Take a hike just about anywhere in the state of Washington and you likely won’t be disappointed. As most Washington residents will tell you, there is nothing quite like the beauty of the pacific northwest. From the endless greenery, to the statuesque mountains, hiking in Washington is a must. With 158 state parks to choose from, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which park is best to visit. Look no further because I will cover the top 10 Washington State Parks to visit the next time you find yourself in “The Evergreen State”.
Dosewallips State Park
A short ferry ride from Seattle or a drive along the peninsula—lined with beautiful rain forests—will get you to Dosewallips State Park , known best perhaps for oyster shucking opportunities. Enjoy all that Washington has to offer—the fresh ocean breeze, clean air, and picturesque mountain scenery all in a visit to Dosewallips State Park. This 425-acre, year-round camping park features 5,500 feet of saltwater shoreline on Hood Canal and 5,400 feet of freshwater shoreline on either side of the Dosewallips River. Aside from fresh and saltwater activities there are also plenty of hiking, birding, and camping opportunities.
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Hike the 3.5-mile Steam Donkey Trail which loops through the forest, along creeks, and the Dosewallips River. Best time of year to check out this trail is in the spring for better weather and a better chance to view wildlife.
Larrabee State Park
Hike the Chuckanut Mountains by visiting Larrabee State Park . This is the only spot in Washington where mountains meet the Sound, making it a unique spot to explore. A stroll along Clayton Beach will take you along the waters edge while The Fragrance Lake Trail climbs a steep 1000 feet in just over two miles. Larrabee State Park boasts 2,684-acres with 8,100-feet of saltwater shoreline on Samish Bay. The park features two freshwater lakes, coves, and tidelands.
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The Rock Trail was recently built from scratch thanks to the Washington Trails Association. A group of dedicated volunteers spent countless hours creating this trail which now provides hikers with stunning views and a chance to view the area’s fascinating geology.
Moran State Park
Moran State Park is huge; in fact, it is the fourth largest State Park in Washington. Miles of trails make this destination ideal for mountain bikers, hikers, and horses in some areas during certain seasons. Moran State Park features 5,252-acres and 30 miles of hiking trails. Visit the 2,409-foot Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands where you can visit a stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation corps in 1936. From the tower you can see sweeping views of the surrounding island, and the Cascade Mountains.
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The Mountain Lake to Mt. Constitution Summit trail features strenuous switchbacks, yet the views from the top make the trek worth it.
Wallace Falls State Park
Wallace Falls State Park features 4,735-acres with shoreline on the Wallace River, Wallace Lake, Jay Lake, Shaw Lake, and the Skykomish River. But perhaps the biggest draw to Wallace Falls State Park is some of the most rewarding views of the forest, river, and waterfalls accessible within an hour or so from Seattle. The most notable waterfall is the 265-foot “Middle Falls. Three other spectacular waterfalls are found within a three-mile hike of the entrance of the park. Due to the popularity of this park, it is best to visit early as the parking lot fills by 11 a.m.
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A trip to Wallace Falls State Park wouldn’t be complete without the hike to Wallace Falls. The Woody Trail offers consistently gorgeous views along the way of the Wallace River and the nine breathtaking waterfalls.
Deception Pass State Park
Many Washington residents cite Deception Pass State Park as their favorite park and for good reason. This 4,134-acre marine and camping park features breathtaking views, old-growth forests, an abundance of wildlife, sand dunes, and 174 varieties of birds. Whether you’re into laying on the beach, hiking, camping, camping, or fishing, this state park has something for everyone. Take a walk along the famous, narrow Deception Pass Bridge—unless you are claustrophobic.
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Hike to the highest point on Whidbey Island for stunning views near and afar along the North Beach Trail to the Perimeter Trail to get to Goose Rock.
