Events at southwest Washington State Parks

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

Washington State Parks is kicking off its 100th birthday celebration with events across Washington state. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

The Discover Pass ($30 annual or $10 daily) is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks and state-managed recreation lands. Although most park events are free, the Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks, unless otherwise noted. For more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.

Interpretive events

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.

Interpretive Schedule.xls (62kb Excel file)

Community and ongoing events

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.

Filter calendar by region: Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast, All

Ongoing events
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Ongoing	Horse Shows at Bridle Trails: All summer long, the Lake Washington Saddle Club plays host to a number of different horse shows at Bridle Trails State Park. Watch a variety of different disciplines, including hunter, jumper, dressage and western showmanship. Shows for the 2012 season run from March to September. Admission is free to all shows. A full schedule of shows is available online at www.bridletrails.org. For more information about the Lake Washington Saddle Club, visit www.lakewashingtonsaddleclub.org.	Bridle Trails (425) 649-4276
Daily May - Sept.	Tours of North Head Lighthouse: Join trained volunteers on a tour of the North Head Lighthouse. Climb the spiral staircase up to the lantern room and enjoy the view while learning about the Graveyard of the Pacific. Participants must be 7 years old to tour the lantern room. Tours are $2.50 for adults and free to children ages 7-17.	Cape Disappointment, North Head Lighthouse (360) 642-3029
Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2013	ESVA Centennial State Parks Challenge: Walk across Washington with the Evergreen State Volkssport Association (ESVA) in celebration of the State Parks centennial year. The year-long program challenges participants to walk through Washington state parks in the seven ESVA regions. The program is open to everyone and limited to the first 100 participants that register. Registration begins at the Edmonds Turkey Trot on Nov. 24, 2012. Registration is $10 per person and includes a challenge stamp booklet, a logo hatpin and a pencil. Those who complete the challenge will receive a State Parks Centennial 2013 flag patch. For more information about the ESVA, volkssporting or the challenge, visit www.esva.org. - Detailed News Release -	Statewide
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 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
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
December 2012
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Dec. 9 1 p.m.	Yule Log Celebration: The traditional winter celebration and yule log hunt return to Schafer State Park. Children are invited to help hunt for the special yule log hidden in the forest. Once found, participants will drag the log back to the community hall to gather around the fire and celebrate the season with hot spiced cider, music and holiday treats. Potluck dessert additions are welcome. For more information, visit www.theschaferstateparkteam.org or call (360) 789-9953. - Detailed News Release -	Schafer (360) 482-3852
Dec. 26 - 30	Whale Watching Week at Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center: Gray whales migrate past Washington’s coastline every winter, making for ideal land-based whale watching opportunities. From the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park, spot flukes and fins of passing gray whales with Whale Watching Spoken Here volunteers during December Whale Watching Week. The Whale Watching Spoken Here Program is a part of the Oregon State Parks & Recreation Department. Learn more about whale watching trainings and how to become a Whale Watching Spoken Here volunteer by visiting www.oregon.gov/oprd/parks/whalewatchingcenter.	Cape Disappointment, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (360) 642-3029
January 2013
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Jan. 1 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.	First Day Hikes, Beacon Rock: Ring in 2013 by connecting with nature at a First Day Hike in one of many Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. Discover the natural beauty of Washington as part of a national effort to share stewardship for natural, cultural and recreational resources. The First Day Hikes kick-off a year-long celebration of State Parks’ centennial year. The hike at Beacon Rock State Park is a moderate two mile hike along Beacon Rock trail, beginning at the Beacon Rock trailhead kitchen shelter. The hike is open to participants of all ages. Taking along pets is not recommended, however, friendly dogs are allowed if on-leash at all times. Refreshments are provided. Participants are suggested to take along warm clothes, water and snacks. For more information, call (509) 427-8265. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes. - Detailed News Release -	Beacon Rock, Beacon Rock trailhead (509) 427-8265
Jan. 1 9 a.m.	First Day Hikes, Millersylvania: Ring in 2013 by connecting with nature at a First Day Hike in one of many Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. Discover the natural beauty of Washington as part of a national effort to share stewardship for natural, cultural and recreational resources. The First Day Hikes kick-off a year-long celebration of State Parks’ centennial year. The hike at Millersylvania State Park is an easy five mile hike along the Fitness and Nature trail, beginning at picnic shelter 1. The hike is open to participants of all ages. Participants are suggested to take along sturdy footwear and binoculars. Please leave pets at home. For more information, call (360) 753-1519. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes. - Detailed News Release -	Millersylvania, picnic shelter 1 (360) 753-1519
Jan. 1 1 p.m.	First Day Hikes, Lake Sylvia: Ring in 2013 by connecting with nature at a First Day Hike in one of many Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. Discover the natural beauty of Washington as part of a national effort to share stewardship for natural, cultural and recreational resources. The First Day Hikes kick-off a year-long celebration of State Parks’ centennial year. The hike at Lake Sylvia State Park is a moderate two and a half mile hike along the Sylvia Creek Discovery trail, beginning at the beach shelter. The hike is open to participants 9 years of age and older. The Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia State Parks are providing cookies and hot chocolate for participants in the beach shelter. Warm up with refreshments and a cozy fire after the hike. Participants are suggested to take along good hiking shoes, bottled water and weather appropriate clothing. Please leave pets at home. For more information, call (360) 249-3621. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes. - Detailed News Release -	Lake Sylvia, beach shelter (360) 249-3621
