Flickr / abhinaba Steamboat Rock State Park is an epic camping, fishing, and hiking spot near the north end of Banks Lake.
- Ike Kinswa State Park, Silver Creek
Flickr / cloakedmonk
You won’t see anything else quite like Ike Kinswa State Park, located just south of Olympia with campsites, cabins, RV hookups, boat launches, and even a spot for swimming.
- Flaming Geyser State Park, Auburn
Flickr / lacatholique Visit Flaming Geyser State Park in Auburn for a fabulous sight of the river featuring two geysers, hiking trails, and even a model airplane flying area.
- Lake Wenatchee State Park, Leavenworth
Flickr / ldeld
Take an unforgettable day trip to this Central Washington oasis, Lake Wenatchee State Park.
- Dosewallips State Park, Brinnon
Flickr / 22636712@N06 You can go for a relaxing walk at Dosewallips State Park here along the 5,500 feet of saltwater shoreline.
- Conconully State Park, Conconully
Wikipedia Your jaw will drop during your visit to this photogenic Washington state park in the northern city of Conconully.
- Potlatch State Park, Shelton
Flickr / murphus
If you’re in the Shelton area, this bayfront park with campsites has a perfect area for a picnic.
- Wallace Falls State Park, Goldbar
Flickr / yancy9a Like something from a postcard, Wallace Falls State Park can be found on the west side of the Cascade Mountains. This park with a stunning waterfall is definitely worth a trip.
- Peshastin Pinnacles State Park, Cashmere
Flickr / brewbooks You’ll be able to capture some unbelievable views at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park.
- Saint Edward State Park, Kenmore
Flickr / psimac This historic park in Kenmore is open for day use and presents brilliant lakeshore scenery.
- Larrabee State Park, Bellingham
Flickr / 23560963@N03 You’ll appreciate this large camping park that’s complete with a beach, two fresh lakes, and miles of amazing hiking and biking trails.
- Steptoe Butte State Park, Colfax
Flickr / phytochromefotos Steptoe Butte State Park is a charming 150-acre area, known for striking panoramic views from its 3,612-ft. hill in Eastern Washington.
Of course, this list only scratches the surface of the amazing state parks to discover in Washington. There’s also the Yakima Sportsman, Cape Disappointment, and Iron Horse Park, just to name a few. What other state parks do you love to visit around Washington? We’d love to hear from you — post your favorites below!
Flickr / 29638108@N06
Pearrygin Lake State Park certainly qualifies as one of the best state parks in Washington. With over 11,000 feet of shoreline, endless recreational opportunities await. This gigantic park features a blissful lake, mountain views, boat ramps, a large dock, fantastic trails, and campsites.
Flickr / ecologywa
Joemma Beach State Park is located south of Lakebay, where you can also see the gorgeous Penrose Point State Park.
Flickr / karmapup
If you’re in need of a new camping spot, check out the sites at this park in northeast Washington.
Flickr / abhinaba
Steamboat Rock State Park is an epic camping, fishing, and hiking spot near the north end of Banks Lake.
Flickr / cloakedmonk
You won’t see anything else quite like Ike Kinswa State Park, located just south of Olympia with campsites, cabins, RV hookups, boat launches, and even a spot for swimming.
Flickr / lacatholique
Visit Flaming Geyser State Park in Auburn for a fabulous sight of the river featuring two geysers, hiking trails, and even a model airplane flying area.
Flickr / ldeld
Take an unforgettable day trip to this Central Washington oasis, Lake Wenatchee State Park.
Flickr / 22636712@N06
You can go for a relaxing walk at Dosewallips State Park here along the 5,500 feet of saltwater shoreline.
Wikipedia
Your jaw will drop during your visit to this photogenic Washington state park in the northern city of Conconully.
Flickr / murphus
If you’re in the Shelton area, this bayfront park with campsites has a perfect area for a picnic.
Flickr / yancy9a
Like something from a postcard, Wallace Falls State Park can be found on the west side of the Cascade Mountains. This park with a stunning waterfall is definitely worth a trip.
Flickr / brewbooks
You’ll be able to capture some unbelievable views at Peshastin Pinnacles State Park.
Flickr / psimac
This historic park in Kenmore is open for day use and presents brilliant lakeshore scenery.
Flickr / 23560963@N03
You’ll appreciate this large camping park that’s complete with a beach, two fresh lakes, and miles of amazing hiking and biking trails.
Flickr / phytochromefotos
Steptoe Butte State Park is a charming 150-acre area, known for striking panoramic views from its 3,612-ft. hill in Eastern Washington.
