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Events at Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks provides recreational and interpretive events throughout the year in parks across the state. The Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program, offered in cooperation with the Washington State Arts Commission, highlights Washington's rich cultural heritage, while living-history presentations commemorate important historic events such as the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. Events are free unless otherwise noted.

Interpretive events: Washington state parks are filled with historic and cultural places, along with some of the most beautiful natural areas in the Northwest. Many state parks offer interpretive events including campfire programs, marine science exhibits, museums, living-history presentations and more.

Collage of fiddler, folk dancers, traditional native American dancer, Latino dancer and Asian puppet dancer

Ongoing events
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
Daily event Guided hikes through woods, dunes, meadows and shorelines.

 Deception Pass
(360) 675-2417, ext. 31
Daily event
10 a.m. - 6 p.m.		 North Head Lighthouse lantern room tours. Tours cost $2.50 per adult, free ages 7 to 17.

 Cape Disappointment
(360) 642-3078
Daily classes Madrona MindBody Well-Being and Moving Art Classes: Participate in the Madrona MindBody Institute's many drop-in well-being and moving arts classes at Fort Worden State Park. Classes include Nia, yoga, belly dance, pilates and more. Courses for beginners are offered often, and people of all experience levels are invited. For a full list of classes and schedules, please visit http://www.madronamindbody.com/.

 Fort Worden, building 310
(360) 344-4431
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
10:30 a.m.		 Gun Emplacement Guided Tour: Join us for a guided walking tour of gun emplacements and other historic sites. See projectile lifts, sliding targets in action and learn about historic fort operations. Families $5, adults $2 and children $1. Tours held through September.

 Fort Flagler
(360) 385-1259
Wednesdays and Sundays Hospital Guided Tour: Step back in time as you take a guided tour of the 1905 military hospital. You will tour the first floor and view restoration work currently being completed. Adults $2 and children free. Tours held through September.

 Fort Flagler
(360) 385-1259
Saturdays
March 20 - Nov 7		 Off-Road Vehicle Safety Training (Dirt Bike School): Off-road vehicle drivers are invited to dirt bike school at Riverside State Park. Classes are held Saturdays from March 20 to Nov. 7. The one day classes are endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Participants will meet in the ORV area. Contact (208) 683-2600 for class details.

 Riverside, ORV area
(509) 979-6595
Saturdays and Sundays
Memorial Day - Labor Day
12 - 4 p.m.		 Wagon Tours: Curious to know what life would have been like in Kittitas Valley during the late 19th Century? From Memorial Day to Labor Day, wagon tours of Olmstead Place State Park are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Tours begin with a wagon ride pulled by a 1948 Farmell H tractor. See the 1908 red barn, the location of wheat grinding demonstrations, and the original cabin built by farm founder, Samuel Olmstead, in 1876. The tour ends at the Smith Sister’s farmhouse, which gives visitors the opportunity to view artifacts of the Smith family left by Samuel Olmstead’s granddaughter.

Off-season tours are available by appointment.

 Olmstead Place
(509) 925-1943
February 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
Feb. 6, 13 and 20
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.		 Bald Eagle Viewing Tours at Sacajawea State Park: For the first three Saturdays in February, Sacajawea State Park offers guided interpretive viewing tours of bald eagles within the park.

 Sacajawea
(509) 545-2361
March 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
March 13
6:15 a.m. - 2 p.m.		 Bloomsday Road Runner’s Club Centennial Trail Run Ultramarathon: Experience the third running of the Centennial Trail Run. The 37 mile ultramarathon runs along Centennial trail, beginning at Nine Mile Falls and ending at the state line. Only experienced long distance runners may enter. Entrance fee of $15 is required for participation. Visit http://www.ctrun.net for more information.

 Riverside
(509) 465-5064
March 20
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.		 Eastern Washington Orienteering Club Event: Practice orienteering skills by using a map and compass to navigate routes through Riverside State Park. The event will begin at the Bowl and Pitcher day use area. Routes vary from beginner to advanced. Presented by the Eastern Washington Orienteering Club. For more information, contact (509) 313-3429 or beck@jepson.gonzaga.edu.

