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 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 to the little yew tree that could, our Arbor Crew is still "unbeliefably" excited to share tree knowledge with you. Check out these Tree ID tools:
Meanwhile, a new bee was discovered at Fort Flagler. With a keen eye, you may see more Cinquefoil masked bees at Fort Flagler this spring, but for now you can read about them in The Field Guide.
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!
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 Many eastside parks like Sacajawea reopen in April after their winter closures.
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 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, then visit our reservations site and plan your central/eastern WA escape!
Tip 3: Book your fall foliage trips now!
Most WA state park campsites open for reservations nine months in advance, which means fall bookings are underway. Need inspo?
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 for your winter outing.
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 Hikes at Deception Pass State Park are among the many activities offered between now and May.
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 March 15 at 10.am., followed by a forest bathing session (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.
Near Anacortes
Take guided walks and ranger talks on birds, beaches, mammals and more at Deception Pass on Fridays and Saturdays through April, including an Earth Weekend event April 19.
Near Ellensburg
Visit the historic Smith House and cabin at Olmstead Place Saturdays and take part in kids’ geology activities Sundays at Gingko Petrified Forest through April.
Near Spokane
Read with a Ranger at Lakeside Public Library 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, learn about beach bluffs and birds at Fort Worden during pop-up programs March 22, April 16 and 18.
Check our Events Calendar for newly added activities!
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Work continues at Nisqually State Park, construction begins on State Route 7 roundabout |
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 The Nisqually River is blue-white and glacially fed.
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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.
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LIVE IN A PARK AND VOLUNTEER AS A PARK HOST! |
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 Park hosts often adorn their sites with garden art from home, like this host at Sequim Bay last fall.
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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.
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