The 25 Best State Parks in Washington

In Washington’s 140 state parks, visitors can expect outdoor adventure, stunning views, and remnants of early explorers. Park activities range from  scenic hikes and immersive visitor centers to scuba diving and marine life exploration. To help plan your outdoor escape, we’ve ranked the 25 best state parks in Washington based on amenities, activities and visitor reviews.

1. Deception Pass State Park

Hours: Summer 6:30am to dusk daily; winter 8am to dusk daily
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Washington’s most visited state park, Deception Pass State Park encompasses 3,854 acres of northwestern Washington with 77,000 feet of ocean frontage and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline. Along with showcasing secluded coves and rugged cliffs, the park hosts 38 miles of hiking trails, six miles of horse trails, and three miles of biking trails. In addition, this Puget Sound location is ideal for fishing, crabbing, swimming and whitewater kayaking.

2. Cape Disappointment State Park

Hours: 6:30am to dusk daily, year-round
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Located near the Washington-Oregon border, Cape Disappointment State Park, does not live up to its name, delighting visitors with 2,023 acres of old-growth forests, freshwater lakes and ocean shoreline. Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to learn about their expedition before setting out to explore the area on your own. The park offers eight miles of trails, as well as designated space for picnicking and camping. Go clam-digging at Benson Beach, fish for salmon on Benson Beach’s North Jetty or tour the North Head Lighthouse.

3. Lime Kiln Point State Park

Hours: 8am to dusk daily, year round
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Dubbed “Whale Watch Park,” Lime Kiln Point State Park, on the western shores of San Juan Island, is known worldwide for attracting orcas. From the park’s shoreline, visitors are often within 20 feet of the breaching whales. Visit the Lime Kiln Point Interpretive Center to learn all about orcas and the park’s lime-mining history. In addition, visitors can hike the 1.6 miles of trails or enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the 18 picnicking sites within this 41-acre park.

4. Lake Sammamish State Park

Hours: 6:30am to dusk daily, year round
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Just east of Seattle, on the southern shores of Lake Sammamish, sits Lake Sammamish State Park. Visitors flock to this 512-acre park for its abundance of water sports opportunities. Enjoy sunbathing or swimming off the shores of Tibbetts Beach or Sunset Beach, both located within the park. Boating enthusiasts can use the park’s boat launch to access the eight-mile lake.

5. South Whidbey State Park

Hours: 8am to dusk daily, year round
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Known for its old-growth forest and picturesque views of Puget Sound, South Whidbey State Park boasts 4,500 feet of shoreline and 381 acres of parkland. Nature lovers can visit the park’s giant, 500-year-old red cedar tree, or take a walk among mature groves of Douglas fir, Sitka spruce and. In addition, the park offers 3.5 miles of hiking trails to explore, along with clamming, fishing and beach-combing opportunities.

6. Camano Island State Park

Hours: Summer 6:30am to dusk, daily; winter 8am to dusk, daily
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Just outside Seattle, Camano Island State Park touts 244 acres of parkland and 6,700 feet of Puget Sound shoreline. Its main allure is its unspoiled beaches and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy seaside activities like fishing, swimming, boating and crabbing. The park’s three miles of trails deliver epic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. A mile-long trail connects this picturesque park to Cama Beach State Park, which also appears on this list.

7. Cama Beach State Park

Hours: 8am to dusk daily, year round
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Journey back in time with a visit to a 1930s-era waterfront fishing resort within Cama Beach State Park. The 13 fully refurbished bungalows are available for rent year-round. Located on Camano Island, this 433-acre seaside retreat houses 15 miles of multi-use trails and plenty of fishing, crabbing and swimming opportunities. Visitors can even indulge in a boat-building class offered at Center for Wooden Boats located within the park.

8. Peace Arch Historical State Park

Hours: 8am to dusk daily, year round
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Uniquely positioned on an international border, Peace Arch Historical State Park sits on the U.S. side with adjoining Peace Arch Provincial Park on the Canadian side. Visitors are welcome to explore both sides of the park without clearing customs (but venturing beyond the park boundaries is strictly forbidden). Peace Arch is centrally located between the two parks. This 67-foot tall concrete monument, dedicated in 1921, symbolizes the long history of peaceful relations between the two nations. Recreational activities include exploring the lush garden, taking in Point Roberts and Vancouver Island views, and picnicking.

9. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

Hours: Summer 6:30am to dusk, daily; winter 8am to dusk, daily
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park in eastern Washington houses one of North America’s most impressive geological wonders. Dry Falls was once a massive waterfall created by the Ice Age floods more than 13,000 years ago. Once the ice dam gave way several thousand years ago, the waters receded. Today, only the rock cliff remains of this once 400-foot-high, 3.5-mile-wide waterfall. If still flowing today it would be over four times the size of Niagara Falls. This 3,744-acre park also encompasses 73,640 feet of freshwater shoreline among its three lakes. Park Lake hosts a boat launch; Deep Lake is ideal for paddling and kayaking; and Dry Falls Lake is the spot for trout fishing. Other park activities include 15 miles of hiking trails and a nine-hole golf course.

10. Columbia Hills Historical State Park

Hours: Summer 6am to dusk, daily; closed October to March
Admission: Discover Pass required for vehicle access ($10 one-day pass, $30 annual pass)

Located in central Washington on the Columbia River, Columbia Hills Historical State Park comprises 3,637 acres of parkland. There are four different sites to explore, each with its own characteristics. Horsethief Lake offers tent and RV campsites, along with kayak and paddle boat rentals. Cultural artifacts like Native American pictographs can be found carved into the area’s rocks. Hikers and rock climbers can head to Horsethief Butte, where most of the trails deliver epic views of the Columbia River and Mount Hood. Crawford Oaks Trailhead also provides a network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The park’s former homestead ranch is found in the Dalles Mountain Ranch area, where visitors can explore historic buildings.

See the full list of the 25 best state parks in Washington:

1. Deception Pass State Park
2. Cape Disappointment State Park
3. Lime Kiln Point State Park
4. Lake Sammamish State Park
5. South Whidbey State Park
6. Camano Island State Park
7. Cama Beach State Park
8. Peace Arch Historical State Park
9. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
10. Columbia Hills Historical State Park
11. Fort Casey Historical State Park
12. Manchester State Park
13. Dash Point State Park
14. Potholes State Park
15. Jarrell Cove State Park
16. Lake Wenatchee State Park
17. Riverside State Park
18. Pearrygin Lake State Park
19. Nolte State Park
20. Larrabee State Park
21. Palouse Falls State Park
22. Beacon Rock State Park
23. Bottle Beach State Park
24. Joemma Beach State Park
25. Steamboat Rock State Park