The Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail circles the Columbia River at Wenatchee with 22 miles of excellent asphalt trail and lots to see and do. The trail begins north of Wenatchee in Lincoln Rock State Park and runs south along the river to the city. On the Wenatchee side the trail runs through four fine riverfront parks: Wenatchee Riverfront Park (sculpture garden, narrow gauge railroad, boat launch and docks), Walla Walla Point Park (sports fields, open space, swimming lagoon), the Horan Nature Area (wetlands) and the Wenatchee Confluence State Park (camping, swimming, picnic areas) to cross the river on the Odabashian Bridge (US 2).

The Audubon Lake Unit includes a variety of habitats, including an 80-acre lake, alkaline mudflats, grasslands, and channeled scablands, which attract a variety of birds, and this site offers great opportunities for birdwatchers. Hunting and fishing is prohibited on this unit. The unit is part of the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail and the Audubon's Great Washington State Birding Trail.

The product of a grassroots public fundraising campaign by the Friends of Badger Mountain organization, the Preserve was established in 2005, the year of the County’s centennial.  Goals for saving Badger Mountain were to preserve views, protect upland shrub-steppe habitat, and provide for non-motorized uses such as hiking, biking, and horse riding.  In the years since, the Preserve has been expanded to over one square mile in size and features eight miles of trails.  With over 200,000 patron visits each year, it is one of the most visited parks in the Tri-Cities area.

Click HERE to learn more about Badger Mountain and other parks in Benton County.

A dizzying mile-long switchback trail takes you up 848-foot Beacon Rock, but that’s not the only way to a tip-top experience. Rock climbing and hiking to waterfalls are the rage at this park, where there are plenty of vantage points for eagle-eye views. Cyclists and horseback riders also will find trails to the vistas from Hamilton Mountain saddle, and boaters can delight in the majesty of Beacon Rock from the Columbia River. Beacon Rock overlooks a breathtaking section of the Columbia River Gorge, a deep, wide gouge in the earth carved by Ice Age floods. Now, the mighty Columbia rushes down to the ocean in a froth of whitecaps, bisecting Washington and Oregon, with walls of columnar basalt and mountains rising thousands of feet on both sides. The park’s proximity to Portland and Vancouver make it popular with locals and visitors from around the world. No matter what activities you choose at Beacon Rock, you will be awed by this special place and its stunning surroundings.

The Beebe Springs Unit covers 1 mile of Columbia River shoreline that includes riparian, wetland, upland shrub steppe and cliff/talus habitats. This unit is easily accessible from Highway 97 just southeast of Chelan, and offers diverse opportunities for visitors, including an ADA interpretive trail, wildlife viewing along the Columbia River, and Frank's Pond, which provides fishing opportunites to anglers under 15 years of age.

The Bellevue Botanical Garden is a 53-acre area that includes display gardens, meadows, wetlands, and forests. The specific gardens include the alpine rock garden, dahlia garden, entrance garden, fuchsia garden, ground cover garden, Lost Meadow Trail, native discovery garden, perennial border, water-wise garden, and the Yao Japanese garden. The park also has a recently constructed bridge that ventures over a ravine.

The gardens offer guided tours, in which visitors are instructed in healthy gardening and plant practices. The new visitor welcome center hosts meetings, events, and plant sales, and also acts as a rental facility. Other fun events throughout the year include community celebrations, summer concerts, art exhibits, and holiday light festivities. The park is open daily with free admission.

Click HERE for more information.

The Big Valley Unit includes the Methow Trails, maintained by Methow Valley Sport Trails Association for winter skiing/snowshoeing, and summer horseback riding, biking, and hiking. This large unit is mostly flat with little elevation change. The unit was purchased primarily to protect endangered fisheries riparian habitat along the Methow River, but is also in the migratory path of deer moving north and south between winter ranges in the lower valley and summer ranges in the upper Methow Valley and Pasayten Wilderness.

Bike, run or leisurely walk from downtown Port Angeles on over 70 miles of paved pathway along the Olympic Discovery Trail.

The Olympic Discovery Trail, a mostly paved path for biking, walking and running, extends from Port Townsend to Forks. Cruise by coastlines, rivers, streams, sapphire lakes and backwoods beaches. From downtown Port Angeles (start at the Red Lion Hotel) pedal out to Ediz Hook for sea, city, and mountain vistas.

For Trail Alerts click HERE.

Click HERE for more information.

With miles of explore-able and accessible trails, the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located where the freshwater of the Nisqually River meets the saltwater of south Puget Sound, creating the Nisqually River Delta. The delta is a biologically-rich and diverse area that supports a variety of habitats including the estuary, freshwater wetlands and riparian woodlands. It is considered the last unspoiled major estuary in Puget Sound.

Click HERE to learn more!

Set in a blue cove between Bellingham and Blaine, Birch Bay State Park feels private and secluded without being far from urban life.

Stroll along the rocky beach and take in dramatic views of the North Cascades Mountains and Canadian Gulf Islands. Or head up the Terrell Marsh interpretive trail to a rare saltwater and freshwater estuary teeming with birds and wildlife, including great blue herons.

Low tide reveals a wide mudflat with a treasure trove of clams and other shellfish that can be harvested in season. Bring out the pails, shovels, mud boots and licenses, and start digging! If you prefer to swim, Birch Bay is known for its relatively warm water, and if you'd rather be on the water, the park offers excellent crabbing, windsurfing, sailing and paddling.

Are you a boater craving island time? Do you paddle the Puget Sound on your days off? Or are you a dinner-cruiser visiting Seattle and eager to try the Native American meal and cultural event at Tillicum?

Accessible only by boat, Blake Island offers a change of pace not far from Seattle. In addition to the Native American-themed Tillicum events, this destination features blue waters, peaceful trails, driftwood-scattered beaches and views of the city and Mt. Rainier.

Once off the boat, let your boots or bicycle take you down miles of trail to the island's interior, where forest animals and birds make appearances. Or stay near the water and fish, dig for clams in season or go scuba diving. Arriving by human-powered watercraft? Hunker down in one of the Cascadia Marine Trail campsites at the west end of the island for majestic sunsets over the Olympic Mountains.

Whether you're lounging on your vessel, kayaking the Cascadia Marine Trail, or enjoying Tillicum as part of a tour, Blake Island will exceed expectations.

Relaxation and Olympic Peninsula exploration are the name of the game at Bogachiel. Soak your feet in the river and take your time in this green-enshrouded forest. You have now seen a part of the world that few will ever experience. Bogachiel State Park is a thickly forested, 127-acre camping park on the banks of the Bogachiel River. The park provides an excellent base for touring the western Olympic Peninsula.

