Folk and Traditional Arts Program Continues to Foster Old Traditions while Facilitating New Celebrations with New Director Makaela Kroin Celebrating diversity, increasing access, and expanding the narrative are all big concepts that may be easier said than done. But Makaela Kroin knows what she’s doing. She came to state parks in January, 2018 with years of experience in public folklore… Read More

Thanks to you, we’ve been able to fund twice as many Park Improvement Projects as last year, with 20 amazing new projects across the state.  These projects will bring improvements to your favorite parks in 2018. In the face of ever-diminishing governmental support for our extraordinary collection of State Parks, the little things often get cut from the… Read More

This spring, in a brand new collaboration, veterans in Eastern Washington will have new opportunities on the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Since 2005, the Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) has engaged in projects that connect restoration work with ecotherapy throughout Washington State, but veterans in Eastern Washington could benefit from further opportunities. In a new collaboration between the Washington… Read More

Join the Spokane Nordic Ski Association on Sunday, March 11, 2018 for the annual Spokane Nordic Challenge Unlike Mount Spokane’s annual 38-years-running 10 km Langlauf (German for “cross country skiing”), held each February, the Loppet (from Norwegian løpet, “ski marathon”) is an event characterized by long trails for cross country skiers. Participants in the Loppet may… Read More

Access to green space is a hot topic these days. Cities worldwide are making efforts to bring more green to the people, and some are even implementing policies that guarantee public access to parks on per-person or per-square-mile kinds of bases. But city parks can be really small—“maybe one square mile or less,” points out… Read More

Whether you’re ready for the snow or prefer to stick to those lower elevations, Washington State Parks are host to a varied array of adventures to brighten your winter.  A good snowpack can activate countless winter activities. Remember to check avalanche conditions, be winter-driving ready, bring food and water and get your Sno-Park Permit. Click… Read More

Skijoring is an ancient form of transportation originating in Scandinavia. Etymologically, it comes from the Norwegian ski, ski, and kjøring, driving. Skijoring involves a human on cross country skis and one to two dogs, or a horse. While skijoring by horse hasn’t yet caught on in our state parks, skijoring is increasingly enjoyed on Washington’s… Read More

Don your wool socks, grab your shovels, and get to the beach. Razor clam season is officially open for business from January 28 through February 3, with promise for many further openings this winter. Washington’s state parks with clamming potential include Pacific Beach, Griffiths-Priday, Ocean City, Westhaven, Westport Light, Twin Harbors, Grayland Beach, Leadbetter Point, Pacific… Read More

Thanks in part to community support, one of our original state parks undergoes an historic restoration. Each of Washington’s State Parks boasts a rich, unique history, and the Jackson House State Park Heritage Site is no exception. The park was one of two first acquisitions (along with Larrabee State Park) back in 1915 by the newly formed Board of Park… Read More