Fall-themed events are brewing at parks!

While most parks slow down this month, a little bird ? or bat ? whispered in our ear about Halloween, harvest and special park events.

Simmering in the cauldron this month:

• Cama Beach ? Harvest Festival, noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 22. Toy boats and craft making throughout the month.
• Fort Casey ? The Haunted Fort is baaaack, noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 22, 23, 29 and 30. Living history events will return Veterans? Day weekend.
• Fort Flagler ? ***Correction*** -?River otter beach walk, 10 a.m., Oct. 19. Evening orca presentation 7 p.m., Oct. 29.
• Millersylvania State Park - Mushroom Walk and Arts Workshop! 1 - 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 29.
• Goldendale Observatory ? Eclipse viewing midnight to 6 a.m., Nov. 8 (in-person or on?YouTube).
• Riverside State Park - Stay healthy with fun family races:?
  
  • Oct. 15 - Bridge to Brunch and Socktober Dash
  • Oct. 16 - Wild Moose Chase
  • Oct. 23 - Selkirk (costumed) Mounted Orienteering (equestrian)
  • Nov. 5 - 6 - Spokane Dirt Rondy (dog-powered)

For updates and last-minute additions, check our Calendar of Events, or else? muuuahhhahaha!

Winter is Coming. Are you Ready?

Seasonal parks prep for winter hibernation

Tis the season. Okay, almost.

Several parks, notably those that get snow, close between late October and early April. A few of these parks stay open as Sno-Parks, but most shut their campgrounds until spring.

Please check the winter schedule at your destination of choice before making plans.

Sno-Park passes go on sale Nov. 1

If winter?s your jam, you?re probably psyched for snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and throwing snowballs! Things get real Nov. 1 when 2022-23 Sno-Park passes go on sale.

Buy season permits online, or from a nearby vendor, and follow WAStatePks_WNTR on Twitter for openings, weather, road conditions, grooming schedules, tips, resources and more!

See history through new eyes at the Spokane House!

Visitors to the Spokane House at Riverside State Park will see history through a new lens. Volunteer artist Shaun Deller finished a set of colorful murals last month to - literally - paint an accurate view of the Spokane Tribe in 1810. Shaun donated 400-plus hours to create the murals, which show the Tribe?s focus on family, the Spokane River?s abundant salmon, first contact between the Tribe and NorthWest Company and ensuing competition for the fur trade. Come visit the interpretive center and see for yourself! ?

Planning an off-season vacay? Our blog offers how-tos for rain camping, solo camping, road trips and more! Curious about solo camping? With a little preparation, you should be ready to roll!?Get ideas and inspiration from our staffer Emily and her dog Scout, who tried it for the first time this summer. Take a vacation, even in the rain!?Rent cabins, Adirondack shelters, yurts, vacation homes or bring your RV or camping gear and stay snug as a bug in a rug! Find the last fall foliage of 2022, or plan for 2023 with this handy hiking guide! Check out our Olympic Peninsula road trip itinerary - or create your own loop using year-round state parks! Don?t forget: Check park schedules to make sure your destination is open!

Parks reaches out to youth

Washington State Parks NW
Region Office is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic youth, ages 14-18, to?improve Washington state parks!

Provide staff with opinions on how the agency?can engage and be more effective with young people!

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