News

20 Park Improvement Project Grant Awards

Through the generosity of our donors Washington State Parks Foundation provides awards to 20 state parks that requested support. Tap on photos below to learn about some recent grants and note the list for parks that will be improved for your visits next summer.

Kathy Casey’s Camp-In Home Fiesta: Jalapeño-Cheddar Corn Bread with Honey Butter

More Recipes from Kathy Casey

Kathy Casey’s Camp-In Home Fiesta: Slow-Cooker Black Bean Chili

More Recipes from Kathy Casey

Honey Marshmallows

Recipe © Kathy Casey Food Studios®. More Recipes from Kathy Casey

S’mores Style Red Wine Sipping Chocolate

More Recipes from Kathy Casey

Skiing with Dogs

Skijoring is an ancient form of transportation originating in Scandinavia. Etymologically, it comes from the Norwegian ski, ski, and kjøring, driving.

Veterans get to work at state parks

Three veterans will mark this Veterans’ Day as part of the Veterans Conservation Corps (VCC) Park Champions Program.

Communities Enjoy Arts in the Parks

Folk and Traditional Arts Program Continues to Foster Old Traditions while Facilitating New Celebrations with New Director Makaela Kroin

Announcing Park Improvement Project grants!

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.

Military veterans restore Palouse to Cascades Trail

With your support veterans in Eastern Washington have new opportunities on the Palouse to Cascades Trail.

Spring inspirations for your next trip

Spring is upon us and its time to migrate over to your favorite state park to get in touch with the natural world.

Veterans Take on Restoring Parks

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.

We Celebrate the Passage of the State Capital Budget

We are pleased to report that the legislature passed a capital budget that Governor Inslee has signed and which will provide over $53M for state parks construction and improvement projects across the state.

UW’s Shelby Logsdon Sets Out to Collect and Analyze State Park Data

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.

Winter’s Not Over Yet (and That’s a Good Thing) – 9 tips to get outside

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.

Let’s Go Clamming! Your get outside guide

Razor clam season is officially open for business from January 28 through February 3, with promise for many further openings this winter.

Park Improvement Highlight: The Jackson House

Each of Washington’s State Parks boasts a rich, unique history, and the Jackson House State Park Heritage Site is no exception.

Last minute tips for summer camping

Do you have summer camping plans? State Parks could close if lawmakers don’t reach a budget by July 1.

Your Guide To Winter Escapes at Washington State Parks

There’s no need to wait until spring or summer to enjoy your Washington State Parks. Washington winters present cool, peaceful, and exciting opportunities to get outside.

It’s November – let’s opt outside to State Parks & prepare for winter trips

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is coming up soon. We are so thankful to live in a place with 125 state parks and where so many people love these parks and are committed to supporting these special places for everyone to enjoy.

Razor clamming is fun for everyone

Recreational razor clamming is one of the most popular licensed outdoor recreational activities in Washington State and enjoys a long season from Fall to Spring.

Fall Fun Times at State Parks

Autumn is a wonderful season to fall in love with Washington State Parks. There are so many great things to see and do – without the summer crowds!

Local Conservationist Hikes the Green River Gorge from Kanaskat-Palmer to Flaming Geyser State Park

A long time advocate for Green River Gorge conservation, Lisa Parsons, recently reached her goal of hiking the entire Green River Gorge from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park to Flaming Geyser State Park.

Families can Unplug and Play Outside at Cama Beach State Park

Hear from a young Seattle mother of three, Carrie Yuan, as she shares charming stories, heartwarming photos and a lovely video of her first family trip to this enchanting park.

Pacific Northwest Lighthouse Adventures with WSPF Photographer, AJ Barse

Hear from an award-winning Pacific Northwest photographer and friend of Washington State Parks Foundation, AJ Barse, as he describes four of his favorite lighthouses that can be enjoyed at or near Washington State Parks.

Five Life-changing Native Plants & Trees at Washington State Parks

Visitors to Washington State Parks can enjoy snacking on sweet wild berries along a trail, standing in-awe of a giant evergreen and encountering flowers only found in the wild.

Boeing Grant to WSPF Funds Bridge Construction at Willapa Hills Trail

Following the hurricane-force storm in December 2007 in Lewis County, Washington State Parks Foundation (WSPF) applied for and received a generous $100,000 grant from The Boeing Company to assist in repairing damaged segments of the Willapa Hills Trail.

Celebrate Willapa Hills State Park Trail Bridge Completions

Long-distance trails are important contributors to vibrant tourism, economic vitality, healthy outdoor recreation, and educational opportunities in Washington.

Returning Orca Swim to Classrooms across the Nation

Over 3,000 students in grades 2-7 joined Washington State Parks Foundation (WSPF) and Killer Whale Tales at Lime Kiln Point State Park on May 23-25 for Journey to the Parks: Songs of the Salish Sea

WSPF Awards Grants to Improve Eleven Parks

Park Improvement Grants are one way we are making a big difference at your state parks. From improved trails, to interpretive programs, to historic restoration, facilities repairs, and more; WSPF has announced in grants funding to support park improvements at eleven state parks.

Rare Jackalope Sighting at Riverside State Park

The jackalope is extremely rare and unfortunately rumored to be extinct. In scarce and special occurrences, visitors to Washington State Parks have reported witnessing herds of jackalope grazing and hopping through the eastern side of the state.

Catching Winter by the Trail

Spring is almost here, but when conditions are right you can enjoy the last taste of winter in Sno-Parks throughout Washington.

Razor Clam Digging Tides and Tips

Shoulder deep in a hole in the sand, waves crashing overhead and a hand on the prize – a delicious buttery razor clam.

Enhancing, protecting and advocating for Washington’s beautiful state parks

With over 124 park properties across the state, over 500 miles of hiking trails, vast stretches of coastline, mountain peaks, vibrant fields of wildflowers and over 700 historic structures, WSPF is the only state-wide organization committed to enhancing, protecting and advocating for Washington’s beautiful state parks.

Island camping by kayak

Imagine clear blue skies, salty sea air in your face, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound via an early autumn kayaking adventure trip up to peaceful and remote San Juan Islands state parks.

Coastal defense history at Manchester State Park

Manchester is one of seven Washington state parks that tell part of the fascinating story of coastal defense preparations in the 20th century. These state parks are: Manchester; Fort Columbia; Cape Disappointment (formerly known as Fort Canby); Fort Ebey (developed later for WWII); and the three sites that make up the “Triangle of Fire”: Fort Worden, Fort Flagler and Fort Casey.