Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll be rewarded with crisp air, brilliant colors & the kind of stillness that only autumn can bring.





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*October 2025*





A boy and a girl at a campsite. He is sitting in a camp chair, and she is standing behind him with a roasting stick in hand.

Deception Pass State Park

How to snag a campsite in the off-season

Off-season camping can be unpredictable, but with a little preparation (and a couple of backup plans), your trip will go much smoother. The key is to stay flexible and understand the system – especially since many of our campsites switch over to first-come, first-served this time of year.

Checking the Winter Schedule [ [link removed] ] before you head out is the best way to know what’s open, what’s closed and what to expect when you arrive. That way, you’ll spend less energy on logistics – and more time enjoying the peace of a quieter campground.

Follow this step-by-step guide [ [link removed] ], and you’ll be rewarded with crisp air, brilliant colors and the kind of stillness that only autumn can bring.

When in doubt, our Information Center [ [link removed] ] has you covered! Whether you need help with trip planning or the latest updates on campsite availability, they’re ready to assist. You can reach them at (360) 902-8844 or [email protected].

*A step-by-step guide on first-come, first-served camping* [ [link removed] ]






*Let your voice be heard*






Four women on the bridge at Willapa Hills Trail riding their bikes on a cloudy day

Willapa Hills State Park Trail

Nominate your favorite bike route

One of the most uniquely Washington ways to experience the beauty of the state is to explore it by bike.

We’re excited to launch the Scenic Bikeways Program [ [link removed] ] – a new way to highlight the most breathtaking cycling routes across the state. From Oct. 1 to Nov. 30, 2025, nominate your favorite Washington bike routes for official Scenic Bikeway designation!

What makes a strong nomination? Routes should be:


* Fun and memorable to ride
* On shared-use paths, bike lanes or roadways with exceptional scenic, cultural, historic or recreational value
* Contiguous and fully constructed
* Connected to scenic vistas, parks and open spaces
* Supported by nearby services – bike repair, food and lodging
* Beneficial to local communities and economies
* Located where land managers can give their consent

Learn more and get ready to nominate your route. [ [link removed] ]



A view of Mount Rainier from Black Island Marine State Park above the water

Blake Island Marine State Park

Help shape the future of Blake Island Marine State Park

Listen up Washingtonians! We are in the process of developing a new master plan for Blake Island Marine State Park – and we want to hear from YOU!

Share your hopes, concerns and ideas for this special place. Even if you’ve never visited, your perspective matters!

We’re asking for your feedback on:


* A new vision for the park
* The future of Tillicum Village concession buildings
* Alternatives for facilities and amenities
* Educational content and exhibits
* Trail reroutes around the island
* Public transportation options

Together, we can ensure Blake Island remains a place for everyone to enjoy – now and for generations to come.

Learn more about the project and take the survey. [ [link removed] ]






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Girl spinning in the rain on the bridge at Lake Easton with the lake and evergreen trees in the background

Lake Easton State Park






Parks staff share their favorite rainy (and early snow) day pastimes





Summer is officially over. OK, we could still get a larch march under blue skies – and most of us recall trick-or-treating in shorts at least once – but we all know what comes next: rain, snow, gray skies and 4 p.m. sunsets.

This doesn’t have to be a bad thing! From cozying up at home to catching up on movies and books, to finishing projects, to having forced down time, late fall can be a great season to do something different.

This month we asked State Parks staff "Tell us your favorite rainy (and early snow) day pastimes," and here's what they had to say:

"I love to put on my Pacific Northwest Tuxedo (aka rain gear) and head out to the woods to admire the mosses and lichens! While many other organisms are buckling down for winter dormancy, mosses and lichens are plumping up and reproducing thanks to the rainfall and increased ambient humidity. This is a great time of year to venture out into deciduous forests to admire the epiphytes (plants that grow on another plant or object for physical support) and visit mature forests to appreciate a good ol' fashioned mossy nurse log or decaying stump. Bring a hand lens/magnifying glass to get a closer look, and don't forget a thermos of hot tea to sip on." "-Stella, Natural Resources Statewide Steward"

"One of my favorite activities in dreary weather (and, honestly, year-round) is working on jigsaw puzzles. You can even buy mats that let you roll up your puzzle so you can take it anywhere, like to a cabin at Schafer State Park [ [link removed] ]! There’s nothing better than cozying up with a hot cider and completing a puzzle while it pours outside." "-Julia, SW Region Office Assistant"

"Autumn is my favorite time of year. I'm originally an east-coaster and the falls here are different. But one thing that remains constant is how the light changes in autumn based on the tilt of the earth. I just love everything about it. It has a cozy aesthetic that makes me want to drink more tea and get out the soft clothes. Summer is a busy and productive time, and like nature, autumn moves me into a period of rest. I love the little gusts of wind and a cool breeze on my face. I love the notion of a fire. It's all just super Hygge! During this time, I seek out specific places that have deciduous trees and streets and dirt paths that are littered with damp, golden foliage." "-Heather, Director of Parks Development"

"I enjoy fishing in the rain early in the morning." "-Kristal, "Records Management Program Specialist""