Cape Disappointment State Park
Don’t be fooled by this state park’s name, Cape Disappointment will certainly not disappoint. Formerly known as Fort Canby State Park, this 1,862-acre camping part sits on the Long Beach Peninsula and offers two miles of ocean beach and hiking trails. From old-growth forest to lakes, streams, and tidelands along the ocean, there is not only plenty to do at Cape Disappointment but also plenty to see. Be sure to also check out the two lighthouses, one of which is under active control of the US Coast Guard but still accessible to visitors, and interpretive center.
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Hike to the most-frequently photographed lighthouse, North Head, along the North Head Trail that travels through lush coastal rainforest and towering Sitka spruce. The trail ends at the lighthouse’s keeper’s quarters. If you follow the trail a little past this you will reach the base of the North Head Lighthouse.
Sacajawea State Park
Itching for some history? Then come visit Sacajawea State Park , a park named after a Shoshone woman, Sacagawea, who was an active member of the Lewis and Clark expedition and married French-Canadian interpreter and explorer Toussaint Charbonneau. The park’s Sacajawea Interpretive Center features exhibits about her and history on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Aside from the rich history of the park (the expedition camped here on October 16, 1805), the park also features activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, bird watching, waterskiing, and horseshoes.
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The 23-mile paved Sacagawea Heritage trail travels the Columbia River through all three Tri-cities and across two vehicle bridges. If 23 miles sounds a little too long to hike, consider biking this trail to reap the rewarding sights found along this trail.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is home to one of the greatest geological wonders in the United States—a former waterfall which is now a start cliff 400 feet high and 3.5 miles wide. Bak in the Ice Age days, this waterfall once was four times the size of Niagara Falls just to put this one-time wonder into perspective. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park may no longer have a massive waterfall but it does have hiking trails, boating, horse rentals, and even a nine-hole golf course and a miniature golf course.
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Although the Lenore Lake Caves Trail is only 1.5 miles long, it is possible to spend most of the day exploring the caves and coulee country that surrounds Lenore Lake. The caves, created during the Great Missoula flood, is still used by Native Americans as a sacred area and gathering ground. Hikers are welcome to explore this area, and are encouraged to.
Fort Flagler State Park
Like several other Washington State Parks, Fort Flagler is rich with history. What was once part of the Harbor of Defense of Puget Sound at the turn of the 19 th century, has since been acquired by the Washington State Department of Parks and Recreation in 1955. The 750-acre state park still encompasses the fort’s original boundaries and now offers over a dozen hiking trails through the park, forests, and along the bluff overlooking Admiralty Inlet and Port Townsend Bay. 10 historic gun batteries have been maintained over the years and are also ready to be explored. At just two hours northwest of Seattle, there aren’t many reasons to not check out Fort Flagler State Park.
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Hiking with history is easy to find at Fort Flagler State Park, especially along the Loop Hike Trail. This 5-mile loop hike begins on the stony beach and features views across to Port Townsend in one direction and Whidbey Island in the other.
Steamboat Rock State Park
There is a reason why many people claim Steamboat Rock State Park is the best in Washington. For one, the camp grounds are ideal: great spacing, adequate privacy, swimming areas, a jungle gym for kids, and even a convenience store for supplies. Boats can be docked right near camp sites, and just steps away is the trailhead for the infamous scramble to Steamboat Rock. There is something for everyone to enjoy here. Nature lovers will appreciate the shrub-steppe desert surrounding Banks Lake and the beautiful basalt formations along Route 155 through the Grand Coulee. If you’re into dams, the Grand Coulee Dam is just a few miles up the road. Birders can watch red-tailed hawks and Bald Eagles flying overhead.
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The hype is real, the hike to Steamboat Rock is truly astounding. Photos of the rock confirm the rave review. The 4-mile Steamboat Rock Trail takes you on top of a rocky butte with views of impressive basalt cliffs, and the deep blue Banks Lake.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia , Wikipedia , Wikipedia , Vineesh Devasia , Amit Chattopadhyay , Sam Beebe , Wikipedia , Wikipedia , Abhinaba Basu , Niccie King
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