 Riverside
(509) 465-5064
April 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
April 10
6:30 - 9 p.m.		 Third Annual Sea Stories: The Friends of Fort Flagler and Jefferson County Library present the Third Annual Sea Stories at Fort Flagler; a night of story and song from those that have been to sea. Celebrate the maritime heritage of the Olympic Peninsula with a night of singing, storytelling and fun. A catered dinner will be held at Hoskins Dining Hall before the event. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Flagler Theater
(360) 385-1259
April 11
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.		 National Multiple Sclerosis Society Fundraiser Walk: Bring family and friends to the fundraiser walk for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Inland NW Chapter. Participate in either a 2.5 or 5 mile walk route that begins at Spokane Falls Community College. For more information, contact chris.polello@wai.nmss.org or call (509) 483-1077.

 Riverside
(509) 465-5064
April 18
5 a.m. - 5 p.m.		 Garfield Elementary A.P.P.L.E. River Run: This trail run through Riverside State Park is a benefit for the Garfield Elementary Alternative Parent Participation Learning Experience program (A.P.P.L.E.) The A.P.P.L.E program offers services to students and families in the Spokane School District #81. Trail runs of 5k, 10k, 25k and 50k will begin at 5 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. A participation fee of $15 is required ($25 for the 25k or 50k run) and each participate receives a t-shirt. Go to http://www.spokaneriverrun.com, e-mail info@spokaneriverrun.com or call (509) 324-8804 or (509) 327-2137 for more information.

 Riverside
(509) 465-5064
May 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
May 8
8 - 10 a.m.		 Bird Walk at Brooks Memorial State Park: Walk with guide Nancy Wallwork and discover the migratory birds that visit or nest at the park. Traveling from as far as South America, the birds arrive daily from May 8 - 29. Enjoy the birds while they are most vocal and brilliantly colored. Walks will be held May 8, 15 and 22. Call for more information.

 Brooks Memorial
(509) 773-4611
May 15
8 - 10 a.m.		 Bird Walk at Brooks Memorial State Park: Walk with guide Nancy Wallwork and discover the migratory birds that visit or nest at the park. Traveling from as far as South America, the birds arrive daily from May 8 - 29. Enjoy the birds while they are most vocal and brilliantly colored. Walks will be held May 8, 15 and 22. Call for more information.

 Brooks Memorial
(360) 773-4611
May 22
8 - 10 a.m.		 Bird Walk at Brooks Memorial State Park: Walk with guide Nancy Wallwork and discover the migratory birds that visit or nest at the park. Traveling from as far as South America, the birds arrive daily from May 8 - 29. Enjoy the birds while they are most vocal and brilliantly colored. Walks will be held May 8, 15 and 22. Call for more information.

 Brooks Memorial
(509) 773-4611
May 29
8 - 11:30 a.m.		 Breakfast with the Birds: Begin the day with friends and fellow birders for a breakfast filled with morning bird song and hosted by park staff. Breakfast will be followed with a bird tour by guide, Nancy Wallwork.

 Brooks Memorial
(509) 773-4611
June 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
June 5
1 p.m.		 Butterfly Garden Dedication: All are invited to the grand opening of the new native plant butterfly garden at Brooks Memorial State Park. A total thirty-two species of butterfly have been documented at the park, and the garden provides a desirable location for butterflies to be viewed up close.

 Brooks Memorial
(509) 773-4611
June 11 - 13
 Sacajawea Bluegrass Festival and Dutch Oven Rendezvous: From Friday to Sunday, participate in the annual bluegrass festival and Dutch Oven Rendezvous. Events to include bluegrass concerts, a barn dance, youth activities and a gospel show. Entrance fee required. Contact (509) 492-1555 for more information.

 Sacajawea
(509) 492-1555
June 26
7 p.m.		 Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series, Hank Cramer: The Friends of Fort Flagler start the Fort Flagler summer concert series with folk singer, Hank Cramer. Known for his booming bass voice, smooth picking on a vintage flat-top guitar and a wry sense of humor, Hank's repertoire is a mix of original, traditional, and contemporary folk songs. His songs tell the stories of cowboys, sailors, soldiers, miners, adventurers and just plain drifters. The inspiration for Hank’s lyrics comes straight from his own life experiences, as his life story and various vocations are reflected in his songs. Visit http://www.hankcramer.com for more information about artist, Hank Cramer. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Battery Bankhead
(360) 385-1259
June 26
12 - 3 p.m.		 Pioneer Picnic: The Daughters of the Pioneers host a potluck picnic with entertainment. The picnic is free to the public.

