Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center

Perched on a cliff face carved out by mighty Ice Age floods, Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center overlooks the beautiful Columbia River. Inside the Center, displays, videos and park staff inform visitors about the history behind this unique and unusual petrified forest, and the powerful Ice Age floods, responsible for the visually captivating surrounding landscape. Outside the Center visitors can enjoy the day-use/picnic area, view the scenic river, touch petrified wood and learn about the Ice Age floods.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, established in 1935, is home to a rare and vast petrified forest. The abundance of tree species discovered here make it one of the most diverse petrified forests in North America. The interpretive center was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression and was later expanded in 1951.

The park contains 7,124 acres, including an interpretive trail, on which visitors can hike and see several of the species of petrified trees in the ancient lakebed where they were formed. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is also home to the Wanapum Recreation Area, which features 27,000 feet of freshwater shoreline and hosts a 50 site, full hook-up campground, a day use area and a boat launch.