Federation Forest: Overview
Park overview:
Federation Forest State Park is a day-use natural area with 619 acres of old growth evergreens. Located along the White River, the park provides visitors with 12 miles of hiking trail, three interpretive trails, an interpretive center with a gift shop and four picnic areas.Want to support Washington State Parks? Get involved by joining a friends' group. For more information, visit the Friends' Group web page.
Park hours/updates:
Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk
Winter: Closed Oct. 1, reopens April 8
Current alerts:
The Catherine Montgomery Interpretive Center is closed until further notice.
Agency information:
Don't move firewood: Please protect the Pacific Northwest from invasive species by obtaining or purchasing your firewood at or near your camping destination (within 50 miles). Firewood can carry insects and diseases that threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by buying and burning your firewood locally. For more information, visit online at www.dontmovefirewood.org or the Washington Invasive Species Council website.
The Discover Pass now can be used on either of two vehicles!Annual pass: $30
One-day pass: $10
(Transaction and dealer fees may apply)
A Discover Pass is required for motor-vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Exemptions: Your purchase of the Discover Pass supports recreation on state lands. However, the Discover Pass is not required if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations, for the duration of your stay at that state park. For additional exemptions and more information, please visit the Discover Pass website.
Campsite Information:
This park is for day-use only and has no overnight camping or parking.Park Features
Enjoy the beauty and diversity of 600 acres of old growth Douglas firs, with mature western hemlock, Sitka spruce and western red cedar trees. Hike through five distinct ecosystems within a radius of just one mile. Short interpretive loops make this ideal for small children.
History
The park was acquired, built and organized through the work of Catherine Montgomery and her affiliation with the Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs. The park was dedicated in 1949 and was acquired in four parcels from 1941 to 1971.Interpretive opportunities
The Catherine Montgomery Interpretive Center is closed until further notice.
The Catherine Montgomery Interpretive Center was built with funds provided by Washington State Federation of Women's Clubs. Inside, visitors will learn about the contrasts in nature that typify the state of Washington from the dry eastern deserts to the lush western peninsula. Gardens in front of the center highlight edible and poisonous native plants and plants from six of the nine biosystems of this state.
Services/Supplies
| Available in the area | |
| • Camping • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Groceries • Overnight Accommodations • Pay phone • Recreational equipment • Wood • Swimming |
Most services are available within 20 miles of the park.
Activities
| Trails | Water Activities | Other |
| • 12.5 mi. Hiking Trails | • 1 Amphitheater • Bird Watching • 37 Fire Circles • Interpretive Activities • Wildlife Viewing | |
Visitors may kayak and take guided nature walks. | ||
Events
Free days at state parks: Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit a state park on ten designated free days in 2013.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 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, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
The 2013 State Parks free days are as follows:
Jan. 21 – In honor of Martin Luther King Day
March 30 – In honor of Washington State Parks' 100th birthday on March 19
April 27 and 28 – National Parks Week
June 1 – National Trails Day
June 8 and 9 – National Get Outdoors Day and Department of Fish and Wildlife Free Fishing weekend
Aug. 4 – Peak season free day
Sept. 28 – National Public Lands Day
Nov. 9 through 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, please visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Find other events at Washington State Parks
Picnic and Day-use Facilities
There are two picnic shelters wthout electricity and five sheltered picnic tables. The upper picnic area has drinking fountains, a covered shelter, braziers and restrooms with running water. Both are first come, first served.Wildlife
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life |
| • Bears • Bobcats • Chipmunks • Deer or Elk • Skunks • Squirrels | • Crows or Ravens • Ducks • Eagles • Hawks • Herons • Jays • Owls • Wrens |
Environmental Features
| Physical Features | Plant Life | Special | |
| • Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Spruce • Yew • Alder • Maple • Foxglove • Rhododendron • Ferns • Moss or Lichens | Part of the Naches Trail and evidence of pioneers still exist in the park. |