Trail Stats: 7 miles // Level: Most Difficult // Elevation Gain: 1300ft

This hike features gorgeous views, rocky crags, streams, and two waterfalls, and is one of the newest hiking trails in Skamania County. The full trail loop provides fantastic views of the Columbia River Gorge, an intimate look at Cape Horn Falls, and a challenging workout as it climbs and descends the rocky slopes of Cape Horn.

For more information click HERE!

This 930-acre site includes over two miles of saltwater shoreline, two and a half miles of urban creek and canyon and breathtaking mountain and Puget Sound views. Enjoy a walk on the beach and public trails, play golf or dine at Chambers Bay, relax at Central or North Meadow or see the award-winning Environmental Services Building.

Chambers Creek Regional Park is located within the City of University Place, immediately north of the Town of Steilacoom. The park is approximately 20 minutes from Interstate 5 making it an ideal location for a memorable indoor or outdoor reservation.

The historic Chehalis Western Railroad, which operated from 1926 through the mid-1980's, has now become the Chehalis Western Trail.  The trail runs north-south through the heart of Thurston County and links up with the County-owned 14.5-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail. It passes through a variety of ecosystems and environments in both the urban and rural areas of the County. It provides access to over 170-acres of park land including nearly two (2) miles of frontage along the Deschutes River and features access to the Puget Sound, Chambers Lake, wetlands, forests, farmland, creeks, prairies and other habitats., which operated from 1926 through the mid-1980's, has now become the Chehalis Western Trail. The trail runs north-south through the heart of Thurston County and links up with the County-owned 14.5-mile Yelm-Tenino Trail. It passes through a variety of ecosystems and environments in both the urban and rural areas of the County. It provides access to over 170-acres of park land including nearly two (2) miles of frontage along the Deschutes River and features access to the Puget Sound, Chambers Lake, wetlands, forests, farmland, creeks, prairies and other habitats.

To learn more, click HERE!

This 3,637-acre park is composed of four different sites that offer a range of experiences. Horsethief Lake caters to campers and water-lovers. A group of significant Native American pictographs and petroglyphs are located in this area of the park, including the world-famous Tsagaglalal, (She Who Watches) which can be viewed by reservation. Horsethief Butte is a short hike to sweeping views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood. To the north, the Crawford Oaks Trailhead offers access to miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails that crisscross the Columbia Hills with astounding views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. In the springtime, the hills are covered in places with colorful wildflowers, especially arrowleaf balsamroot and lupine. And the Dalles Mountain Ranch Area, a historic homestead ranch, features several historic buildings and farm equipment displays.

The Cowiche Canyon Conservation manages over 5,000 acres and 30 miles of trails. There's distances and levels for every hiker with plenty of opportunity for bird watching, wildflower viewing, and panoramas of the landscapes. This shrub steppe is an incredibly unique area made up of grasslands, sagebrush, flowering meadows, oak forests, and cliffs made of basalt. Join an educational walk or explore the natural beauty through your own wanderings, this conservation effort makes it all possible.

Click HERE for more information.

Photo Credit: winecountry.com

Dash Point State Park is set on the Puget Sound in western Washington and is a popular destination for water recreation. This 461-acre camping park features 3,301 feet of saltwater shoreline. The beach provides unobstructed views of Puget Sound and opportunities for sea-life study. The sandy beach at the park is a relaxing beach getaway near the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Federal Way.

Explore Seattle’s Backyard first by land, then by sea. Just a few blocks south of Sea-Tac Airport, you’ll find the very walkable and always scenic Des Moines Creek Trail. Parking is available at the trailhead, easily located across from Angle Lake at S 200th St. and International Blvd. This tranquil connection between the south side of SeaTac and the waterfront community of Des Moines boasts beautiful leaves in the fall and colorful flowers in the summer, complete with a lively creek and miniature waterfalls. All in all: the trail is a peaceful, natural escape.

The Des Moines Creek Trail is a refreshing surprise, as each step brings you deeper into a picture-perfect PNW lowland forest. At the trail's southern end, discover Des Moines Beach Park, home to some of the finest beachcombing opportunities in the region. Hungry? Pop into Anthony’s HomePort for a takeout lunch or explore downtown Des Moines for other local eateries. Enjoy some authentic Northwest seafood and picknick alongside the iconic Puget Sound.

You can continue your journey south on a shared-road bike route along Marine View Drive. Another two miles takes you to Saltwater State Park, where you'll find sandy beaches and tide pools. This 88-acre marine camping park offers beautiful views and plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities. It’s a popular spot for camping, scuba diving, picnics, clamming, hiking and swimming.

Click HERE for more information on what to do in Seattle Southside!

Just east of the lake, Highway 20 starts gaining elevation to give you the best view of this incredibly blue-green lake from Diablo Overlook. Ample parking, a covered picnic shelter, and interpretive signage make this a must-stop. Learn about the history behind the dam and take in the breathtaking views before continuing your cascade loop excursion.

Click HERE for more information.

Discovery Park is a 534 acre natural area park operated by the Seattle Parks and Recreation. It is the largest city park in Seattle, and occupies most of the former Fort Lawton site. The site is one of breathtaking majesty. Situated on Magnolia Bluff overlooking Puget Sound, Discovery Park offers spectacular view of both the Cascade and the Olympic Mountain ranges. The secluded site includes two miles of protected tidal beaches as well as open meadow lands, dramatic sea cliffs, forest groves, active sand dunes, thickets and streams. The role of Discovery Park is to provide an open space of quiet and tranquility away from the stress and activity of the city, a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as an outdoor classroom for people to learn about the natural world. Maintained in its semi-natural condition the park will continue to offer a biologically rich and diverse natural area for urban dwellers and an unmatched opportunity for environmental education.

Go farther on the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail. This Lewis & Clark commemorative trail terminates at the north end of Long Beach with an 18-foot bronze tree and winds south to Beard’s Hollow climbing over the cape and into downtown Ilwaco. Interpretive displays and sculptures dot the trail. Bike riders, runners, walkers, and skaters are welcome.

This is incredible way to explore the Washington coast and an experience that you shouldn’t miss when you visit! Download a free map or a request a copy via snail mail.

Dosewallips State Park, only 60 miles north of Olympia, is the eastern gateway to the Olympic Peninsula. The region is made up of forests, mountains, rivers, beaches and deltas – and surrounded by sound and sea. This freshwater/saltwater park makes a perfect day or weekend trip. It can also serve as a base from which to explore the historic forts and charming small towns to the north, or the first night on a grand road trip around the peninsula.

