|
 Deception Pass State Park
Calling all RV travelers & van lifers
Winter is an incredible time to road-trip through Washington. Many parks that accept RVs and vans stay open year-round, offering quiet loops, open hookup sites and beautiful off-season scenery.
A few things to keep in mind:
Whether you’re weekending in your camper van, chasing snow in your RV or even braving it in your tent, Washington’s state parks offer plenty of beautiful winter spots to call home for a night, or several.
Read our most recent blog for the full lineup of state parks with reservable campsites during the winter season, along with notes on which specific sites are closed this time of year and water availability.
|
|
 Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Join us on Jan. 1 for our annual First Day Hikes events – an opportunity for everyone to get outside and enjoy a beautiful state park!
Choose a guided hike, snowshoe excursion, trail ride, polar plunge or interpretive activity to enjoy on New Year’s Day.
First Day Hikes events vary in difficulty, ranging from smooth, flat ADA-accessible trails to moderate hill climbs. A few parks will even offer multiple hikes to suit different interests and skill levels. Additionally, several hikes will include talks with rangers, which allow attendees to learn about the park's history and natural features.
All participants will receive a collectible Washington State Parks 2026 First Day Hikes button.
|
 Lake Easton Sno-Park
Visit our Event Calendar to check out more events happening at our state parks this December and as we head into 2026.
In Spokane
Join park staff at Riverside State Park throughout the month of December to help with forest health tree thinning.
In Othello
Come enjoy good company and stunning scenery on a guided hike with park staff along the Frenchman Hills Trail Loop at Potholes State Park on Dec. 14 at 1 p.m.
In Coulee City
Take a refreshing stroll with Interpretive Ranger Sarah along the Park Lake Trail at Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park on Dec. 28 at 1 p.m.
In Federal Way
Kick of the year with park staff on Jan. 3, from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., for a trail work party at Dash Point State Park.
In Easton
Participate in a guided snowshoe hike at Lake Easton Sno-Park every Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m. starting Dec. 26 through mid-March.
In Cle Elum
Enjoy an exhibition of the Milwaukee Railroad history housed in the original depot every Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 p.m., starting Dec. 26 through mid-March.
In Vantage
Learn about Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park's geology every Sunday at 12 p.m. through mid-March.
|
|
 Pearrygin Lake State Park
|
|
Which state park is a must-visit in 2026? |
|
|
This month we asked our staff, 'what state park is on your must-visit list in 2026, and why?' Hopefully, our staff's suggestions will give you some ideas for your own 2026 adventures.
"Fort Casey in January. Grayland in May. Pearrygin in August, with a quick stop by Curlew. Fields Spring in September. Mostly new stops with a couple that have my heart." -Kerri, Customer Service Manager
"Dosewallips State Park and Rasar State Park. My goal is to stay at the cabins at these parks so I can have a basecamp to explore these parks and hike some of the surrounding trails in these more remote areas that a day trip would be too long for." -Locksley, Environmental Program Specialist
"Lake Wenatchee in late summer, early fall (early August through mid-October). The warm wind off the lake and the beautiful setting make me always come back for more....in the winter when I bring cross-country skis and schluss along, just feet from the lake. Gorgeous!" -Suzanne, Lake Sammamish Program Specialist
"For me, it's Curlew, Conconully, Gardner Cave, a night in the Quartz Mountain fire lookout at Mount Spokane and pedaling the far eastern segment of Palouse to Cascades Trail. Basically, a week exploring our parks in the far NE." -Meryl, Communications Consultant
"Goldendale Observatory — my 9yo daughter is very into astronomy and got a telescope as an early x-mas present. The observatory is on the list for this year for sure — maybe spring break? Combine with some wildflower touring! But first we gotta hit the Sno-Parks for xc skiing, sledding, etc. We just need some snow!" -Nathan, Environmental Steward
"For me, it's Pearrygin Lake by a mile! One of our staff members submitted a staff photo (see above) of the snow-covered mountains towering above the yellow hills that blew my mind. I had no idea how beautiful that area was and now it's top of my list to go out there and see it for myself." -Sarah, Communications Manager
Got some inspo? Head to our website to check out the suggested parks.
|
|
 Fort Flagler State Park
Plan your beach getaway now! You can start making reservations at Fort Flagler’s beach campground all year long for arrival dates beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Prior to this change, the campground would transition to first-come, first-served camping from October to April.
