News
Donor Support Makes Check Out Washington Program a Success
Because of our donor’s generosity, we were able to launch of the Check Out
Parks Improvement Projects Updates for 2019
Through the generosity of our donors, Washington State Parks Foundation provided awards to all state parks
Mount St Helens Visitor Center Hosts Summer Naturalist
Because of our donor’s support, as well as funding from the National Association of
Fort Worden’s Trails Restored!
Because of generous donors, Ft. Worden’s trails are so much better! Gifts to Washington State Parks
Arts in the Parks 2019
Because of donor support, this summer featured more amazing events than ever! Our wonderful
Journey to the Parks Virtual Field Trips
We are proud to highlight our successful Journey to the Parks program. At a cost of $1.92 per student we provided over 15,600 school kids with education programs and virtual field trips to state parks where they learned from experts in orca behavior and marine ecology.
Explore interactive data
Advocacy: How does Washington State Parks compare with other state parks systems? We have
Herstory: Esther Stark Maltby
In honor of Women’s History Month, each week in March we are celebrating the roles of women in protecting, restoring and donating Washington State parklands and historic sites that they donated for future generations – places for you and me.
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
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.