Already known as one of the best beaches in Washington State, Double Bluff beach is also among the nation's best dog-friendly beaches. Right next to the parking lot there is a grassy area with picnic benches and a barbecue. There's also a "doggie shower" as well. The dogs must be on leash there, but further out, the leashes for well-behaved dogs are optional.

Click HERE for more information.

Stretching into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Dungeness Spit measures 5.5 miles and is the longest natural sand spit in the nation. The Dungeness Spit is part of the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for wildlife. These calm waters and tide flats are rich in marine life and provide protection from winds and pounding surf. They provide a place to rest and a source of food to a large variety of wildlife so remember your binoculars. More than 250 species of birds, 41 species of land mammals, and eight species of marine mammals have been recorded at the refuge including several that are threatened or endangered. Bonus - if you hike out to the end, you can visit the New Dungeness Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the NW, and operating continuously since 1857.

Click HERE for more info!

Amazing landscapes featuring the rich farmland of central Whidbey Island, this federal reserve, the nation’s first such reserve, seeks to protect the cultural integrity of one of the first places Europeans settled in what would become Washington. Almost 85% of the reserve is privately owned, and features the town of Coupeville along with farms, hiking trails, hotels and B&B’s.

Click HERE for more information.

English Camp is located on Garrison Bay, 9 miles northwest of Friday Harbor. The Royal Marines lived at English Camp during the peaceful 12-year joint British/U.S. occupation of San Juan Island.

Today, you can visit sites from the Royal Marine era including the parade ground, barracks, blockhouse, commissary, and formal garden.

Evans Creek Preserve features a Washington Trails Association built trail system in an ecologically diverse enclave. Wetlands, meadows, and hillside forest can be found in this 179-acre farmstead-turned-suburban nature preserve that will thrill both the hiker and the birdwatcher. Not only that, this gem has ADA-accessible trails and is reachable by public transportation.

If you park at the lower trail head, enter the Preserve on the crushed gravel path that crosses Evans Creek over a steel truss pedestrian bridge. There is a privy at the first intersection. At the intersections, mounted maps indicate the location of the hiker in the trail system. At this point, you are in the meadow, and you can stroll through meadow, stop at one of the four bird watching platforms, or enter the wetland.

When you move south into the wetland area, marvel at the puncheon bridges over the wetland and creeks. Take in the odor of salmonberry and skunk cabbage in spring, while forest canopy towers over you.
At the top of the ridge, cruise over the WTA’s hand built bridges and turnpikes that keep your boots dry as you wend your way towards the Sahalee trail head. You will likely encounter massive stumps and rusting artifacts that testify to the area’s logging history. At the upper trail head, glimpse through the trees at the expanse of Evans Creek Preserve lying below you, and try to choose which route will take you back down.

Click HERE for more information.

Prepare to be wowed by Fields Spring State Park! Nestled in the folds of the Blue mountains, this 826 acres Southeast Washington frontier has some of the state's most spectacular scenery. The park's unique accommodations include two eight-person teepees and a 20-person loft in a lodge with a fireplace. The large Puffer Butte Lodge at 4,000 feet stands at the north end of Hells Canyon, the Grand Ronde River and the Wallowa mountain range, while the smaller Wohelo Lodge borders a sledding and tubing hill and miles of hiking and bike trails.

Set on the western side of Whidbey Island, Fort Ebey was constructed as a coastal defense fort during the Second World War. Its battery was dug into a high bluff and is great fun for kids, adult kids and World War II aficionados. Don't forget your headlamp or flashlight. The park's concrete gun emplacements and underground rooms are great for exploration.

A 3 mile long trail with a 200' elevation gain, this is a beautiful one for viewing the evidence left from the powerful Ice Age floods. It starts near Crab Creek, but quickly drops into the drier shrub-steppe habitat. Although so named, Frog Lake no longer exists. A meandering trail winds past basalt formations, then ascends to the top of the mesa for views of the rest of the landscape.

"The trails on Columbia National Wildlife Refuge are considered primitive and may be narrow, overgrown, uneven, steep, and/or unstable. All trails are in areas that are closed between October 1 and March 1 to provide winter sanctuary for waterfowl. Despite that, the Frog Lake Trail remains open year-round, but you must remain on the trail."

Click HERE for more information.

Photo Credit: scenicwa.com

If you’re looking for BIG Action on mountain bikes – head up to two of the new challenging trails on Galbraith Mountain – just on the outskirts of Bellingham. Mohawk and Spacewolf offer experienced riders two difficult and very different experiences: Flow and Steep respectively.

Both are listed as Black Diamond runs on Trailforks– a platform that provides riders with an overview of trails, photos, videos, reports, comments, a 3D Tour, Leaderboard, Ridelogs and Stats. This awesome crowd-sourced database is a resource hosted by our friends at Pinkbike.com.

Don't forget your helmet!

Click HERE for more information.

Photo Credit: Brandon Sawaya

Gazzam Lake Park and Wildlife Preserve includes 444.6 acres of highly valued upland forests and wetlands in the southwest quadrant of Bainbridge Island and has an extensive trail system.

Gazzam Lake, in the northwest part of the park, is a 13-acre freshwater wetland area that has remained substantially untouched by human development, thus providing scenic beauty and wildlife habitat for a variety of species.

For more information, click HERE

Step back in time as you drive across this wood decked classic bridge. Then bring your picnic down along the Kettle River to relax in the shade and listen to the rushing water at Peggy Brixner Park. A great pit stop anytime of year to stretch your legs on the grass or skip stones in this beautiful setting, welcome to Curlew!

Click HERE for more information.

A fun 2.2 mile trail that has sweeping views up and down the Wenatchee River Valley from the river confluence to the Enchantments. This trail leaves the Lone Fir Spur and climbs up to meet the Old Ranch Road.

Click HERE for more information.

The Horan Natural Area consists of about 100 acres of wetlands. There are 2 miles of gravel trail that connect 15 viewing stations for walkers. These viewing stations allow individuals to learn about and experience a variety of habitats. Rich history and abundant wildlife viewing can be experienced here year-round.

Click HERE for more information.

When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, more than 1,000 feet of the mountain was destroyed and deposited in areas for miles around the volcano. Those pieces, known as hummocks, are large deposits of rock, mud, ash and other pieces of the mountain that vary in size — some as large as a few hundred feet.

There’s no better place to get up close with remnants of the mountain while getting a grand view of the volcano than the Hummocks Trail, just ten miles from the crater of Mount St. Helens. This family-friendly trail loops around a part of the Toutle River Valley, originating in a parking lot near Coldwater Lake and ending there as well.

