For many Washingtonians, winter is a time to cozy up indoors. For the rest of us, however, it’s just another season to embrace all the natural beauty that the Evergreen State has to offer. Our state parks are open all year long, and many of them are gorgeous this time of year. For further proof of this, we’ve compiled a list of the very best state parks to visit in Washington during the winter. So bundle up, and let’s get exploring!
- Palouse Falls State Park
John Jennings / Flickr Our list of the best state parks to visit in Washington in the winter months is Palouse Falls State Park. Palouse Falls is Washington’s official state waterfall, and this park is stunning in any season. The snowcapped scenery makes the partially frozen falls stand out even more. Learn more about why Palouse Falls State Park belongs at the top of your winter bucket list. Palouse Falls State Park, Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, USA
- Deception Pass State Park
Selbe. / Flickr Located on Whidbey Island, Deception Pass has become an iconic spot to photograph, especially the bridge. Aside from the year-round camping cabins you can rent, there are plenty of places to explore on foot. In fact, many people consider Deception Pass State Park to be the single best state park in Washington. Deception Pass State Park, Washington 98277, USA
- Pearrygin Lake State Park
darkswede218 / TripAdvisor Pearrygin Lake State Park is located in the Winthrop area, and it’s perfect for breaking out those snowshoes or cross country skis. The park has rustic cabins you can rent year-round if you’d like to spend the night in this winter wonderland. Learn more about what makes Pearrygin Lake State Park one of the most beautiful state parks in Washington. Pearrygin Lake State Park, 561 Bear Creek Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
- Camano Island State Park
John Westrock / Flickr Need a little beach in your life? Mild winters and surprisingly bright seasonal sunrises and sunsets make this park a perfect pick for a winter day. There are 3 miles of hiking trails to help you cure your cabin fever. For an unforgettable Washington adventure, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to Camano Island State Park. Camano Island State Park Drive, Camano Island State Park Dr, Camano, WA 98282, USA
- Mount Rainier National Park
Nickay3111 / Flickr Technically this isn’t a state park, of course. But if you manage to make it to Mt. Rainier in the winter, it will take your breath away in more ways than one. For beautiful views of the area, take this gorgeous mountain trail in Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
What do you think about these beautiful state parks to visit in Washington during the winter? Are there any additional places that you’d add to the list? If so, feel free to let us know by leaving a comment below — we’d love to hear your thoughts!
John Jennings / Flickr
Our list of the best state parks to visit in Washington in the winter months is Palouse Falls State Park. Palouse Falls is Washington’s official state waterfall, and this park is stunning in any season. The snowcapped scenery makes the partially frozen falls stand out even more. Learn more about why Palouse Falls State Park belongs at the top of your winter bucket list.
Palouse Falls State Park, Palouse Falls Rd, LaCrosse, WA 99143, USA
Selbe. / Flickr
Located on Whidbey Island, Deception Pass has become an iconic spot to photograph, especially the bridge. Aside from the year-round camping cabins you can rent, there are plenty of places to explore on foot. In fact, many people consider Deception Pass State Park to be the single best state park in Washington.
Deception Pass State Park, Washington 98277, USA
darkswede218 / TripAdvisor
Pearrygin Lake State Park is located in the Winthrop area, and it’s perfect for breaking out those snowshoes or cross country skis. The park has rustic cabins you can rent year-round if you’d like to spend the night in this winter wonderland. Learn more about what makes Pearrygin Lake State Park one of the most beautiful state parks in Washington.
Pearrygin Lake State Park, 561 Bear Creek Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
John Westrock / Flickr
Need a little beach in your life? Mild winters and surprisingly bright seasonal sunrises and sunsets make this park a perfect pick for a winter day. There are 3 miles of hiking trails to help you cure your cabin fever. For an unforgettable Washington adventure, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to Camano Island State Park.
Camano Island State Park Drive, Camano Island State Park Dr, Camano, WA 98282, USA
Nickay3111 / Flickr
Technically this isn’t a state park, of course. But if you manage to make it to Mt. Rainier in the winter, it will take your breath away in more ways than one. For beautiful views of the area, take this gorgeous mountain trail in Mount Rainier National Park.
Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
There’s nothing like a Washington winter. Just look at this stunning snowy scenery.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in Washington January 09, 2022 Beth C. What are the best natural wonders to visit in Washington? As you’ve probably learned from the article above, Washington is filled with gorgeous natural scenery, no matter the season. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Evergreen State or are planning a visit for the first time, you might be curious as to what the best natural wonders to visit in Washington are. Well, we’ve got you covered! At the top of our list is Cape Flattery. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this gorgeous destination can be reached via a picturesque boardwalk trail. Upon arrival, you’ll be standing at the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. How incredible is that? Other destinations worth exploring include Spray Park in Ashford, Dr. Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, Lenore Lake Caves in the Soap Lake area, Hurricane Hill on the Olympic Peninsula, Horseshoe Lake, Tolmie Peak, Perfection Lake, the Hoh Rainforest, the Skyline Divide Trail, Priest Point Park in Olympia, Harry’s Ridge Trail near Toutle, and Bean Creek Basin by Cle Elum. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our previous article: 15 Must-See Places In Washington That Belong On Your Bucket List.
The OIYS Visitor Center
state parks to visit in Washington
January 09, 2022
Beth C.
What are the best natural wonders to visit in Washington? As you’ve probably learned from the article above, Washington is filled with gorgeous natural scenery, no matter the season. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Evergreen State or are planning a visit for the first time, you might be curious as to what the best natural wonders to visit in Washington are. Well, we’ve got you covered! At the top of our list is Cape Flattery. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this gorgeous destination can be reached via a picturesque boardwalk trail. Upon arrival, you’ll be standing at the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. How incredible is that? Other destinations worth exploring include Spray Park in Ashford, Dr. Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, Lenore Lake Caves in the Soap Lake area, Hurricane Hill on the Olympic Peninsula, Horseshoe Lake, Tolmie Peak, Perfection Lake, the Hoh Rainforest, the Skyline Divide Trail, Priest Point Park in Olympia, Harry’s Ridge Trail near Toutle, and Bean Creek Basin by Cle Elum. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our previous article: 15 Must-See Places In Washington That Belong On Your Bucket List.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
As you’ve probably learned from the article above, Washington is filled with gorgeous natural scenery, no matter the season. Whether you’re a lifelong resident of the Evergreen State or are planning a visit for the first time, you might be curious as to what the best natural wonders to visit in Washington are. Well, we’ve got you covered! At the top of our list is Cape Flattery. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this gorgeous destination can be reached via a picturesque boardwalk trail. Upon arrival, you’ll be standing at the northwesternmost point in the contiguous U.S. How incredible is that? Other destinations worth exploring include Spray Park in Ashford, Dr. Jose Rizal Park in Seattle, Lenore Lake Caves in the Soap Lake area, Hurricane Hill on the Olympic Peninsula, Horseshoe Lake, Tolmie Peak, Perfection Lake, the Hoh Rainforest, the Skyline Divide Trail, Priest Point Park in Olympia, Harry’s Ridge Trail near Toutle, and Bean Creek Basin by Cle Elum. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our previous article: 15 Must-See Places In Washington That Belong On Your Bucket List.