Jan. 1 11 a.m.	First Day Hikes, Olallie: Ring in 2013 by connecting with nature at a First Day Hike in one of many Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. Discover the natural beauty of Washington as part of a national effort to share stewardship for natural, cultural and recreational resources. The First Day Hikes kick-off a year-long celebration of State Parks’ centennial year. The hike at Olallie and Iron Horse state parks is a moderate three mile hike along Cedar Butte Trail. The hike is open to participants 10 years of age and older. Participants will learn about the Boxley Blowout, a pre-Christmas flood in 1918 that permanently wiped the town of Edgewick out of existence. Participants are suggested to take along hiking boots, rain gear, water and snacks. Trekking poles are recommended as the trail is fairly steep and muddy. Please leave pets at home. Registration is required for participation. To register, call (425) 455-7010 ext. 103. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes. - Detailed News Release -	Olallie, Cedar Butte trailhead (425) 455-7010 ext. 103
Jan. 1 10 a.m.	First Day Hikes, Saltwater: Ring in 2013 by connecting with nature at a First Day Hike in one of many Washington state parks on New Year’s Day. Discover the natural beauty of Washington as part of a national effort to share stewardship for natural, cultural and recreational resources. The First Day Hikes kick-off a year-long celebration of State Parks’ centennial year. The interpretive hike at Saltwater State Park is about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the park’s development during the 1930s and native flora within the park. The hike is open to participants age 5 years and older, beginning at the CCC visitor center in the upper parking lot. The first half of the hike is level footing. The second half takes participants down to the beach area and other CCC structures (about 200 feet loss/gain). Participants are suggested to take along weather appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Please let pets are home. For more information, call (360) 661-4955. America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes. - Detailed News Release -	Saltwater, CCC visitor center (253) 661-4955
Jan. 21	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 21. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The State Parks free days for 2013 are: Jan. 21: Martin Luther King Jr. Day March 30: Recognition of State Parks’ 100th birthday on March 19 April 27 - 28: Recognition of National Parks Week June 1: National Trails Day June 8 - 9: National Get Outdoors Day and WDFW Free Fishing weekend Aug. 4: Peak summer season free day Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day weekend America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes.	Statewide
March 2013
Date/time	Event description	State Park
March 23 - 30	Whale Watching Week at Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center: Gray whales migrate past Washington’s coastline every winter, making for ideal land-based whale watching opportunities. From the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park, spot flukes and fins of passing gray whales with Whale Watching Spoken Here volunteers during March Whale Watching Week. The Whale Watching Spoken Here Program is a part of the Oregon State Parks & Recreation Department. Learn more about whale watching trainings and how to become a Whale Watching Spoken Here volunteer by visiting www.oregon.gov/oprd/parks/whalewatchingcenter.	Cape Disappointment, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center (360) 642-3029
March 23	Bridle Trails Open House Gala: Celebrate the 100th birthday of Washington State Parks at a gala open house in Bridle Trails State Park. More information will be available closer to the event. Presented in partnership with the Bridle Trails Park Foundation.	Bridle Trails (425) 417-7871
March 30	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free March 30 in recognition of State Parks’ 100th birthday on March 19. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The remaining State Parks free days for 2013 are: March 30: Recognition of State Parks’ 100th birthday on March 19 April 27 - 28: Recognition of National Parks Week June 1: National Trails Day June 8 - 9: National Get Outdoors Day and WDFW Free Fishing weekend Aug. 4: Peak summer season free day Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day weekend America’s State Parks First Day Hikes are occurring across the country. The National Association of State Parks Directors organizes the nation-wide effort. For more information about First Day Hikes, visit www.americasstateparks.org/first-day-hikes.	Statewide
April 2013
Date/time	Event description	State Park
April 27 - 28	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free April 27 and 28 in recognition of National Parks Week. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The State Parks free days for 2013 are: April 27 - 28: Recognition of National Parks Week June 1: National Trails Day June 8 - 9: National Get Outdoors Day and WDFW Free Fishing weekend Aug. 4: Peak summer season free day Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day 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, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.	Statewide
June 2013
Date/time	Event description	State Park
June 1	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free June 1 in recognition of National Trails Day. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The State Parks free days for 2013 are: June 1: National Trails Day June 8 - 9: National Get Outdoors Day and WDFW Free Fishing weekend Aug. 4: Peak summer season free day Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day 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, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.	Statewide
June 8 - 9	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free June 8 and 9 in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The State Parks free days for 2013 are: June 8 - 9: National Get Outdoors Day and WDFW Free Fishing weekend Aug. 4: Peak summer season free day Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day 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, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.	Statewide
June 16	Beacon Rock 50K/25K: Explore the Columbia River Gorge in a new way by racing in the Beacon Rock 50K/25K through Beacon Rock State Park. After the race, soak in the view of early-summer wildflowers and listen to live music during the post-race party. Registration and fee required for participation. Presented by Rainshadow Running. For more information, visit www.rainshadow-running.blogspot.com.	Beacon Rock (509) 427-8265
August 2013
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Aug. 4	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free Aug. 4. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The State Parks free days for 2013 are: Aug. 4: Peak summer season free day Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day 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, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.	Statewide
September 2013
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Sept. 28	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free Sept. 28 in recognition of National Public Lands Day. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The State Parks free days for 2013 are: Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day 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, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.	Statewide
November 2013
Date/time	Event description	State Park
Nov. 9 - 11	Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free Sept. 28. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. The State Parks free days for 2013 are: Sept. 28: National Public Lands Day Nov. 9 - 11: Veteran’s Day 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, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.	Statewide