The Hummocks Trail is a great opportunity to see the plant and animal life that has begun to call the area home in the years since the eruption. In the spring, lupine and red paintbrush can be seen in some areas; ponds provide ilfe-giving water to animals such as beavers and birds.

Click HERE for more information!

Hiking the Icicle Gorge Trail, one of the most popular trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, is a wonderful way to explore the natural beauty of the Icicle Creek Valley. The interpretive loop trail has a gentle grade and scenic views of Icicle Creek, Icicle Gorge, and the surrounding forest that are ideal for families, trail runners, beginner hikers, bird enthusiasts, and those looking to take a nice long walk on a well-defined path.

Afterwards, enjoy the bavarian borough of Leavenworth!

Click HERE for more information.

Tucked between Bainbridge Island and Bremerton on the Kitsap Peninsula, Illahee State Park occupies prime beachfront on Port Orchard Bay.

A dense, verdant forest backs a shell-strewn beach at this classic state park, where a dock and a watercraft launch allow visitors to arrive by water or land. The fishing, crabbing and shellfish harvesting are superb, and the summertime waters are warm and inviting for swimmers, divers, paddlers and water skiers.

A playground, softball field, horseshoe pits and volleyball courts await, ensuring fun for everyone in the family. A memorial featuring two large naval guns honors the park’s founder, Earl Henry Harkins, and the young men of Bremerton who lost their lives in World War I. Other activities include geocaching and metal detecting.

A spectacular 428-acre saltwater beach park located along the shores of picturesque Port Susan. A good spot for viewing seals, sea lions, whales and shorebirds. From its 3,300-foot shoreline to its evergreen forests, Kayak Point Park offers a rich setting for a variety of outdoor activities, including RV camping, yurts and hiking trails.

There are nine tent sites and 23 drive-through sites for RVs up to 25 feet long. Yurts also available. Piped water and electricity available. Boat launching facilities are nearby on Puget Sound. Open year around.

Click HERE for more information

Kopachuck's sun-warmed beaches and creaky forest will take you right out of everyday life and into a fairytale.

Snug in the curve of Carr Inlet a half-hour from Tacoma, Kopachuck State Park is an easy jaunt from South Puget Sound and the Kitsap Peninsula, and a lovely stop on an outing to Gig Harbor.

Though the park offers 2 miles of shaded hiking trails, most of the action takes place on the beach, which is popular with families for wading. Boaters and paddlers can cruise the shoreline or make the half-mile trip to Cutts Island, a small clay butte with a stand of trees. At low tide, the island offers a teardrop-shaped beach.

Glacially carved Lake Crescent, with its deep turquoise blue water, is a breathtaking site in any season. Several hiking trails are nearby, some climb the surrounding mountains and other explore lowland forests and creeks. The easy hike to Marymere Falls is a favorite. It's a beautiful swimming lake in the summer and perfect for kayaking or boating, too.

Click HERE for more information.

Amble through a valley of towering trees and experience a dazzling glacier-fed lake. From forest to lakeshore, the theme here is water. This region is home to six record-setting giants--the largest western red cedar, Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, yellow cedar, mountain hemlock and western hemlock trees. Hike the trail just beyond Lake Quinault Lodge for unrivaled beauty and serenity.

Click HERE for more information!

“Lincoln Park is West Seattle’s major multi-purpose park – a nose-shaped bluff on Puget Sound just north of the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. Switchbacks on the north and gentle trails to the south connect a mile of seawalls, rocky beaches to a bluff of grassy forests and meadows with play and picnic areas galore.”

(Excerpt from Enjoying Seattle’s Parks by Brandt Morgan)

Amazingly diverse for its size, Lincoln includes 4.6 miles of walking paths, 3.9 miles of bike trails, five picnic shelters, acres of playfields, and an outdoor heated saltwater pool and bathhouse.

A short walk to this artistic landscape design by Maya Lin is located at this island park in the middle of the Snake River. The Listening circle is among many day use activities at this park, and it is open to camping as well. Experience the shores of this great river, that is very close to the views Lewis and Clark saw so many years ago. 282 acres to explore, this park is also known as the gateway to the Hells Canyon Recreation Area - full of unique geologic features as well as many species of wildlife.

Come enjoy the rich history and unique experiences to be found at Chief Timothy Park.

Click HERE for more information.

Photo Credit: Brad Stinson

There’s nothing like a fun day of hiking especially when you end up at a gorgeous waterfall. Just outside of Port Angeles,  Marymere Falls trail offers a year-round scenic stroll to see a spectacular waterfall.

And then don't forget to hit the boutique wineries in Port Angeles!

Click HERE for information on more waterfalls and trails in the area.

Maury Island Marine Park is located on the east side of Maury Island, a peninsula of Vashon Island. One of the largest undeveloped properties located directly on Puget Sound with more than 1 mile of shoreline, the park provides stunning views of the East Passage, Mount Rainier and the Cascade Mountains. The site had significance for early Native Americans and is referenced in a legend about Snake People who arrived from the mainland as part of war party.

The park contains rare stands of Pacific Madrone, a salt marsh, eelgrass beds and significant fish and wildlife habitat for such species as great blue herons, bald eagles, kingfishers, chinook salmon, orca, and bull trout.

This 114-acre site consists of a forest cover of mixed conifers and hardwoods along a lake at the 1,550-foot elevation. Merrill Lake NRCA is prime habitat for birds of prey, including osprey and bald eagles, and is also home to waterfowl such as bufflehead, common goldeneye, and hooded merganser.

A regionally popular catch-and-release fly fishing spot, Merrill Lake has a boat launch for small craft (non-gasoline powered) and a nine-site campground. Spring through fall camping—on a first-come first-served basis—is mostly walk-in from the main parking area, with a few sites accessible by vehicle.

Just south of the Town of Kettle Falls, Meyers Falls is located along the Colville River. In the springtime it is a continuous 133' waterfall cascading down the rocks. The Falls are named after Louther Meyers, who bought the rights to use water power from the Hudson's Bay Company. There was a brick factory, a saw mill, a grist mill, and a hydroelectric project built here over the years. Both the Hudson's Bay Grist Mill and the Meyers Falls Power Plant have been added to the National Registry of Historic Places.

Pack your picnic or your backpack and enjoy some outdoor time near the quaint town of Kettle Falls.

Click HERE for more information.

Photo credit: TOSHEA @ waymarking.com

Mill Creek and Bennington Lake is part of a flood management project for the surrounding areas, during flash floods the water is diverted - protecting the nearby lands.

Bennington Lake provides the people nearby a way to get outdoors without having to travel too far out of the city. The lake is stocked in the spring time with trout, and only non-motorized watercraft are permitted.

