It’s so easy to take our beautiful spaces for granted here in Washington – everywhere we look, there’s another stunning view or gorgeous river. Here are some underappreciated state parks in Washington that are well worth your time.
- Beacon Rock State Park
Nicole L,/TripAdvisor Beacon Rock State Park is located in the Columbia Gorge region of Washington, and it definitely offers a one-of-a-kind stunning view. Wind your way up the side of the mountain on a one-mile hike that takes you 848 feet up. Other hikes take you to some beautiful waterfalls, and you can even mountain bike here. For more information about Beacon Rock State Park, please visit its website. Beacon Rock State Park, 34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
- Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
Kathy F./Yelp This pretty park is tucked into the trees on the south end of Lake Chelan. This 235-acre park is best explored via boat, and you can also stay overnight at the campground. Take a look at its website to learn more about the potential outdoor adventures available at this park. Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, 20530 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816, USA
- Fort Worden Historical State Park
willpwr1/TripAdvisor Fort Worden was once a bustling place with 1,000 soldiers stationed here to protect and defend Puget Sound. Today, it’s a historical park that offers a self-guided tour that will teach you all about the important history of this special place. Tour the lighthouse and stop by for a meal at the Guard House Pub, too. To find out more about all the available accommodations, check out the Fort Worden website. Fort Worden Historical State Park, 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
- Camano Island State Park
Brian W./TripAdvisor Camano Island is less crowded than others in the Puget Sound area, and it offers plenty of quiet relaxation. The 224-acre park offers 6,700 feet of shoreline, plus some beautiful forest hiking trails. Explore Saratoga Passage by boat, go crabbing, fishing and sailboarding. Check out this website for the scoop on all the great activities on the water at Camano Island. Camano Island State Park, 2269 Lowell Point Rd, Camano, WA 98282, USA
- Sacajawea Historical State Park
grandslamhomer/TripAdvisor You’ll find Sacajawea State Park where the Snake and Columbia rivers meet. Explore 9,100 feet of shoreline and visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center to learn all about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and Sacajawea’s contributions. For more information about the park itself, check out the Sacajawea State Park website. Sacajawea Historical State Park, 2503 Sacajawea Park Rd, Pasco, WA 99301, USA
- Birch Bay State Park
sunandsurf11/TripAdvisor Visit Birch Bay State Park, where you’ll enjoy both saltwater and freshwater activities. Go clamming or crabbing and spend some time on the beach. Explore the Terrell Creek Marsh and watch for wildlife. To plan your trip to Birch Bay State Park, check out its website. Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, USA
- Rockport State Park
fedjoe/TripAdvisor The forest here is pristine and untouched - trees reach as high as 250 feet. Take a guided ranger walk to learn all about the park and its amazing trees. You’ll find hiking trails suitable for everyone in your party - everything from strenuous hikes to an easy, interpretive trail. If you plan on visiting this exciting and rare ecosystem, you can visit this website for more information about the park’s hiking trails and other activities. Rockport State Park, 51905 State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283, USA
- Joseph Whidbey State Park
Heidi S./TripAdvisor One of Whidbey Island’s most beautiful beaches is found at Joseph Whidbey State Park - you’ll fall in love with this place for sure. This day-use park doesn’t offer camping but has plenty of picnic spots. Visit the Joseph Whidbey State Park website for more information on all the outdoor activities you can enjoy at one of the best underappreciated state parks in Washington. Joseph Whidbey State Park, 1755 Crosby Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA
- Dosewallips State Park
Inga K./Yelp This park has plenty of hiking opportunities, with five miles of trails, but the real draw? Fresh oysters and clams! Make sure to pick up a recreational license if you want to harvest some shellfish for your dinner, then grab a bucket and gather ’em up! The park also has a campground so you can stay overnight. For information about the trails, camping, and water activities available, please visit the Dosewallips State Park website. Dosewallips State Park, 306996 US-101, Brinnon, WA 98320, USA
- Leadbetter Point State Park
Jo_Lee_Spain/TripAdvisor This little park is often overlooked in favor of some more famous spots in the area, which is exactly why you need to put it on your bucket list! It’s a day-use park with five miles of beach so you can stroll to your heart’s content. To see the rules of the park and the potential wildlife you can encounter, please visit the website for Leadbetter Point State Park. Leadbetter Point State Park, 31205 J Pl, Ocean Park, WA 98640, USA
- Palouse Falls State Park
Alisa S./TripAdvisor Palouse Falls plunges 198 feet into the canyon below. Take a hike, and watch for the interpretive panels that tell you all about the canyon’s history and geology. You can stay overnight in the campground - its 11 sites are primitive, tent-only spaces. Visit the park’s website to get more information about the park’s natural beauty and other features. Palouse Falls State Park, Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, USA
- Lime Kiln Point
Shawna M./TripAdvisor This park, with its stunning bluffs and rugged coastline, is one of the best places for whale watching in the world. Visit between May and September to see pods of humpback and minke whales, who chase the salmon run to feed here. Visit the Lime Kiln Interpretive Center to learn all about these gentle giants, and spend a day kayaking or hiking. For more information about all available activities, please visit the Lime Kiln Point website. Lime Kiln Point State Park, 1567 West Side Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
Have you visited any of these underappreciated state parks in Washington? Tell us more about the best state parks to visit in Washington!
