Washington State Parks provides community and interpretive events at parks
across the state year round. All events are free unless otherwise noted.
Washington state parks are filled with rich historical and cultural places, along
with some of the most beautiful natural areas in the Northwest. Many parks offer a
variety of educational opportunities for visitors to learn more about the culture,
history and nature of the park and surrounding areas. Visitors may enjoy a campfire
program, attend a junior ranger activity, explore a museum and experience a living-history
presentation.
To find an interpretive event at your favorite state park, view the interpretive
events schedule below.
Washington state parks play host to a variety of unique events that connect
communities to their state parks. Dance to music by a lake, explore festival booths,
celebrate the birthdays of historic locations, soak in local art, gaze at stars or
sing by the sea at a state park event. Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program
events, presented in cooperation with the Washington State Arts Commission, celebrate
the rich heritage and culture found in Washington state.
Find information about community and Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program
events in the calendar below.
| Ongoing events |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
| By appointment |
North Head Lighthouse tours: Tour the lantern room of the North Head Lighthouse at Cape Disappointment State Park. Built in 1898, the historic lighthouse overlooks the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean and to this day remains an active navigation aid through the "Graveyard of the Pacific." Admission to the lighthouse is $2.50 for adults and free to children 7 to 17. Children must be 7 years and older to climb the tower. Appropriate footwear is required; no flip flops or shoes without heel straps. Open year round for tours. Call the park for specific days and times.
|
Cape Disappointment
(360) 642-3029 |
| Dec. 2011 to Dec. 2012 |
Ugryumov Oil Painting Exhibit: Landscape oil paintings by post-impressionist artist, Gennady Ugryumov, are on display at Dry Falls Visitor Center throughout 2012. The painting series on canvas feature Ugryumov’s interpretation of the Columbia River and Columbia Plateau region, aptly called the Big River series. The exhibit includes 20 individual landscape pieces and the three-piece mural, “Children of the Big River,” inspired by Ugryumov’s July 2010 visit to the Colville Confederated Tribes’ annual powwow ceremony. The Big River series exhibit is recognized by the Colville Confederated Tribes. Admission is by donation.
|
Sun Lake-Dry Falls State Park, Dry Falls Visitor Center
(509) 632-5214 |
Daily event
July and Aug.
Saturdays and Sundays
June and Sept. |
Interpretive Programs: Our interpreters present a wide assortment of activities, including talks, walks and activities. Program topics will consist of Lewis and Clark, maritime history, native technology, birding and more. Programs are also available by appointment.
|
Cape Disappointment, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
(360) 642-3029 |
Daily event
July and Aug. |
Historic Walking Tours: Join parks interpreters and volunteers for an eye-opening look at Washington’s best-preserved coastal defense architecture at Fort Columbia State Park. The compact grounds offer stunning views of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.
|
Fort Columbia
(360) 642-3029 |
Daily event
Memorial Day - Labor Day |
Interpretive Programs: Interpretive staff cover an array of topics relating to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, ongoing volcanic activity, scientific monitoring efforts, landscape recovery topics and Pacific Northwest Cascade volcanism.
|
Seaquest, Mount St. Helens Visitor Center
(360) 274-0962 |
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
May - Sept.
10:30 a.m. |
Gun Emplacement Guided Tours: 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 mid May through September.
|
Fort Flagler
(360) 385-1259 |
Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays
May - Sept.
2 p.m. |
Hospital Guided Tours: Step back in time as you take a guided tour of the 1905 military hospital. Participants will tour the first floor and view restoration work currently being completed. Adults $2 and children free. Tours held mid May through September.
|
Fort Flagler
(360) 385-1259 |
Fridays and Saturdays
April - Oct.
10 a.m. |
Pictograph Tours: Columbia Hills State Park hosts guided pictograph tours. Reservations required for participation. Space is limited and tours fill rapidly. Call the park at (509) 767-1159 for reservations well in advance to secure a tour.
|
Columbia Hills
(509) 767-1159 |
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) 465-5064 |
Saturdays and Sundays
July and Aug. |
Bunker Tours: Park staff will lead visitors through Fort Columbia State Park’s World War II era casemate, where waterborne mines were controlled.
|
Fort Columbia
(360) 642-3029 |
Saturdays and Sundays
July and Aug. |
Kids Activities: Fun and interactive activities for kids and adults at Fort Columbia State Park.
|
Fort Columbia
(360) 642-3029 |
| January 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
| Jan. 14 - 16 |
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The following are the 2012 State Parks free days:
Jan. 14 - 16 : Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend
March 18 and 19: In honor of Washington State Parks' 99th birthday on March 19
June 9: National Get Outdoors Day
Sept. 29: National Public Lands Day
Nov. 10 - 12: Veterans Day holiday weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
|
Statewide |
| February 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
Feb. 12
12 - 2 p.m. |
Learn to Geocache for Beginners: Learn how to play this fun game of real world hide and seek using GPS technology in a class presented by experienced players.