You will find park benches and shelters along the trails, convenient to pause and enjoy views of The Blue Mountains over the lake.

Click HERE for more information.

Photo Credit: US Army Corps of Engineers

The Mineral Springs Unit features riparian woodlands, mixed pine-oak woodlands, conifer forests, and grassland habitats. The chimney of an old water-bottling and dry ice plant serves as a roosting site for Vaux's swifts. A campground and boat ramp are located along the Klickitat River. A trailhead for the Klickitat Trail is on property adjacent to WDFW-owned property and the trail, which is an excellent hiking and mountain biking route, passes through the unit. This part of the wildlife area primarily serves as public access to the Klickitat River for fishing. Hunting is also allowed although it is somewhat limited by steep terrain and lack of road access east of the Klickitat River.

Monarch Sculpture Park provides a quiet natural setting for visitors to interact with sculpture created by artists from around the world. On site is a one-acre maze shaped like a butterfly that is currently being restored, an interactive sound garden, picnic areas, and much more.

For more information, click HERE!

Lesser known than the waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge, the picturesque Moulton Falls offers a scenic day trip free from the typical crowds of waterfall chasers and selfie takers.

To discover this hidden gem, take a 40-minute drive from downtown Vancouver along the Northern Clark County Scenic Drive. The 387-acre park, at the confluence of the East Fork of the Lewis River and Big Tree Creek, features two waterfalls and a wooden arch footbridge more than three stories high. The collection of deep pools is an amazing escape from the summer heat and a popular cliff jumping spot.

Heavily forested on both sides of the river, the Moulton Falls Trail guides hikers of all skill levels four miles out-and-back along the river. For more experienced explorers, find the starting spot to the longer and steeper Bells Mountain Trail approximately a quarter of a mile downriver from the bridge.

The Chelatchie Prairie Railroad excursion train also passes through Moulton Falls Park, and areas of interest include volcanic rock formations from early lava flows, historic Indian meeting grounds, and a swing bridge on Big Tree Creek.

Click HERE to learn more!

No trip to Orcas Island is complete without a visit to the top of Mount Constitution; a perfect culmination for hikers and bikers in Moran State Park.  Bright golden sunshine on the blues and greens of the San Juan Islands offer breathtaking panoramas from horizon to horizon.  Locals enjoy coming to Mount Constitution in the early summer mornings to see spectacular sunrises (if it’s not too foggy) over Mount Baker.  Even crisp days can provide views of the fog-laden San Juan Islands for a different sight of mystery and wonder.

The road to Mount Constitution is open annually (although for safety reasons it is closed during heavy snowfall).  Trails also lead to the summit from numerous starting points across Moran State Park including Cold Springs, Mountain Lake, and the West Boundary.  Take a Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to beautiful Orcas Island and see what has been lauded as one of the best maritime views in the world!

Click HERE for more information.

Mount Rainier National Park’s five developed segments consist of Longmire, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, Paradise, and Carbon and Mowich—each of which supplies a different experience.

Longmire is the park’s national historic district, while Paradise has meadows teeming with wildflowers in the summer and activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Meanwhile, Carbon and Mowich offer a temperate rainforest, Sunrise has a superior trail system and Ohanapecosh boasts fascinating ancient forests.

One of Washington's largest state parks, Mount Spokane has 100 miles of trails in the richly forested Selkirk Mountains. The summits of Kit Carson, Day Mountain and Mount Spokane are waiting to be conquered. The charming, historic Vista House atop Mount Spokane and the Quartz Mountain fire lookout provide stunning views of the Spokane Valley, the north Idaho panhandle and Canada. In early summer, hikers stroll among bear grass, lupine and other wildflowers, through Ponderosa pine and subalpine meadows. By late summer, the meadow grasses turn amber, huckleberries ripen and the fireweed is blooming.

Though it’s accessible via road, Mount Erie also has a trail to its summit, and is a great destination for a day hike. Fortunately, the viewpoints from Erie are just across the lot. There are several options for your view, but the best are to be found by heading towards the antennae, then taking the trail around to the left of the fence. The viewpoint here includes a sign that names the landmarks you can see below—a much more satisfying summit view than the parking lot behind you.

Click HERE for more information.

Located east of Castle Rock, on State Route 504, the Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center fast-tracks geology and history lessons. Inside, exhibits include the “eruption chamber,” where visitors can experience the full-force blast fury and a virtual aerial tour of the crater. Thrill-seekers, though, can land the ultimate perch: Hillsboro Aviation’s St. Helens helicopter tours offers flights that take in sightlines of the entire blast zone, remnant ghost forests, and herds of elk.

Further up Highway 504, the Johnston Ridge Observatory—perched just five miles from the massive crater—is still used by scientists to monitor the volcano. An observation deck lets visitors peer into the massive crater, and the auditorium hosts a popular documentary film about the 1980 blast. (Stick around for the credits.)

Don’t just stay inside: Several excellent hikes depart from the observatory, including Harry’s Ridge, offering views of clusters of alpine flowers and the deep-blue waters of log-jammed Spirit Lake, beneath the summit.

Pack a picnic and come relax at this super neat spot!

The Mukilteo Lighthouse Park was constructed in the 1950s on a filled tideland and has provided continuous public beach access up to the present.  The former Washington State Park was deeded to the City in 2003.  In 2004, the City adopted a Lighthouse Park Master Plan to make physical improvements to the approximately 14.4 acre site.  Phases I & II of the Plan are completed.

This park is also the home of the historic Mukilteo Light Station and is available for touring and special events. To obtain more information about the Lighthouse, contact the Mukilteo Historical Society or visit their website.

Click HERE for more information.

Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested valleys. Witness a landscape sensitive to the Earth's changing climate. Help steward the ecological heart of the Cascades.

Renowned for its glorious waterfalls, Olallie State Park is a great place to kick off the hiking season. Moderate trails lead to the popular Twin Falls, the smaller Weeks Falls and other cascading water falls, or past the remains of a massive landslide to Cedar Butte.

Mountain bikers looking for a backcountry experience may ride the 20-mile-long Olallie Trail, which climbs more than 3,000 feet and provides stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley. Rock climbers will find days of activities in four different cliff areas, on routes with technical ratings of 5.5 to 5.13b.

In 1875, the pioneering Olmstead family homesteaded the land claim at the site of the current state park. They originally raised beef cattle. The family switched from beef to dairy cows in 1892, producing butter for the Seattle market. Three generations of the family farmed this land over many decades. Donated to State Parks in 1968, Olmstead Place reflects homesteader family life, farming history, with historic equipment, a 1908 hay barn and smaller barns, sheds and coops that date from the late-19th century on into recent times. A tour of the original cottonwood log cabin reveals fascinating historic furniture and artifacts.

