Flaming Geyser: Overview
Park overview:
Flaming Geyser State Park is a 480-acre day-use park with more than three miles of freshwater shoreline on the Green River. The park's most unique feature is its "geysers" (methane seeps). Park activities include whitewater rafting and model airplane flying.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:
The park is open year round for day use only.
Summer: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Winter: 8 a.m. to dusk.
Current alerts:
Flaming Geyser State Park is open to vehicular and foot traffic. The park can accommodate approximately 300 vehicles. Parking rules will be enforced, so visitors must park in authorized areas only. One restroom that is accessible to people with disabilities is open. Portable toilets will be provided throughout the park during the summer months. There is no water available in the park, and the lodge will remain closed. The park will undergo significant construction and upgrades on electrical, water and sewer as soon as environmental permits are obtained. Repairs are expected to take at least two years to complete.
Please note: Alcohol is not permitted at Flaming Geyser State Park. This policy is strictly enforced throughout the park, including picnic shelters.
Model airplane flying hours:
Saturdays and Sundays - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or dusk (whichever is earliest);
Mondays through Thursdays - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or dusk (whichever is earliest);
Fridays - 10 a.m. to dusk, for electric or non-powered flight only.
Model airplane flying hours:
Saturdays and Sundays - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or dusk (whichever is earliest);
Mondays through Thursdays - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. or dusk (whichever is earliest);
Fridays - 10 a.m. to dusk, for electric or non-powered flight only.
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:
The park has no camping.Park Features
The Green River is popular for rafting and other summer activities. There is an area for remote-control model-airplane flying.
History
Flaming Geyser State Park has existed on this location since the 1920's. Operated as a private park into the 1960's, it fell into bankrupcy. State Parks rescued it from conversion to home development and has operated it as a park ever since.Interpretive opportunities
Flaming Geyser and river habitat interpretive walks lead by a park ranger are usually available with one week's advance request for groups of ten to 20 people. There is a self-guided, ADA accessible Salmon Interpretive Trail.Services/Supplies
| Available in the area | |
| • Auto repair • Camping • Diesel • Fishing/hunting • Gasoline • Gifts • Golf • Groceries • Hardware • Hospital • Overnight Accommodations • Postal service • Propane • White gas • Wood • Swimming |
Most services are available within ten miles of the park.
Activities
| Trails | Water Activities | Other |
| • 4.3 mi. Hiking Trails • 1 mi. Horse Trails | • Fishing (freshwater) • Swimming (freshwater) • White-water Kayaking | • Bird Watching • 2 Fire Circles • 2 Fire Circles (sheltered) • 5 Volleyball Fields • Wildlife Viewing |
There is a remote-control, model-airplane flying area in the park. Open lawns are available for softball and other lawn games. A 25-acre open field is available for equestrian use. All Washington State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife fishing regulations apply within the park. Oct. through Dec. the Salmon Interpretive Trail and the walkway on the Flaming Geyser Bridge offer excellent opportunity to view wild salmon spawning areas. A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks. For regulations, fishing season information or to purchase a recreational license, visit the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife website. | ||
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
Five picnic shelters without electricity are available first come, first served. Each accommodates about 20 people. There are 200 unsheltered picnic tables.Please note: Alcohol is not permitted at Flaming Geyser State Park. This policy is strictly enforced throughout the park, including picnic shelters.
Wildlife
| Mammals | Birds | Fish & Sea Life |
| • Bears • Bobcats • Coyotes • Deer or Elk • Minks • Muskrats • Rabbits • Raccoons • Skunks • Weasels | • Crows or Ravens • Doves or Pigeons • Ducks • Eagles • Geese • Hawks • Herons • Hummingbirds • Ospreys • Owls • Quail • Woodpeckers • Wrens | • Salmon • Steelhead • Trout |
Environmental Features
| Physical Features | Plant Life | ||
| The town of Black Diamond and the surrounding region, including the park, is one of the main coal mining areas in Washington. The park's underlying coal seams provide the gas for the Flaming Geyser and the Bubbling Geyser. Interpretive displays located at the Flaming Geyser portray this relationship. | • Cedar • Douglas Fir • Hemlock • Alder • Apple • Ash • Cherry • Maple • Poplar • Foxglove • Paintbrush • Rose • Berries • Ferns • Moss or Lichens • Thistle |