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Address: Pearrygin Lake State Park, 561 Bear Creek Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862, USAAddress: Joemma Beach State Park, 20001 Bay Rd Kp S, Longbranch, WA 98351, USAAddress: 62 State Park Rd, Republic, WA 99166, USAAddress: Steamboat Rock State Park, 51052 WA-155, Electric City, WA 99123, USAAddress: 873 WA-122, Silver Creek, WA 98585, USAAddress: 23700 SE Flaming Geyser Rd, Auburn, WA 98092, USAAddress: Lake Wenatchee State Park, Washington 98826, USAAddress: Dosewallips State Park, 306996 US-101, Brinnon, WA 98320, USAAddress: 119 Broadway St, Conconully, WA 98819, USAAddress: 21020 US-101, Shelton, WA 98584, USAAddress: Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251, USAAddress: 7201 N Dryden Rd, Cashmere, WA 98815, USAAddress: Saint Edward State Park, 14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028, USAAddress: Larrabee State Park, Washington 98229, USAAddress: Steptoe Butte State Park, Washington, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best State Parks In Washington January 27, 2021 Beth C. Does Washington have any national parks? Yes! No trip to Washington is complete without a visit to one of the state’s many famed national parks. The three of the most popular national parks in Washington are Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Of these, Mount Rainier National Park receives the most visitors each year. This park is an iconic destination in Washington, featuring the iconic Mount Rainier which sits over 14,000 feet above sea level. North Cascades National Park holds the title for the largest of Washington’s national parks, encompassing more than 500,000 acres. What are the best road trips to take in Washington? A state as massive as Washington is certainly best explored by road. If you’re someone who enjoys the art of road tripping, there can hardly be a better candidate to explore than the Evergreen State. Fortunately, we’ve mapped out countless experiences and itineraries that will take you through the great state of Washington. Whether you’re someone who prefers food tours or waterfall loops, you’re in for a treat when you set out on a good ol’ fashioned road trip. Does Washington have any family-friendly hikes? There’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors with the entire family. Luckily, Washington is brimming with beautiful trails that can be enjoyed by all ages. Some of the best family-friendly hikes in Washington include Franklin Falls in Snoqualmie Pass, Watershed Park in Olympia, Twin Falls in North Bend, Second Beach near La Push, Ebey’s Landing Preserve on Whidbey Island, and Hidden Lake in Lake Wenatchee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best State Parks In Washington
January 27, 2021
Beth C.
Does Washington have any national parks? Yes! No trip to Washington is complete without a visit to one of the state’s many famed national parks. The three of the most popular national parks in Washington are Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Of these, Mount Rainier National Park receives the most visitors each year. This park is an iconic destination in Washington, featuring the iconic Mount Rainier which sits over 14,000 feet above sea level. North Cascades National Park holds the title for the largest of Washington’s national parks, encompassing more than 500,000 acres. What are the best road trips to take in Washington? A state as massive as Washington is certainly best explored by road. If you’re someone who enjoys the art of road tripping, there can hardly be a better candidate to explore than the Evergreen State. Fortunately, we’ve mapped out countless experiences and itineraries that will take you through the great state of Washington. Whether you’re someone who prefers food tours or waterfall loops, you’re in for a treat when you set out on a good ol’ fashioned road trip. Does Washington have any family-friendly hikes? There’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors with the entire family. Luckily, Washington is brimming with beautiful trails that can be enjoyed by all ages. Some of the best family-friendly hikes in Washington include Franklin Falls in Snoqualmie Pass, Watershed Park in Olympia, Twin Falls in North Bend, Second Beach near La Push, Ebey’s Landing Preserve on Whidbey Island, and Hidden Lake in Lake Wenatchee.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Yes! No trip to Washington is complete without a visit to one of the state’s many famed national parks. The three of the most popular national parks in Washington are Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park. Of these, Mount Rainier National Park receives the most visitors each year. This park is an iconic destination in Washington, featuring the iconic Mount Rainier which sits over 14,000 feet above sea level. North Cascades National Park holds the title for the largest of Washington’s national parks, encompassing more than 500,000 acres.
What are the best road trips to take in Washington?
A state as massive as Washington is certainly best explored by road. If you’re someone who enjoys the art of road tripping, there can hardly be a better candidate to explore than the Evergreen State. Fortunately, we’ve mapped out countless experiences and itineraries that will take you through the great state of Washington. Whether you’re someone who prefers food tours or waterfall loops, you’re in for a treat when you set out on a good ol’ fashioned road trip.
Does Washington have any family-friendly hikes?
There’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors with the entire family. Luckily, Washington is brimming with beautiful trails that can be enjoyed by all ages. Some of the best family-friendly hikes in Washington include Franklin Falls in Snoqualmie Pass, Watershed Park in Olympia, Twin Falls in North Bend, Second Beach near La Push, Ebey’s Landing Preserve on Whidbey Island, and Hidden Lake in Lake Wenatchee.