Nicole L,/TripAdvisor
Beacon Rock State Park is located in the Columbia Gorge region of Washington, and it definitely offers a one-of-a-kind stunning view. Wind your way up the side of the mountain on a one-mile hike that takes you 848 feet up. Other hikes take you to some beautiful waterfalls, and you can even mountain bike here. For more information about Beacon Rock State Park, please visit its website.
Beacon Rock State Park, 34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
Kathy F./Yelp
This pretty park is tucked into the trees on the south end of Lake Chelan. This 235-acre park is best explored via boat, and you can also stay overnight at the campground. Take a look at its website to learn more about the potential outdoor adventures available at this park.
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, 20530 S Lakeshore Rd, Chelan, WA 98816, USA
willpwr1/TripAdvisor
Fort Worden was once a bustling place with 1,000 soldiers stationed here to protect and defend Puget Sound. Today, it’s a historical park that offers a self-guided tour that will teach you all about the important history of this special place. Tour the lighthouse and stop by for a meal at the Guard House Pub, too. To find out more about all the available accommodations, check out the Fort Worden website.
Fort Worden Historical State Park, 200 Battery Way, Port Townsend, WA 98368, USA
Brian W./TripAdvisor
Camano Island is less crowded than others in the Puget Sound area, and it offers plenty of quiet relaxation. The 224-acre park offers 6,700 feet of shoreline, plus some beautiful forest hiking trails. Explore Saratoga Passage by boat, go crabbing, fishing and sailboarding. Check out this website for the scoop on all the great activities on the water at Camano Island.
Camano Island State Park, 2269 Lowell Point Rd, Camano, WA 98282, USA
grandslamhomer/TripAdvisor
You’ll find Sacajawea State Park where the Snake and Columbia rivers meet. Explore 9,100 feet of shoreline and visit the Sacajawea Interpretive Center to learn all about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and Sacajawea’s contributions. For more information about the park itself, check out the Sacajawea State Park website.
Sacajawea Historical State Park, 2503 Sacajawea Park Rd, Pasco, WA 99301, USA
sunandsurf11/TripAdvisor
Visit Birch Bay State Park, where you’ll enjoy both saltwater and freshwater activities. Go clamming or crabbing and spend some time on the beach. Explore the Terrell Creek Marsh and watch for wildlife. To plan your trip to Birch Bay State Park, check out its website.
Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, USA
fedjoe/TripAdvisor
The forest here is pristine and untouched - trees reach as high as 250 feet. Take a guided ranger walk to learn all about the park and its amazing trees. You’ll find hiking trails suitable for everyone in your party - everything from strenuous hikes to an easy, interpretive trail. If you plan on visiting this exciting and rare ecosystem, you can visit this website for more information about the park’s hiking trails and other activities.
Rockport State Park, 51905 State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283, USA
Heidi S./TripAdvisor
One of Whidbey Island’s most beautiful beaches is found at Joseph Whidbey State Park - you’ll fall in love with this place for sure. This day-use park doesn’t offer camping but has plenty of picnic spots. Visit the Joseph Whidbey State Park website for more information on all the outdoor activities you can enjoy at one of the best underappreciated state parks in Washington.
Joseph Whidbey State Park, 1755 Crosby Rd, Oak Harbor, WA 98277, USA
Inga K./Yelp
This park has plenty of hiking opportunities, with five miles of trails, but the real draw? Fresh oysters and clams! Make sure to pick up a recreational license if you want to harvest some shellfish for your dinner, then grab a bucket and gather ’em up! The park also has a campground so you can stay overnight. For information about the trails, camping, and water activities available, please visit the Dosewallips State Park website.
Dosewallips State Park, 306996 US-101, Brinnon, WA 98320, USA
Jo_Lee_Spain/TripAdvisor
This little park is often overlooked in favor of some more famous spots in the area, which is exactly why you need to put it on your bucket list! It’s a day-use park with five miles of beach so you can stroll to your heart’s content. To see the rules of the park and the potential wildlife you can encounter, please visit the website for Leadbetter Point State Park.