Take a stroll through the beautiful heritage gardens, blooming with a profusion of flowers throughout the warm seasons. Meander down the Altapes Interpretive Trail, which lies along Coleman Creek. Check the online calendar for interpretive activities.

Bring the kids and history lovers in your family for a prescheduled tour or just come on your own. Don't forget your picnic basket and camera, or even your easel. With its rustic buildings, country landscapes and colorful blooms, Olmstead Place is an artist's dream.

Run with your kite, or your dog, on a flat sandy beach. Inhale the salt sea air and listen to the Pacific Ocean as it crashes on the shore by your side. Help the kids build sand castles, go fishing or dig for clams in season.

This small camping park northwest of Aberdeen features waterfront tent sites, yurts and RV hookups, so the fun doesn't have to end at sundown. Make a small fire on the beach (be sure it's more than 100 feet from vegetation), roast up some s'mores and watch the evening sky turn blue and then black with stars - or gray with storm clouds.

Panjab Trail is an 8.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Dayton, Washington that features beautiful wildflowers and wildlife. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October.

Click HERE for more things to do around Dayton!

Paradise Valley is a 793 acre conservation area located south of SR-522 on Paradise Lake Road. The site is located in the headwaters area of the Bear Creek watershed and plays a vital role in the health of this important salmon stream. A majority of the site is wooded with a several large wetland areas.

The park features a 13 mile natural surface trail system open to hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use (motor vehicles are prohibited). Approximately 7 miles of trail are open to equestrians and 10 miles are open to bike use. All trails are open to foot traffic. Most trails are open to multiple use, however several trails are designated for foot traffic only. Dogs are permitted with leash and scoop laws in effect.

Explore a scenic and incredibly varied landscape near Winthrop where you are almost certainly guaranteed to see some of the region’s abundant wildlife.

Follow a mountain bike trail that winds through a canyon and a lesser-known rim trail. This is a great destination for a day and you can hike as far as you like. Experience the widely varying scenery of the valley floor and the upper rim. The rim trail has spectacular views and can be combined with the canyon trail to form a nine mile loop.

Hikers who visit the canyon will be treated to gorgeous views from rock lookouts and, if you go at the right time, lots of wildflowers like lupine and balsamroot, a couple of startlingly green oases, and an enchanting forest at the bottom of the canyon. You will also have a good chance of spotting plentiful wildlife including golden eagle, Western tanager, and coyote, among others. Rattlesnakes do also live in the area, so be mindful of where you tread and keep any canine companions on a leash.

Click HERE for more information.

The City Park was purchased in 1901 from the Governor Cosgrove estate for the fair price of $600.00. It included large clumps of black willow trees which were native to the area. The remainder of the ground was largely covered by a jungle of undergrowth, which was later cleared and the trees now standing were planted. While the trees were growing on the park site, the ground was rented for a time to A.H. Mendenhall who grew fine crops of potatoes and saw to the trees.

About 1904 or 1905 the trees were large enough to provide considerable shade and the public began to use the park. The city officials had the ground leveled and seeded to bluegrass.

Many parts of the park have changed since then. Tennis courts were added about 1935 with the City of Pomeroy providing the materials and a group of young men providing the labor. The park now contains a gazebo and covered picnic area for everyone to enjoy.

Click HERE for more information.

Follow a mural trail in Port Angeles, Washington on foot or by bike! Twelve outdoor art murals dot the downtown Port Angeles area and tell a tale of the town’s rich maritime history and Native American culture. This self-guided art mural tour will take you to both hidden and not-so-hidden works of art.

And there’s a good chance you might discover more … Port Angeles is known for works of spectacular art and sculptures hiding out-of-sight (underground, under bushes, lonely back alleys, etc.) so snap a photo, tag us and use the hashtag #331ThingstoDo if you find something fun to share. Book a guided Port Angeles Underground Tour to see some of our subterranean murals!

Click HERE for more information.

The Quincy Lakes Unit has been shaped over time by lava flows, glacial floodwaters, erosion, and seepage from irrigation water. Visitors to this unit will experience towering 800-foot basalt cliffs, isolated mesas, stair stepped benches, box canyons, and potholes. Several of the potholes are filled with water that has seeped from the irrigation of the Quincy Basin farmlands upslope, adding important diversity to the unit's fish and wildlife habitat.

For more information, click HERE

A place for local BMX and mountain bike riders, this park has three dirt-jump trails and a pump track that can be ridden by people of all skill levels. Whether you’re just getting your wheels under you or mastering your nac-nac’s, the Bike Park has something for everyone.

Click HERE for more information.

This 800 acre beautiful wooded area is managed primarily as a nature preserve, with a focus on protecting its wide variety of habitats, including ponds and other wetlands. The park's trails are multi-use: popular for hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

Several regional trails pass through the park. You can pick up a brochure -- which includes a trail map -- at the signboard near the parking lot. To see as much of the park as possible, make a 4.5-mile long loop starting from the parking lot. Take the Trillium Trail and the Siler’s Mill Trail by connecting them with multi-use trails. The grade is gentle and the trails are well maintained. The loop goes up and down and gains about 400 feet total in elevation.

The trails run through second-growth forest of Douglas firs, cedars, cottonwoods and maples. The trees are covered with moss and the ground is covered with sword ferns. Enjoy the chirping of birds, the croaking of frogs, and the smell of fir trees. In the interest of protecting the quality of these habitats, the preserve has enacted the following rules: no pets, no alcohol, no fires or smoking, and no firearms. Please abide by these rules in order to keep the outdoor experience pleasant for all trail users. The entrance is located off of 209th and is equestrian/hiking only with free parking at Farrel-McWhirter Farm Park.

Click HERE for more information.

The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1965 to provide wintering habitat for the dusky subspecies of the Canada goose. Today, the Refuge preserves both habitat for wildlife, and evidence of the people who once lived here. The approximately 5,300 acres contain a lush mixture of wetlands, grasslands, riparian corridors, and forests. These habitats, combined with a mild and rainy winter climate, provide the ideal environment for many species including neotropical song birds, wintering waterfowl, and other local native species. The Carty Unit (28908 NW Main Ave) and River 'S' Unit (1071 S Hilhurst) are available for the public to visit. The Carty Unit hosts the main Refuge office, the Cathlapotle Plankhouse, the Oaks-to-Wetlands Trail, and the seasonal Carty Lake Trail. The River 'S' Unit offers the Auto Tour Route and the seasonal Kiwa Trail, as well as access to the hunt zones.

