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*February 2025*





Two people, one man, one woman, posing for a picture on the Palouse to Cascades Trail at Hyak Sno-Park wearing snowshoes and winter gear
Celebrate love at Washington's state parks this Valentine's Day

This Valentine’s Day, skip the crowded restaurants and create unforgettable memories in the great outdoors. Whether you're planning a romantic stroll through an old-growth forest, a cozy beachside sunset or a scenic picnic with your favorite person, Washington's state parks offer the perfect backdrop for love.

Looking for ideas?


* Take a hand-in-hand hike through Beacon Rock [ [link removed] ] or Deception Pass [ [link removed] ]
* Watch the waves crash at Cape Disappointment [ [link removed] ] or Birch Bay [ [link removed] ]
* Trek through the snow on the Palouse to Cascades Trail [ [link removed] ]
* Watch the sunset at Dash Point [ [link removed] ] or Fort Flagler [ [link removed] ]

No matter how you celebrate, love is always in the air at state parks. 

*Find the perfect spot for your Valentine’s adventure* [ [link removed] ]






*Events at state parks are ramping up*






Americorps staff member and park visitors using binoculars to look at birds at Deception Pass
Explore nature at Deception Pass through Bird Walks and guided hikes

Looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors this spring? Deception Pass [ [link removed] ] has you covered with birding walks and guided hikes!

Join AmeriCorps interpretive staff and Whidbey Audubon Society [ [link removed] ] volunteers on Feb. 22, March 8 or March 22 to discover the many different bird species that call Deception Pass home. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started, these walks offer a chance to practice bird identification, explore unique habitats and learn from fellow birders. Bring binoculars if you have them (there will also be a few to share).

*Learn more about Bird Walks* [ [link removed] ]


Prefer a broader adventure? Saturday afternoon guided hikes are back at Deception Pass [ [link removed] ]! Explore the park’s rich natural resources, from old-growth forests and post-glacial ecosystems to marine mammals and sand dunes. Topics change monthly, so there’s always something new to discover.

Don't miss these opportunities to connect with nature—click the registration button below for details!

*Register for a guided hike* [ [link removed] ]



Group of snowshoers hiking a snowshoe trail at Mount Spokane during the annual First Day Hikes event
Trek through a winter wonderland on a guided snowshoe hike

Whether you’re an avid snowshoer or searching for your next favorite hobby, our parks offer the perfect backdrop for a winter trek. 

*Lake Easton guided snowshoe hikes:* [ [link removed] ]


* Date & time: Mondays and Fridays at  9 a.m. through the end of Feb.
* Degree of difficulty: Easy
* Meeting point: Amphitheater in the day-use area
* Contact: No registration needed. For updates or weather cancellations, call (509) 856-4121.

*Lake Wenatchee guided snowshoe hikes:* [ [link removed] ]


* Date & time: Sundays at 1 p.m. through the end of Feb.
* Degree of difficulty: Easy
* Meeting point: North Reservation Booth
* Contact: Advance registration required, call (509) 763-3101. Limited snowshoe rentals are available for free.

*Mount Spokane guided snowshoe hike:* [ [link removed] ]


* Date & time: March 1 at 10 a.m.
* Degree of difficulty: Easy
* Meeting point: Lower Kit Carson parking area
* Contact: No registration needed. For updates or weather cancellations, call (509) 505-7721 

Sno-Park Permits [ [link removed] ] are required for parking at each of these parks.






A group photo of the Hướng Việt Performing Arts Group on stage
Experience the arts of Vietnam and Japan at Tolmie State Park

This winter, immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of Vietnam and Japan with two special events hosted by our Folk & Traditional Arts Program [ [link removed] ] and Arbutus Folk School [ [link removed] ] at Tolmie State Park [ [link removed] ].

*Hướng Việt Performance* - *Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.* [ [link removed] ]
Spend a winter afternoon surrounded by the captivating sounds of Vietnam. This live performance at the lower kitchen shelter promises an unforgettable musical experience. Seating is limited, so arrive early!

*Japanese Calligraphy with Chiyo Sanada* - *March 15 at 1 p.m.* [ [link removed] ]
Discover the timeless beauty of Japanese calligraphy. Watch a live demonstration, hear the fascinating history behind this art form and even try your hand at it.

Don’t miss these opportunities to connect with tradition and experience something new. 






Woman walking black dog down the trail at Columbia Hills looking out onto the Columbia River and Basalt rock
This spring, explore day-use destinations

"*Need spring break plans?*"

With five weeks of winter to go, it might still be too chilly for camping—but that doesn’t mean you can’t start planning your next adventure!

Spring break is right around the corner, and we're sure your kids are begging for fun things to do. How about a state parks adventure?

Explore over 120 parks across the state, each offering something unique. Some provide easy to moderate hiking trails, some provide beach access and some provide views that are just breathtaking. 

Visit our website [ [link removed] ] to find the ideal spot for your spring break day trips.






High up view of Spencer Spit on a gloomy foggy gray day looking out onto the water

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

A few of our parks are under temporary closures due to recent storm events and ongoing maintenance work.




Work in progress

When you’re putting together your pre-trip checklist, make sure it includes checking the conditions at your intended destination. Here’s a quick heads up:


* Kanaskat-Palmer [ [link removed] ] and Spencer Spit [ [link removed] ] state parks are temporarily closed due to inclement winter weather conditions.
* Nisqually State Park [ [link removed] ] is temporarily closed through summer 2025 while crews complete the development of a trail system and building construction. Learn more about the project here [ [link removed] ].







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