Leadbetter Point State Park, 31205 J Pl, Ocean Park, WA 98640, USA
Alisa S./TripAdvisor
Palouse Falls plunges 198 feet into the canyon below. Take a hike, and watch for the interpretive panels that tell you all about the canyon’s history and geology. You can stay overnight in the campground - its 11 sites are primitive, tent-only spaces. Visit the park’s website to get more information about the park’s natural beauty and other features.
Palouse Falls State Park, Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, USA
Shawna M./TripAdvisor
This park, with its stunning bluffs and rugged coastline, is one of the best places for whale watching in the world. Visit between May and September to see pods of humpback and minke whales, who chase the salmon run to feed here. Visit the Lime Kiln Interpretive Center to learn all about these gentle giants, and spend a day kayaking or hiking. For more information about all available activities, please visit the Lime Kiln Point website.
Lime Kiln Point State Park, 1567 West Side Rd, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Underappreciated State Parks In Washington February 04, 2022 Seirra Peace What are the best outdoor adventures in Washington? There is no shortage of potential adventure in the state of Washington. If you are an avid photographer, you’ll definitely get some amazing shots at Steptoe Butte State Park in Colfax. The gorgeous panoramic views and rolling hills will surely take your breath away and provide artistic inspiration. For a destination that has something for everyone to enjoy, check out Riverside State Park in Nine Mile Falls. Located near Spokane, Washington’s second-largest state park has hiking trails, campsites, a suspension bridge, and more! What are the most easily accessible hikes in Washington? If you’re looking for an easier hike with amazing scenery, do not miss this trail that leads to Rocky Brook Falls. Less than half a mile in length, this hike will take you along a rushing stream and end at a gigantic waterfall. The pool at the bottom makes a great swimming hole to enjoy when it’s warm out. The Hall of Mosses Trail located in the Hoh Rainforest is another terrific option. At about a mile in length, you’ll easily understand why this mossy forest area is one of the Seven Wonders of Washington! What are the best campgrounds in Washington? With so much natural beauty in this state, it’s tempting to spend as much time as possible in the outdoors. Luckily, there are several campgrounds available to pitch your tent at or set up your RV! Check out this list of some of the best places to camp in Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Underappreciated State Parks In Washington
February 04, 2022
Seirra Peace
What are the best outdoor adventures in Washington? There is no shortage of potential adventure in the state of Washington. If you are an avid photographer, you’ll definitely get some amazing shots at Steptoe Butte State Park in Colfax. The gorgeous panoramic views and rolling hills will surely take your breath away and provide artistic inspiration. For a destination that has something for everyone to enjoy, check out Riverside State Park in Nine Mile Falls. Located near Spokane, Washington’s second-largest state park has hiking trails, campsites, a suspension bridge, and more! What are the most easily accessible hikes in Washington? If you’re looking for an easier hike with amazing scenery, do not miss this trail that leads to Rocky Brook Falls. Less than half a mile in length, this hike will take you along a rushing stream and end at a gigantic waterfall. The pool at the bottom makes a great swimming hole to enjoy when it’s warm out. The Hall of Mosses Trail located in the Hoh Rainforest is another terrific option. At about a mile in length, you’ll easily understand why this mossy forest area is one of the Seven Wonders of Washington! What are the best campgrounds in Washington? With so much natural beauty in this state, it’s tempting to spend as much time as possible in the outdoors. Luckily, there are several campgrounds available to pitch your tent at or set up your RV! Check out this list of some of the best places to camp in Washington.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There is no shortage of potential adventure in the state of Washington. If you are an avid photographer, you’ll definitely get some amazing shots at Steptoe Butte State Park in Colfax. The gorgeous panoramic views and rolling hills will surely take your breath away and provide artistic inspiration. For a destination that has something for everyone to enjoy, check out Riverside State Park in Nine Mile Falls. Located near Spokane, Washington’s second-largest state park has hiking trails, campsites, a suspension bridge, and more!
What are the most easily accessible hikes in Washington?
If you’re looking for an easier hike with amazing scenery, do not miss this trail that leads to Rocky Brook Falls. Less than half a mile in length, this hike will take you along a rushing stream and end at a gigantic waterfall. The pool at the bottom makes a great swimming hole to enjoy when it’s warm out. The Hall of Mosses Trail located in the Hoh Rainforest is another terrific option. At about a mile in length, you’ll easily understand why this mossy forest area is one of the Seven Wonders of Washington!
What are the best campgrounds in Washington?
With so much natural beauty in this state, it’s tempting to spend as much time as possible in the outdoors. Luckily, there are several campgrounds available to pitch your tent at or set up your RV! Check out this list of some of the best places to camp in Washington.