Click HERE for more information!

Find your inner forest spirit among the rare old-growth stands of Rockport State Park.

The park’s ancient trees, having never been logged, form a landscape and ecosystem seldom seen nowadays, a canopy of towering evergreens so dense that minimal sunlight shines through.

Breathe in the crisp smell of conifers and feel the earth beneath your feet, then look up and marvel at the Rockport giants, some more than 250 feet tall. Check out the Discovery Center, which is open most weekends throughout the year, and ask about guided ranger walks.

On the Fidalgo Island side of Deception Pass you will find this quieter Rosario Beach. Providing everything you hope to find on one of Washington's shores, its much flatter and closer to the water than the more popular heights. Explore tidepools, driftwood covered beaches, and picnic spots among the trees. Don't miss the carving of Kwuh-kwal-uhl-wut, the Maiden of Deception Pass.

Click HERE for more information.

Round Mountain Trailhead

Up, up, and away! Hike to the top of Round Mountain through forests of fir and pine. Take in the views of Rimrock Lake and Clear Lake far below. The route ascends through forests of ponderosa pine, western white pine, western hemlock and Douglas fir. Soon Clear Lake and Rimrock Lake come into view far below. After 1.4 miles, the trail continues along an abandoned roadbed. Climbing steadily further you reach the junction with Round Mountain Lookout Trail. Turn left at this junction and ascend among the huckleberries and small alpine trees until reaching the summit of Round Mountain at elevation 5,971 feet. Not much remains of the old lookout. From here, across the never-ending forests, take in the views of magnificent Mt. Rainier, as well as the jagged peaks of the Goat Rocks and Mt. Adams.
Click HERE to learn more!

The Rustlers Gulch Unit provides a large contiguous area of healthy riparian and wetland habitats at low elevation, which is relatively unique in Eastern Washington and Pend Oreille County. The habitat supports many declining wildlife species populations such Townsend's big-eared bat, northern goshawk, western toad, Columbia spotted frog, and pygmy whitefish.

Tacoma’s two-mile waterfront trail, dotted with pocket parks, connects directly to Point Defiance Park’s five-mile trail through old-growth forest, creating a continuous, seven-mile, woods-to-waterfront trail right in the heart of the city.

Start on Tacoma’s paved and picturesque Ruston Way waterfront trail at Hamilton Park, overlooking the Salish Sea. As you walk or bicycle north, you’ll pass small beaches, tiny parks, the historic ruins of mills, and photogenic fishing piers as well as top-notch seafood restaurants built right out over the water.

Continue north until you reach Point Ruston, Tacoma’s newest shopping, dining, recreation, and entertainment area. Enjoy a snack, a craft beer, or some ice cream from Tacoma’s own Ice Cream Social before heading on.

From there, you’ll connect to Point Defiance Park and it’s 760 acres that includes six distinct species’ gardens, old-growth forest, a zoo and aquarium, a high school, and, most importantly for this walk, Owen Beach. As the waterfront trail becomes a marina and then a promenade, Owen Beach will be straight ahead.

From there, you’ll have the option to turn around, or to continue and connect to the park’s Five-Mile Drive, a wide, paved, well-marked loop road that’s closed to traffic during the current crisis (and throughout the year on weekend mornings), so you’ll be able to keep your distance while safely walking, jogging, or bicycling.

These 284 acres at the confluence of The Snake and Columbia Rivers is known as Sacajawea State Park. Stroll along the 1.2 mile hiking trail and over 9,000′ of freshwater shoreline. The park’s lands are sand dunes interspersed with wetland ponds just begging to be explored. This area is on the plains of the ancient Lake Missoula floods, which swept through the area 12,000 years ago.

There is also two boat ramps and 200 feet of dock! The boat launch is in a small, protected lagoon.

Come picnic, fly a kite, and enjoy the big sky at this beautiful spot.

Park closes 12/1 for winter

Ready to get out mountain biking?!

Sage Hills contains a network of multi-use trails meandering over rolling hills right on the edge of down-town Wenatchee. There are great views and incredible wild flower displays in the early season (April - June).

Most of the climbs are not particularly challenging, but can be sustained. If you go all the way to the top of Twin Peaks, be prepared for a hard-core climb.

The Sage Hills -proper rides average in the 12 mile range, but you can extend this ride with doubletrack (and sweet singletrack!) onto Horse Lake Mountain / Twin Peaks, for 20+ miles easily.

Click HERE for more information.

Don't forget to pack a picnic for your date at Scenic Beach. This Hood Canal state park was recently named "Best Romantic Spot" by area residents.

Is your dog the love of your life these days, or does Fido tend to get lost in the chaos of family life? Either way, your pooch will be thrilled to walk with you on the shore. Scenic Beach is dog friendly, just don't forget the leash.

A short drive from Bremerton, Scenic Beach State Park is the quintessential out-in-the-country neighborhood park. Its beaches and shaded picnic areas are a mecca for locals, while the park is also a popular wedding site and camping park for out-of-towners.

This picturesque little park, with its views of Mount Olympus hovering over the toothy Olympic mountain range, welcomes everyone. Groomed trails provide access to the historic Emel House, a pretty gazebo and a country garden, all of which add to the charm of Scenic Beach.

A beautiful hike and a waterfall too!

Silver Falls in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest was designated a National Recreational Trail in 1979 and is a local and traveler favorite alike, sure to delight you with its riches should you pursue out to unearth what the trail has to offer.

Click HERE for more information.

The Sinlahekin Wildlife Area includes approximately 22,200 acres in central Okanogan County. Elevation ranges from 928 feet on the Driscoll-Eyhott Island Unit to over 4,000 feet on the Sinlahekin Unit, which comprises most of the wildlife area. Dominant habitat types are shrubsteppe, wetland, and dry forest, which support a range of different wildlife throughout the year, including over 215 species of birds, 60 mammals, about 20 reptiles and amphibians, over 25 fish, and over 90 butterfly species. There is also a range of wildflowers that grow on the wildlife area. The Sinlahekin is the oldest wildlife area in Washington, with the first parcels purchased in 1939 using federal Pittman-Robertson funds to preserve mule deer winter range. By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the department serves as stewards for Washington's natural places, protecting the state's land and water for its human and wildlife populations.

The Soda Springs Unit offers diverse fish and wildlife habitat, including conifer forest, mixed pine-oak forest, Oregon white oak woodland, riparian forest, open grasslands, aspen groves, talus slopes, cliffs and bluffs. The diversity of wildlife these habitats support, and an elevation change of more than 1,500 feet make this unit popular for a variety of activities. Hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, wildflower viewing, horseback riding, bicycling, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing are enjoyed on this unit.