"I LOVE FALL!!! Everything about it: rain, wind (I live in the Gorge), changing colors, cooler temps, gloomy days, morning frost, decreasing daylight, and wood fires. I recently stayed at the castle at Fort Worden [ [link removed] ] and enjoyed the moody ocean view and a late-night walk around the dark campus. It might sound like I'm a vampire, but I'm really just Irish." "-Anne, SW Regional Operations Coordinator"

"I try to soak up as much light outside as possible, regardless of the weather. As they say in Norway, "Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær." (There is no bad weather, only bad clothes)." "-Lisa, Stewardship Director"

"Some of my best winter memories are of rainy, windy hikes, followed by friends' slumber parties in a yurt at the coast, under piles of blankets, with games and hot drinks!" "-Meryl, Communications Consultant"






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Four small white cabins with blue roofs lined up at Twin Harbors

Twin Harbors State Park






Trip ideas for cabin, yurt and vacation home stays this fall and winter





As temperatures cool and skies grow dark, our cabins, yurts and vacation homes beckon – bring on the cozy season!

While you might be legit worried about the impending rainy days or the lack of Vitamin D, and you could be dreaming of sunny locales, late fall in Washington does have its perks.

Those perks include fuzzy blankets, fireplaces and comfort food. At this time of year, we all get to catch up on sleep, reading, shows and creativity – and with some of our non-outdoorsy loved ones.

There is no shame in slowing down – or wanting a roof over your head when it’s cold and dark out. In fact, we think we’ve got nature’s permission to rest between summer-fall FOMO and the hectic holidays. 

More than 30 Washington state parks offer roofed accommodations – cabins, yurts or vacation homes – perfect for family camp-ins, slumber parties and small retreats.

Yurts and cabins generally sleep five, and vacation homes, including lightkeeper’s residences, military officer’s homes, former Army hospitals and a lakeside cottage, sleep four to 12 people.

You’ll bring food, towels, linens and bedding for your cabin or yurt stay. We’ll take care of the setting when you book a cozy, roofed accommodation [ [link removed] ] at WA state parks.

*Book a cozy getaway this fall* [ [link removed] ]


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A man using a standing trackchair on an accessible trail at Saint Edward State Park. He is wearing a baseball cap, glasses, jeans and a sweatshirt.

Saint Edward State Park

Discover accessible outdoor adventures at state parks

A groundbreaking new guide [ [link removed] ] created by and for the disabled community offers detailed accessibility information for five popular Puget Sound-area state parks. You can plan your next adventure with confidence at Lake Sammamish, Flaming Geyser, Federation Forest, Saltwater and Dash Point.

Written by Syren Nagakyrie of Disabled Hikers, this free resource provides step-by-step descriptions of trails, facilities and activities, including trail surfaces, slopes and potential obstacles. This collaboration between Washington State Parks Foundation, Disabled Hikers and the WA State Parks and Recreation Commission represents a vital shift toward centering disabled people's expertise in outdoor recreation.

*A disabled hiker's guide to five WA state parks* [ [link removed] ]


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Boats mooring on the docks at Matia Island

Matia Island Marine State Park

Anchor replacement begins in the San Juan Islands

Anchors away – literally! In late 2023, several anchors at our marine state parks were identified as needing replacement. The work has now begun on Stuart Island, where 10 anchors have already been replaced. Construction will continue on Stuart, Patos, Matia and Sucia islands and at Spencer Spit on Lopez Island. Anchor replacement will soon begin in Skagit County as well.

Though the parks are not closed, and some mooring buoys should still be available, boaters can expect to see work vessels in the area. Please stay clear of work boats or divers in the water around the buoys.

We will continue to provide updates as the work is completed and buoys reopen.






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 the conditions at your intended destination. Here are a couple parks with active alerts:

Pass Lake in Deception Pass State Park [ [link removed] ] is closed to all recreational access due to toxic algae levels. The lake will remain closed until levels are below recreational guidelines.

Starting Monday, Oct. 20 the docks at Lowell Point boat launch at Camano Island State Park [ [link removed] ] will be pulled and the launch will be winterized until Spring 2026. The boat launch will still be open for use, however, the docks will be removed. 

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






Trip resources





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


*Tree ID: Bigleaf maple tree* [ [link removed] ]




*State park shelters prolong the picnic season* [ [link removed] ]


*Tree ID: Larch tree* [ [link removed] ]




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


*Sno-Park passes explained* [ [link removed] ]






Woman in yellow rain jacket and person in black hoodie looking out onto the water as they stand on the beach.

Kopachuck State Park looking out at Cutts Island State Park






Get outside on the last Discover Pass free day of the year

Every year we designate 12 days when you don’t need a Discover Pass [ [link removed] ] to park. There is only one free day left in 2025:


* Tuesday, Nov. 11 (in honor of Veteran's Day)

And it’s not too early to save the date – Jan. 1, 2026 – the first free day of the new year and a chance to take a First Day Hike [ [link removed] ] guided by a ranger.

Take a look at the list of First Day Hikes [ [link removed] ] – more are still to come!








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