Bees, trees and other things spring





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*March 2025*





Cinquefoil masked bee on a flower

Read about the discovery of a new bee species at Fort Flagler among our spring stories. Photo: Kris Ethington

Bees, trees and other things spring

From the beloved larch [ [link removed] ] to the little yew tree that could [ [link removed] ], our Arbor Crew is still "unbeliefably" excited to share tree knowledge with you. Check out these Tree ID tools: 


* Doug-fir [ [link removed] ]
* Bigleaf maple [ [link removed] ]

Meanwhile, a new bee was discovered at Fort Flagler. With a keen eye, you may see more Cinquefoil masked bees at Fort Flagler [ [link removed] ] this spring, but for now you can read about them in The Field Guide [ [link removed] ].

Did you know standing dead trees, called habitat snags, help wildlife? Our arborists help all sorts of creepy crawlies and creatures in our parks by turning hazard trees into habitat snags. Learn more here! [ [link removed] ] 






*Events and adventures*






A stone and wood picnic shelter with spring blossoms in the foreground

Many eastside parks like Sacajawea reopen in April after their winter closures.

Springtime reminders for busy bees

Is your head buzzing with day-to-day life, while trying to plan a fun spring, summer and fall? We have a few tips for securing your State Parks vacation.

*Tip 1: Spring break is almost here. Take an impromptu getaway!
*Starting March 24, you can make same-day [ [link removed] ] camping reservations at all our reservable campgrounds. So, go ahead and book that last-minute camping trip!

*Tip 2: Parks reopen after winter closures *Many of our eastside parks close or turn into Sno-Parks for winter, but most reopen in April. Check our winter schedule [ [link removed] ], then visit our reservations site [ [link removed] ] and plan [ [link removed] ] your central/eastern WA escape!

*Tip 3: Book your fall foliage trips now!
*Most WA state park campsites open for reservations [ [link removed] ] nine months in advance, which means fall bookings are underway. Need inspo?


* Find best places to visit [ [link removed] ] this fall.
* Get insider tips on when and where to larch march. [ [link removed] ]
* Read more about our larches. [ [link removed] ] 

Use these great tools to help you build your perfect itinerary.

*Tip 4: There’s still snow in them thar hills
*You’ve got a few more weeks to enjoy skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling before Sno-Park season ends in April. Stay prepared with the right passes to play in the snow and support the upkeep of these destinations. Figure out what passes and permits you need [ [link removed] ] for your winter outing.



Hikers pose atop a bluff overlooking water and islands.

Hikes at Deception Pass State Park are among the many activities offered between now and May.

Events blossom at parks

As the days lengthen and warm, you’ll find more fun programming in parks near you:

*Near Seattle
*Friends of Lake Sammamish State Park will host a restoration event [ [link removed] ] March 15 at 10.am., followed by a forest bathing session [ [link removed] ] (mindful forest walk) with Cascadia Forest Therapy at 1 p.m. We recommend making a day of it.

*Near Olympia
*Discover the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy with Chiyo Sanada on March 15, 1 p.m. in the lower kitchen at Tolmie [ [link removed] ].

*Near Anacortes
*Take guided walks and ranger talks on birds, beaches, mammals and more at Deception Pass on Fridays and Saturdays through April [ [link removed] ], including an Earth Weekend event [ [link removed] ] April 19.

*Near Ellensburg
*Visit the historic Smith House and cabin at Olmstead Place [ [link removed] ] Saturdays and take part in kids’ geology activities Sundays at Gingko [ [link removed] ] Petrified Forest through April [ [link removed] ].

*Near Spokane
*Read with a Ranger at Lakeside Public Library [ [link removed] ] April 7 at 3:30 p.m. Make rain in a glass with shaving cream and food dye.

*Near Port Townsend
*Learn the time-honored craft of embroidery [ [link removed] ], learn about beach bluffs [ [link removed] ] and birds [ [link removed] ] at Fort Worden during pop-up programs March 22, April 16 and 18.

Check our Events Calendar [ [link removed] ] for newly added activities!






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Work continues at Nisqually State Park, construction begins on State Route 7 roundabout





People stand by a river with blue-white, glacial water.

The Nisqually River is blue-white and glacially fed.




Construction is set to start next month on a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 7 and Mashel Prairie Road. This will make the road and the entrance to Nisqually safer for all drivers in the area.

SR7 will stay open throughout the project, which we expect to complete in mid-summer, but there will be some traffic congestion. SR7 is the main road connecting Olympia and Tacoma with the towns of Ashford and Elbe and the west entrance to Mount Rainier National Park.

*Learn more!* [ [link removed] ]






Park alerts





*Always check for park alerts and closures before heading out on an adventure!*

When you’re putting together your pre-trip checklist, make sure it includes checking conditions at your intended destination. Here are a few parks with active alerts:

Steptoe Butte is currently closed for a road washout. [ [link removed] ]

Due to a rockslide across the road, you'll need to take an alternate route to lake Chelan State Park. [ [link removed] ]

Mount St. Helens Visitor Center is closed for a major update to its exhibits. [ [link removed] ]

Three trails at Squak Mountain remain closed due to storm damage. [ [link removed] ]

Check the full list of alerts here [ [link removed] ].






Trip resources





*Washington outdoor passes explained* [ [link removed] ]




*The "10 Essentials" for all outdoor trips* [ [link removed] ]




*Your guide to building a safe campfire* [ [link removed] ]






LIVE IN A PARK AND VOLUNTEER AS A PARK HOST!





A camp host RV in a forested campground with garden art in the foreground.

Park hosts often adorn their sites with garden art from home, like this host at Sequim Bay last fall.




We're looking for hosts to help in our parks by volunteering time and talent, particularly in Eastern WA.

Host assignments typically last 30 days and duties include:


* Supporting campground and day-use area upkeep
* Providing info and  education to visitors

Park hosts volunteer 28+ hours each week for a free host spot with full hookups. 

Hosts must be 18 or older, pass a criminal background check and provide their own RV, camping unit or boat. 

*Learn more and apply!* [ [link removed] ]








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