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 NEW BLOG: Where to splurge vs. skimp on gear
Outdoor gear can be an expensive barrier for many people trying to get outside.
We asked our staff their top picks for outdoor gear and whether it?s worth it to break the bank or find a cheaper alternative.
Of course, gear choices are often quite personal. It may be the technology, the feel, the color, the fit or just something you can?t explain. Choosing the clothing and tools that make you feel safe and relaxed is what?s most important.
Visit our blog to learn more about what may be beneficial to add to your gear closet.?
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 International Coast Cleanup
Save the date for our third beach cleanup of the year!
In cooperation with the?Ocean Conservancy, Parks partners with Washington CoastSavers?to hold the annual International Coast Cleanup.
On September 16, 2023, join thousands of volunteers around the world to reduce marine debris.
Stay tuned for registration information on the CoastSavers website.
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 National Public Lands Day?
Established in 1994 and held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day?celebrates the connection between people and green spaces in their community - inspiring environmental stewardship, and encouraging the use of open space for education, recreation, and health benefits.
National Public Lands Day falls on?September 23, 2023, and is also one of our Discover Pass free days. Save the date!
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Are your kids bringing bikes to our campgrounds? Follow these tips for safe play and travel:
Gone are the days where packs of kids ride bikes down urban and suburban streets until dark, a treasured memory from many Boomer, Gen X and early Millennial childhoods.
But that feeling of freedom can be created - to an extent - in our state park campgrounds.
As kids get their unstructured time, parents may also relish a break. And, when multiple families camp together, adults catch up with their friends too.
We get it! All of it!
And we can?t overstate that campground loops are not bike paths or pedestrian streets. Cars, trucks and RVs, including park service vehicles, use them too.
We want to make sure the kiddos stay safe as they ride bikes and play, so we have a few tips for your kids to follow (yes, some nagging may be involved) so you can all rest easier on this vacation:
- Obey stop signs.
- Ride single file in groups, and make sure to head the right way on one-way streets. Take particular care on winding loop roads with blind spots.
- Don?t get too close to vehicles, and please do not grab onto staff golf carts.
- Wear helmets.
- Be on the lookout for cars, trucks and RVs making frequent stops and backing up. Not all vehicles have backup cameras.
Thank you, and happy camping!
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Next week the Bronze Chapter will host a Community Campout at Daroga State Park!?
The Aug 25-28 event centers BIPOC community (individuals, families and friend groups) who are camping-curious or already love to camp and want to celebrate each other outdoors. There are still open spots, but advanced registration is required. The fee is $40 for adults. Attendees 17 and under camp free.
Daroga has sun, sage, swim area (think gentle intro to water) and nearby tourism in Wenatchee and Lake Chelan. Folks can bring bikes, inner tubes, floaties, board games and more. Learn more and sign up today!
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 Photo by Freya Fennwood
August is a very hot month here in Washington! Stay up to date on burn bans at our parks by subscribing to our park alert.
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Keep you and your family safe this fire season
Here are a few tips to help you keep yourself, your family and parks safe this fire season:
- Follow all burn bans.
- Park on asphalt, not on grasses.
- Extinguish campfires and grills.
- Make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished in water and disposed of appropriately.
- Follow Washington DNR?s fire prevention blog and burn restriction map.
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