 Sacajawea
(509) 545-2361
July 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
July 10
7 p.m.		 Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series, Deadwood Revival: The Friends of Fort Flagler present string band, Deadwood Revival. Comprised of four musicians from four completely different backgrounds, Deadwood Revival creates "feel good" music filled with the spirit of old-time Appalachia, soulful American roots and jam-band improvisation. Visit http://www.deadwoodrevival.com for more information about the artists of, Deadwood Revival. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Battery Bankhead
(360) 385-1259
July 17
7 p.m.		 Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series, Doug and Telisha Williams: The Friends of Fort Flagler present, Doug and Telisha Williams. Doug and Telisha Williams hail from Martinsville, Virginia and have a unique music sound that has been described as alternative county, folk, Americana and contemporary bluegrass. Visit http://www.dandtw.com for more information about artists, Dough and Telisha Williams. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Battery Bankhead
(360) 385-1259
July 25 2 - 8 p.m. Festival Mexicana: Mexicana music concerts run from afternoon to evening at Sacajawea State Park. Concert admission is free to the public.

 Sacajawea
(509) 545-2361
August 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
Aug. 1
7 a.m.		 TROIKA Triathlon: The 30th annual running of the TROIKA Half Ironman Distance Triathlon will partially take place in Riverside State Park. Event course will contain a swimming, biking and running portion, with the bike and run sections held on Centennial Trail. The triathlon begins at Medical Lake. Approved helmets required for the biking section. Registration fee necessary for participation (Jan. 1 - May 31: $140 individual/$180 team, June 1 - June 30: $165 individual/$210 team and July 1 - July 31: $180 individual/$240 team.) Details can be found online at http://www.troikatriathlon.com. Contact troikatriathlon@gmail.com for more information.

 Riverside
(509) 465-5064
Aug. 7
7 p.m.		 Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series, U.S. Navy Jazz Band: The Friends of Fort Flagler present, the U.S. Navy Jazz Band. After performing in one of the most popular concerts at Fort Flagler State Park in 2009, the U.S. Navy Jazz Band returns to again perform in the Friends of Fort Flagler summer concert series. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Battery Bankhead
(360) 385-1259
Aug. 14
7 p.m.		 Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series, Dana Lyons: Live for one night only, the Friends of Fort Flagler present, Dana Lyons. Dana Lyons is the singer/songwriter best known for his hit comedy country songs, "Cows With Guns," "RV" and "Ride The Lawn." A global radio and web hit, "Cows With Guns" was number one on Seattle music charts, number one for the year on Dr. Demento comedy radio show, number two on the Australian country music charts and spent six months on the Irish Top 40. Visit hhtp://www.cowswithguns.com for more information on artist, Dana Lyons. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Battery Bankhead
(360) 385-1259
Aug. 21
7 p.m.		 Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series, Rachel Ries: The Friends of Fort Flagler present Americana singer, Rachel Ries. Touring the Northwest from Chicago, Illinois, Rachel Ries is making her first Olympic Peninsula performance since 2007. Visit http://www.rachelries.com for more information on artist, Rachel Ries. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Battery Bankhead
(360) 385-1259
Aug. 29
3 p.m.		 Fort Flagler Summer Concert Series, the Port Townsend Summer Band: The Friends of Fort Flagler close out the Fort Flagler summer concert series with, the Port Townsend Summer Band. Locally renowned for their big band sound, performances of the Port Townsend Summer Band are reminiscent big band concerts popular from the late 1800's through the 1950's. Visit http://www.ptsummerband.org for more information about the Port Townsend Summer Band. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested.

 Fort Flagler, Battery Bankhead
(360) 385-1259
September 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
Sept. 18
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.		 Sixth Annual Walk to Defeat ALS: Join the three-mile fundraiser walk along the Centennial Trail organized by the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter. Proceeds from the event will go to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) research. The event begins Mirabeau Park. More information about the ALS Association Evergreen Chapter can be found at http://alsa-ec.org. Contact jenniferh@alsa-ec.org for event information.

 Riverside
(509) 465-5064
Sept. 24 - 26
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Sunday		 Heritage Days: Living history re-enacting event featuring mountain man camps, Lewis and Clark re-enactors, tribal programs, local museum presentations and music concerts. Event participation is free to the public.

 Sacajawea
(509) 545-2361
October 2010
Date/timeEvent descriptionState Park
Oct. 15 - 16, 22 - 23 and 29 - 31
7 - 11 p.m.		 Sacajawea Haunted Trail: Follow the scary, haunted trail through Sacajawea State Park. Entrance fee required, with ticket proceeds going to local charities. Presented by Pasco Jaycees.

 Sacajawea
(509) 545-2361