Best 11 State Parks In Washington: Activities & Attractions
Washington state has some of the most beautiful state parks in the United States. From Deception Pass State Park to Moran State Park, these parks offer a wide variety of activities and attractions that are sure to please anyone.
Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, fishing, camping, or just taking in the scenic view, these parks have something for you.
In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best state parks in Washington, based on factors such as popularity, landscape, and amenities. Ready to explore? Let’s get started!
Table Of Content
Top State Parks In Washington
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park is located on Whidbey Island and is one of Washington’s most visited state parks.
There are 77,000 saltwater feet of shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline in this vast park, which spans over 3,854 acres.
There are so many things to do and see in this amazing state park including hiking, kayaking, fishing, camping, and so many attraction points to amaze you.
Things To Do In Deception Pass State Park
- Deception Pass Tours
- Explore the area by Kayaking
- Visit the Pacific Northwest Naval Air Museum
- Watch Orca Whales
- Visit Dugualla Bay Farms
- Hopping on Rosario Beach
- Visit the Museum of Northwest Art
- Watch Shows In The Whidbey Playhouse
- Visit Flintstone Park
All the Attraction Points are in a 5 to 6 Mile Range.
Guide To Lummi Island: Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Trip
Beacon Rock State Park
Beacon Rock State Park, in the middle of the Columbia River Gorge, is the best state park in Washington. This 5,100-acre gem is famous for its namesake, an 848-foot volcanic rock with a switchback trail to the top with amazing views.
The park has forests and trails for hikers, and the Columbia River for kayakers, anglers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Campgrounds for stargazers and adventurers. Where the scenery is dramatic and the activities are diverse, Beacon Rock State Park is where nature and adventure come together.
Must-Do Fun Activities at Beacon Rock State Park
- Hike the Beacon Rock Trail: Ascend the iconic 848-foot volcanic monolith via a thrilling switchback trail for panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.
- Explore the Hamilton Mountain Trail: Take on this scenic hike to enjoy stunning waterfalls, including Rodney Falls and Pool of the Winds.
- Picnic by the Columbia River: Relax and enjoy a meal with a picturesque view of the river and surrounding cliffs.
- Go Camping: Stay overnight at one of the park’s well-equipped campsites for an immersive nature experience.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot deer, eagles, and other wildlife in the park’s diverse ecosystems.
- Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Launch your watercraft onto the Columbia River for a peaceful day on the water.
- Fishing: Try your luck catching salmon, bass, or trout in the park’s waters.
- Photograph the Gorge: Capture the stunning landscapes, from the towering Beacon Rock to serene forested trails.
- Attend Ranger Programs: Participate in educational activities to learn about the park’s hist
The most beautiful state park in Washington, Lake Wenatchee State Park, is the perfect location to escape the daily grind and enjoy an amazing time. A 16-mile drive from Leavenworth’s Bavarian Theme Town.
From hiking to kayaking You can do anything you want in this state park. This is a very popular place for boaters and windsurfers. The biking trails are perfect for those who love biking.
For camping lovers, there is a huge 492-acre camping park that’s open all year long, so prepare your gear and get ready to go camping.
Things To Do In Lake Wenatchee State Park
- Ride On Leavenworth ZipLines
- Leavenworth Snowmobile Tours
- Visit Icicle Gorge
- Sleigh Rides
- Horse Riding
- Northwest Dogsled Adventures
- Watch Shows At Ford Theatre
- Hiking Trails
- Campgrounds
- Enjoy Water Sports
- Windsurfing
- Explore The Beaches
All the Attraction Points are in a 5 to 6 Mile Range.
Moran State Park
Moran State Park is located on Orcas Island and is one of the most beautiful islands in the San Juan Islands. This island is home to Moran State Park, which offers a variety of activities for an unforgettable vacation.
There are 151 campsites at Moran State Park, five freshwater lakes, and 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. For a breathtaking view of the island visit Mount Constitution.
Things To Do In Moran State Park
- Amazing Waterfalls
- Campgrounds
- Swimming In A Fresh Water Lake
- Watch Orca Whales
- Enjoy seafood
- Visit mount constitution
- Lambiel Museum
- Turtleback Mountain
- Hiking Trails
- Kayaking Tours
All the Attraction Points are in a 5 to 6 Mile Range.
Cape Disappointment State Park
With beautiful lighthouses, an ocean coastline, and plenty of trails, the park is a great place to explore and spend some quality time.
With its beautiful scenery and clean environment, this is one of Washington’s best camping parks. It sits on 2023 acres.
Things To Do In Cape Disappointment State Park
- Visit The North Head Lighthouse
- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse
- Explore The Long Beach
- Don Nisbett Art Gallery
- Marsh’s Free Museum
- Cranberry Museum
- Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
- Visit Saturday Market
- World Kite Museum & Hall of Fame
- Funland Family Fun Center
- Ride Horses
All the Attraction Points are in a 5 to 6 Mile Range.
Obstruction Pass State Park
Located on Orcas Island, Obstruction Pass State Park is another park worth visiting. Most visitors try to get to Moran State Park and Miss this hidden gem.
This is a great place to go if you don’t like a lot of crowds. There are only ten campsites available in this 76-acre park, so you should arrive early if you plan to camp.
Things To Do In Obstruction Pass State Park
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Camping
- Hiking
James Island Marine State Park
One of the hidden gem State parks in Washington is located in the Horizon, San Juan County on Puget Sound. Only boats can access this park because it is in such a remote location.
James Island Marine State Park is a 581-acre park and offers 13 primitive campsites, two white sand beaches, forested trails, and an emerald cove.
Things To Do In James Island Marine State Park
- Hiking Trails
- White Sand Beaches
- Explore The Emerald Cove.
- Deep Sea Diving
- Fishing.
Larrabee State Park
Larrabee State Park is Washington’s first state park and a great place for spending some relaxing time. Located on the seaward side of Chuckanut Mountain near Bellingham.
There is a lot to do here in this state park, including camping, picnicking, romantic walks, bird watching, and many more.
Things To Do In Larrabee State Park
- Chuckanut Drive
- Go on A River Tour
- Explore Lake Padden Park
- Camping
- Walk on The Beach
Palouse Falls State Park
Palouse Falls State Park is located in the southeast corner of Washington and is named after its iconic 198-foot waterfall.
This 94-acre park is only for day trips, so go early and have a picnic then admire the beauty of Palouse Falls. There are so many tracks to see the falls from different angles.
Since camping is not allowed here you can get special permission if you want to take some night photography.
Lime Kiln Point State Park
It is one of the best places in the world to spot whales at Lime Kiln Point, located on the west side of San Juan Island. You can easily get to the park from Friday Harbor by car or bike.
This is a 41-acre park and only for day trips so if you want to visit this park keep this in mind.
Things To Do In Lime Kiln Point State Park
- Watch Orca Whales
- Visit The Lighthouse
- Explore The Area By Kayaking
- Watch Wild and Marine Life.
Riverside State Park
Riverside State Park is located 9 miles from Spokane, Washington. There are 55 miles of trails in Spokane River Centennial State Park, including a 40-mile path that can be used for hiking and biking.
There are Ponderosa pine forests, lakes, marshes, and a variety of wildlife in Riverside, which has nearly 200,000 feet of shoreline. Great place for hiking and mountain biking.
Conclusion:
State parks are important places to visit and Washington has some amazing ones on its list. You can spend days exploring the forests, lakes, and mountains of these state parks. Explore the landscapes that have changed over time and relive your childhood memories at these scenic locations.
Reference: Washington State Parks
