Washington is one of the most beautiful and naturally diverse states in the nation. Its state parks are key natural and economic resources - premier destinations that include ocean beaches, forests, mountains and high plateaus, marine parks, long-distance land and water trails, the majestic Columbia River Gorge and vast shrub-steppe lands of Eastern Washington.
Washington's state park system - the fourth-oldest in the nation - will be 100 years old in 2013. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission adopted the Centennial 2013 Vision and identified a Centennial 2013 Plan to ensure a legacy of excellent state parks for Washington. One of the main priorities of the Centennial 2013 plan is to rebuild half of the state park system so citizens have safe and modern parks. Below are some of the projects completed in developing this vision.