Now, you can make sure you have a campsite waiting for you at one of Washington’s most popular state parks where you can spend the night at a historic military fort along a stunning saltwater coastline. Book now!
|
|
 Goldendale Observatory State Park
|
|
|
Not too fond of the wet, cold weather? We get it — but that doesn't mean you have to stop visiting state parks in the winter. A few of our parks offer year-round inside activities, you just have to know where to look.
Come experience the gorgeous overlook at the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center of the Columbia River or retrace the journey of the Corps of Discovery at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Peer through one of the largest amateur-built telescopes in the country at Goldendale Observatory or learn about fort and military life at the turn of the 20th century at the Fort Flagler Museum.
Many interpretive and visitor centers are open year-round; others are open seasonally — make sure to check their hours before you head out.
Take interpretation to the next level
Do you enjoy meeting new people, learning about state parks, sharing stories and helping visitors connect with Washington’s incredible natural, cultural and historic treasures?
Washington State Parks is looking for Interpretive Hosts — volunteers who support park staff in welcoming guests, protecting resources and bringing history and nature to life.
Each park offers a different interpretive hosting experience. Interpretive hosts may open/close interpretive centers or historic sites, help with tours, work in gift shops or support ranger programs.
If you're interested, please visit our website for more info or to apply.
 Riverside State Park
Spokanites and visitors to Riverside who use mobility devices can now use our all-terrain, motorized Action Trackchair at Riverside State Park.
Book a 90-minute timeslot and take the Trackchair for a spin on two trails in the Trautman Conservation Area. There will be one morning and one afternoon timeslot available on Mondays and Fridays. The Trackchair must be reserved in advance, and temps below 25° or snow over 4" will cancel chair operations, so please call the park office for more information and book your timeslot at (509) 465-5064. If the park doesn’t answer, please leave a message and staff will call you back as soon as they can.
 Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
Want hands-on experience in environmental education and park interpretation? We're looking for an Interpretive Naturalist Intern for the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center.
Intern duties will include, welcoming visitors, assisting with school field trips, supporting youth group programs and even pitching in on light trail and visitor center maintenance. It's a great way to learn, meet people and spend time in a beautiful state park.
Apply now!
|
|
|
Always check for park alerts and closures before heading out on an adventure!
Before you finalize your trip plans, make sure your checklist includes reviewing current conditions of your destination. Here are a couple of active alerts to be aware of:
Cape Disappointment's camping is closed entirely until late spring 2026 while the park undergoes major renovations. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, North Head Lighthouse area, Beard's Hollow, Waikiki Beach and the North Jetty will remain open during construction.
Recent weather events have caused wash outs and flooding in some parks. Conditions can change quickly, so be sure to check alerts on our website before you visit.
Check the full list of alerts here.
|
|
 Beacon Rock State Park
|
|
Get outside on the first Discover Pass free day of the year
Every year we designate 12 days when you don’t need a Discover Pass to park on state-managed lands. Get outside on the first Discover Pass free day of the year — Jan. 1, 2026.
Here is the full list of the 2026 Discover Pass free days:
- Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day & First Day Hikes
- Jan. 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- March 9 - Billy Frank Jr.'s Birthday
- March 19 - State Parks’ Birthday
- April 22 - Earth Day
- June 6 - Free Fishing Weekend
- June 7 - Free Fishing Weekend
- June 19 - Juneteenth
- Aug. 9 - Smokey Bear's Birthday
- Sept. 26 - National Public Lands Day
- Oct. 10 - World Mental Health Day
- Nov. 11 - Veterans Day
|
|
|
|
|