The Staircase Rapids Loop Trail is an easy 2.5 mile loop hike hugging the cascading Skokomish River and meandering through magnificent old-growth forests. Halfway up the trail you'll cross a cable bridge with stunning views of the roaring water below. The trail is especially magnificent in the autumn as the leaves begin to change color.

Click HERE for more information on other trails in the area!

Near the townsite of Maryhill, Washington, three miles east of Maryhill Museum of Art and just off Highway 14, stands a full-scale replica of Stonehenge built in 1918 by historic entrepreneur Samuel Hill. This site is open to the public as a monument to local soldiers killed in World War I. Sam Hill’s crypt is located a short walk southwest of Stonehenge on a bluff overlooking the river.

Open daily 7 a.m. to dusk. Admission is free.

The Sweet Creek Rest Area is a natural and scenic 38 acre parcel situated on the North Pend Oreille Scenic Byway and the Selkirk Loop (State Route 31) about 1 ½ miles south of Metaline. It was developed in 3 different phases with the help of the Department of Transportation grants as an enhancement project of the International Selkirk Loop plan. Sweet Creek bisects the site. The highlights of the area are three waterfalls; the lowest waterfall is located a short walk from the parking area.

This rest area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, picnicking and recreating in a quiet, natural setting. There is a large parking lot for 13 cars and 5 larger RVs or trucks, a two toilet vault restroom, trash receptacles, and two short trails. The north trail is the shortest and leads to the lower falls. The first part of the trail is paved and provides access to 2 different private areas with picnic tables. The second trail takes off from the south side of the rest area and leads to a viewpoint at the top of the falls. There are six picnic tables along this trail. There is also an interpretive sign near the restroom explaining the history of Sweet Creek and the former logging operations in that area.

Click HERE for more information.

Check out the incredible photo opportunities at this very scenic picnic spot along Highway 2. With 14 picnic locations in the area, finding some elbow room is a breeze. Plus, its only 6 miles outside of Leavenworth!

Click HERE for more information.

The Tri-Cities, located in southeastern Washington, is home to a variety of outdoor adventures but the Tapteal Water Trail is the perfect setting for socially distant activities. The water trail has long been a favorite waterway because of the diverse scenery, and is popular with fishers, kayakers and for more leisurely activities, such as floating. The water trail marks a 30-mile stretch of the Yakima River, beginning at the Benton City Recreation Area and winding its way to the Columbia River near Bateman Island.

The Water Trail moves through a variety of habitats, from arid shrub steppe to lush marshlands and meanders along another community conservation project, the Tapteal Greenway. The Greenway is home to more than 30 species of wildlife. Visitors to the Greenway/Water Trail will often catch glimpses of mink, beaver, river otters, herons and more.

Local outfitters Greenies and Northwest Paddleboarding offer kayak and paddleboard rentals for visiting outdoor adventurers.

The Tapteal Greenway Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and its missions are to preserve the character of the lower Yakima River, protecting native habitats and species through conservation. They also enhance recreational opportunities throughout the corridor by providing outdoor education programs and promoting public access to and understanding of these resources.

Click HERE for more information about outdoor activities in the Tri-Cities.

The Tennant Lake Unit is comprised of mostly floodplain of the Nooksack River. Tennant Lake is an 80-acre, shallow, peat-bog lake. Both the lake and Claypit Pond, a half-mile south of the lake, are bounded by extensive swamp/marsh areas. The unit was primarily managed for waterfowl and deer hunting, and spiny-ray fishing, but now offers an interpretive center and scent garden for the blind, an observation tower, an upland interpretive trail, an elevated, wetland boardwalk trail, 3 hunting blinds, and a boat launch on the Nooksack River. These improvements provide important recreational and educational opportunities for school districts and other visitors.

Discover one of the most impressive trees in the Pacific Northwest, a nearly 1000-year-old western red cedar. Located between Ruby Beach and Fourth Beach on US Hwy. 101 in Olympic National Park, you'll find a sign for the Big Cedar Tree leading east to a parking area. It's a short, easily accessible walk to the tree. It used to stand over 175 feet tall, the third largest of its species, but a storm in March 2014 split the behemoth nearly in half. Now it provides an example of the cycle of life as it decomposes and becomes a nurse log for a new generation of giants. While you’re there, continue on the short quarter-mile trail that leads to a whole grove of ancient western red cedars.

Click HERE for more information!

Turnbull encompasses approximately 16,000 acres of the Channeled Scablands. The ecosystem that predominates the Refuge is unique within the National Wildlife Refuge System. Forces of volcanism, glaciation and the largest flood in geological history have forged a distinct environment. Basalt outcrops, channeled canyons and ponderosa pine forests infused in a diverse landscape (130 marshes, wetlands and lakes) create an environment of beauty & a quality wildlife habitat. The acres of wetlands represent some of the last quality breeding habitat in eastern Washington for waterfowl.

Nestled in at the south end of Upper Twin Lake, this site offers picnicking in a serene setting. Bright yellow balsam root are abundant in the spring. Popular activities here are fishing and paddling on the lakes, hiking, backpacking, hunting, horseback riding, waterfowl and wildflower viewing and photography. Anglers fish for stocked rainbow trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, yellow bullhead, black crappie, and sunfish. Trails wind through shrub-steppe uplands, and the upper Lake Creek Canyon. Developed wetlands supporting numerous bird populations north of the lakes invite overland hikers to come and explore.

Click HERE for more information.

Come enjoy and explore Bellingham's first waterfront park! This area has tons of history, and had 165 feet of bulkhead removed to create the beach that is here now. Pack the picnic, camera, and sunscreen!

Click HERE for more information.

The W.T. Wooten Wildlife Area is spans approximately 17,000 acres. The main unit, W.T. Wooten, covers 16,445 acres in Columbia and Garfield counties. The wildlife area also includes the smaller McDonald Bridge and Swegle Road access areas in Walla Walla County. The main W.T. Wooten Unit is 25 miles east of Dayton and 14 miles south of Pomeroy. About 17 miles of the Tucannon River are located within the boundaries, and elevations range from 4,100 feet on Hopkins Ridge down to 1,800 feet on the lowest section of the Tucannon River.

Explore the Yelm-Tenino trail. The wind blowing through your hair and new experiences with friends or family by your side. To start the trail on the Yelm side, find the trail head next to the Yelm Skate Park. To start the trail on the Tenino side, find the trail head next to the Tenino City Park.

Click HERE to learn more!