It's going to be a great summer out in our parks!





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*May 2024*





Two children wade in the Satsop River at Schafer State Park
*Same-day reservation service expands*

"Last-minute planners, this one?s for you:" Hopeful campers can now make same-day reservations at 23 state parks!

"How it works:" Making a same-day reservation is just like making a reservation in advance. Head to our reservation site [ [link removed] ] and book your stay at any of the below parks for a by 4 p.m. for same-day arrival:


* Cape Disappointment
* Deception Pass
* Millersylvania
* Birch Bay
* Fort Casey
* Moran
* Ocean City
* Schafer
* Pacific Beach
* Lake Sylvia
* Lake Chelan
* Alta Lake
* Bridgeport

* 25 Mile Creek
* Curlew
* Pearrygin
* Conconully
* Wenatchee Confluence
* Lincoln Rock
* Lake Easton
* Fort Worden
* Twanoh
* Belfair
* Sequim Bay
* Lewis and Clark Trail
* Riverside (Bowl and Pitcher)






Summer is coming!






Folk and Traditional Arts concert welcomes folk dancers to Lake Wenatchee
Attend Folk & Traditional Arts events, concerts this summer

Over the past 20 years, the Washington State Parks Folk & Traditional Arts Program (FTAP) has grown from a music series at Deception Pass to summer concerts in four parks. [ [link removed] ]The newest series debuts this July at Lincoln Rock. ?

FTAP also helps community organizations host events that honor the many cultural traditions [ [link removed] ] that color our state. Experience different cultures at the Cambodian Festival, Skandia Midsommar, Salish Sea Day, Hispanic Heritage Month celebration and United Communities of Laos and Iu Mien festivals.?

New this year, FTAP will bring the culture of Zimbabwe to Lake Sammamish with the Ubuntu Nerudo African Heritage Festival. ?

Plan your trip today!?



Three children play on standup paddleboards in a lake, wearing life jackets.
It's almost Water Safety Day

Water Safety Day is TOMORROW (May 15)! This statewide special day created by the passing of Yori?s Law in 2023, raises awareness for water safety and shares tools for how to stay safe on the water.

As boating and fishing seasons begin, remember:


* Wear a life jacket at all times when on or near the water.
* Be a water watcher ? keep a close eye on those around you while swimming.
* If a swimmer is in trouble, attempt a rescue but avoid putting yourself in danger too. Learn more about Reach, Throw, Don?t Go [ [link removed] ].

Water Safety Day is relevant to all forms of water recreation, including open water swimming, boating and pool safety.






*Looking to bike in our campgrounds? We've got tips for you!*

A tattooed bicyclist tows an orange child trailer on his bike, over a bridge with long shadows casting patterns

Parents of a certain age? do you remember riding bikes with your friends until dark? Our parks can give kids a taste of that freedom. While they're out riding bikes with their friends, the adults get quiet and time for their own conversations. It?s a win-win, right?

Campgrounds are safer than urban streets, but they do present hazards. There are often narrow one-way roads, RVs and our work trucks.

*"Therefore, please remember, and remind your budding bicyclists, to:"*


* Obey all signs, such as Stop, Yield and Do Not Enter.
* Go the right direction on one-way streets.
* Give RVs, park trucks and staff golf carts lots of space.
* Wear properly fitted helmets, use bike lights and wear bright colors.
* Make sure traffic is clear before entering the roadway.
* Watch for vehicles backing up - not all vehicles have backup cameras.
* Be careful around RVs; it may not be easy for drivers to see.

Read our latest blog post, [ [link removed] ] penned from a Park Ranger?s personal experience. May you always bike with the wind at your back! Have a safe, happy summer in our parks!







Know before you go!

People fish from a lake on a bridge, with spring blooms in the background

Several state parks will be closed or partially closed this summer due to major construction. Make sure you check alerts [ [link removed] ] and restrictions before you head out.??

*Kopachuck* [ [link removed] ] will be closed from June 3, 2024 through mid-summer, 2025 for construction. We recommend checking out Manchester [ [link removed] ], Illahee [ [link removed] ] or Dash Point [ [link removed] ] ? all under 45 minutes away.?

*Lake Sylvia* [ [link removed] ] (pictured above) will be closed from June 10 through September for construction on the entrance road. Nearby Schafer [ [link removed] ]is open, with?a brand-new campground for you to enjoy.?

*Deception Pass* [ [link removed] ] has reduced parking capacity in its West Beach parking lot due to storm damage. Visitors may experience increased traffic and delays. Day visitors should plan ahead, arrive early and anticipate limited parking availability. Parking along SR 20 is prohibited and extremely dangerous. This is a great time to check out Fort Casey [ [link removed] ] or Bay View [ [link removed] ] instead ? both are under 30 minutes away.?

The 14 easternmost miles of the *Spokane River Centennial Trail [ [link removed] ] *will be closed for a summer repaving project. Reopening is anticipated in September. The western section of the Centennial Trail remains open.

WSDOT road projects will impact traffic at *Steamboat Rock* [ [link removed] ] and *Sun Lakes ? Dry Falls* [ [link removed] ] state parks through October.



*Get more details at our Projects page* [ [link removed] ]






A hiker walks away from a lighthouse. In a corner, a cutout of Taylor Swift has a cartoon thought bubble with lyrics inside.



FILE NAME: THE SOLO HIKERS' DEPARTMENT

From the desk of Taylor Swift (and WA State Parks)

Nobody belts out alone time songs like Taylor Swift, and who knew her lyrics were full of excellent tips for safe solo hiking? Read about it in our Field Guide Blog. [ [link removed] ]








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