Participants may also tour the Cama Beach cabins and new trails or the Cama Beach historic boathouse operated by Center for Wooden Boats during the event. Tours begin at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
|
Cama Beach
(360) 387-7542 |
Feb.18
2 - 5 p.m. |
Ronnda Cadle CD Release Concert: Instrumental guitarist Ronnda Cadle returns to Cama Beach State Park for a CD release concert and signing. Cadle is local resident of Camano Island whose music is inspired by the natural beauty of Camano Island. Her performance at Cama Beach State Park is the first release concert for her new CD entitled, "Will's Embrace," which will be available for purchase. Celebrate Cadle's new release and support local music by listening to her masterful guitar work at the new Cama Center. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Cama Beach Café until 3 p.m. For more information about artist Ronnda Cadle, visit http://www.ronndacadle.com.
|
Cama Beach
(360) 387-7542 |
| March 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
| March 18 - 19 |
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free on Sunday and Monday in honor of Washington State Parks' 99th birthday on March 19. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The following are the 2012 State Parks free days:
March 18 and 19: In honor of Washington State Parks' 99th birthday on March 19
June 9: National Get Outdoors Day
Sept. 29: National Public Lands Day
Nov. 10 - 12: Veterans Day holiday weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
|
Statewide |
| April 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
April 28
|
Kids' Fishing Derby: Kick off the opening of fishing season at Pearrygin Lake State Park with a kids’ fishing derby. Open to children 14 years and younger. Prizes awarded to the children with the most fish by weight, largest fish and other categories (divided by age group). Hot dogs, drinks and coffee are free to participants. Prizes awarded shortly after 12 p.m. Sponsored by the Twisp Eagles.
|
Pearrygin Lake, east boat launch
(509) 996-2370 |
| June 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
| June 9 |
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free on National Get Outdoors Day. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The following are the 2012 State Parks free days:
June 9: National Get Outdoors Day
Sept. 29: National Public Lands Day
Nov. 10 - 12: Veterans Day holiday weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
|
Statewide |
June 9
|
Methow Valley Bike Rodeo: Take along the kids to learn more about bike riding safety at Pearrygin Lake State Park. The annual bike rodeo is open to all children, with lessons focused on safety for kids 5 to 12 years. Registration required at the event. More information will be available closer to the event.
Please note: June 9 is a State Parks free day in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. A Discover Pass not required to attend this event.
|
Pearrygin Lake
(509) 996-2370 |
June 9
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Salish Sea Native American Culture Day: Join the Samish and Swinomish Tribes for a day of music, storytelling, craft demonstrations and free canoe rides. Grilled salmon and fry-bread lunch available for purchase from 12 - 1 p.m. A Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program event.
Please note: June 9 is a State Parks free day in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. A Discover Pass not required to attend this event.
|
Deception Pass, Bowman Bay area
(360) 675-3767 |
| August 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
Sundays
Aug. 5, 12, 19 and 26
2 - 3 p.m. |
Peace Arch International Concert Series: The concert series featuring performances of international music and dance by Washington performing ensembles returns to Peace Arch State Park. Performers to be announced. A Folk and Traditional Arts in the Parks Program event.
|
Peace Arch
(360) 332-8221 |
| September 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
| Sept. 29 |
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free on National Public Lands Day. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The following are the 2012 State Parks free days:
Sept. 29: National Public Lands Day
Nov. 10 - 12: Veterans Day holiday weekend
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
|
Statewide |
| October 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
Oct. 5 - 7
|
Outboard Hydroplane Regatta: The annual outboard hydroplane regatta returns to Pearrygin Lake State Park. Testing begins on Friday, with racing on Saturday and Sunday. Pits are located at the west boat launch. Hosted by the Whidbey Roostertails Outboard Hydroplace Club.
|
Pearrygin Lake, west boat launch
(509) 996-2370 |
| November 2012 |
| Date/time | Event description | State Park |
| Nov. 10 - 12 |
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free during the Veterans Day holiday weekend. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days.
Please note: A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife during State Parks free days. For more information, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
|
Statewide |