Dreaming about a move to Washington or living in a modular home in Washington? The Evergreen State is known for its lush forest expanse covering about half of the state. Ripe with natural wonders and stunning landscapes, outdoor explorers can take in gorgeous sights like rainforests, volcanoes, deep canyons, lava tubes, beautiful lakes, waterfalls, trails, river gorges, coastal spots, picturesque mountains, and even a petrified forest. Washington is definitely not short on natural beauty and endless outdoor experiences.
Ready to explore? Here are the 10 best state parks in Washington.
1. Fort Worden State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
The first spot on the must-see list? Fort Worden State Park, a 432-acre hideaway filled with Victorian-era artifacts like restored historical homes, hidden gun emplacements, and parade lawns. Experience history with a self-guided walking tour and a pit stop at the gift shop. This state park has more than just a storied past, Fort Worden State Park welcomes visitors with camping, hiking trails, picnic and day-use areas, water activities such as boating, crabbing, and swimming, birding, mountain biking, fire circles, beach explorations, and much more.
2. Moran State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Looking for a state park where you can really spread out? Head over to Moran State Park on Orcas Island, a 5,424-acre spot with many camping sites (over 150!), and dive right into picture-perfect explorations. With five freshwater lakes for swimming and non-motorized boating, 38 miles of hiking trails, nature preserves for birding and wildlife watching, biking pathways, and pristine equestrian trails, there’s something to do for everyone in the family at Moran State Park. Even better: meditate by a fire circle (there’s a firewood vending machine, too), go glamping at a luxury tent site, or unwind at their two concession spots with some fresh coffee.
3. Mount Spokane State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Next up, Mount Spokane State Park. This 12,444-acre camping park is in the Selkirk Mountains, just 28 miles outside of Spokane, Washington. Hiking enthusiasts, take note: there are over 100 miles of pristine trails with wow-worthy views from a popular summit spot. Popular summit areas include Day Mountain, Kit Carson, and Mount Spokane. Admire the state park’s picture-perfect sights with daytime walks through wildflowers, forests of Ponderosa pine, and meadows. Visitors can take advantage of camping, hiking, alpine and back-country skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and more.
4. Deception Pass State Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Take a day trip out of Seattle—just 82 miles in fact—and spend the day at Deception Pass State Park. The 3,854-acre state park is also a strait separating Whidbey Island from Fidalgo Island. A popular spot, Deception Pass sees many visitors each year for its picture-perfect sunsets, cliff views, charming coves, and sky-high bridge. Activities at the state park include fishing, swimming, hiking through wooded forests, walking through trails, taking in nature preserves, camping, crabbing, fishing, swimming, diving, white-water kayaking, boating, beach exploration, birding, sailboarding, plus other day activities.
5. Saint Edward State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Only 15 miles outside of Seattle, Saint Edward State Park is a wonder-filled day-use park. Sitting on 326 acres, this state park sits along the eastern shore of Lake Washington (with 3,000 feet of freshwater shoreline too). After exploring the green-laden grounds, visitors can hike, picnic, swim, water ski, boat, eat at The Grand Dining Hall, and take in the beauty of the Grotto, a garden alcove at the state park.
6. Centennial Trail/Riverside State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Hit the trails. Centennial Trail/Riverside State Park is a 40-mile trail that courses through eastern Washington. This idyllic mixed-use trail appeals to experienced and novice hikers, cycling enthusiasts, and skating devotees. 11 miles outside Spokane, this trail isn’t without its glorious sights and sounds. In fact, day hikers can spot plenty of landmarks, monuments, and scientific sites like the Deep Creek Canyon which houses fossil beds.
7. Westport Light State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Looking for more day-use-only parks? Plan a visit to Westport Light State Park. About 100 miles from Tacoma, Washington, this state park boasts 560 acres and over 1,200 miles of shoreline along Half Moon Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Explore the beaches of Westport Light State Park or go for a stroll on the 1.3-mile trail. Visitors can also spend the day fishing, clamming, crabbing, and birdwatching. Take a surf lesson at BigFoot Surf School, too.
8. Steamboat Rock State Park
Google Rating: 4.7
Ready for more camping? Then a visit to Steamboat Rock State Park is in order. This 3,522-acre park is bursting with activities and delightful photo-worthy moments. The state park’s landscape is nothing short of historic—originally developed by Ice Age floods 13,000 years ago—with its magnificent canyon, wildlife, desert plants, trails, Banks Lake, and Steamboat Rock itself. Camp, fish, boat, bike, watch birds and view bald eagles, and engage in winter sports like ice climbing at this spot.
9. North Beach County Park
Google Rating: 4.7
57 miles outside of Seattle, you’ll unlock North Beach County Park. Open from sunrise to sunset, this day-use park is perfect for small meditative moments. Bring a lunch and picnic, walk dogs along the sand, beach comb, spot rare rocks and sea glass, and take photos of nature and gorgeous sunsets or impressive wildlife like otters.
10. Lake Sammamish State Park
Google Rating: 4.6
Washington has ample opportunities with day-use parks, and Lake Sammamish State Park is another great one to visit. Encompassing 531 acres, Lake Sammamish State Park includes eight miles of freshwater lake and 6,858 feet of gorgeous waterfront. Spend a gorgeous beach day at this state park—run the gamut with a beachside picnic lunch, kayaking or paddleboarding, boating, fishing, swimming, water skiing, hit a biking or walking trail, get a snack at concessions, wildlife watch, or engage in a few innings of baseball or softball on the fields.
National Parks
Mount Rainier National Park
Google Rating: 4.9
The state is not without amazing national parks. The first national park to see? Mount Rainier National Park, which is just 67 miles from the city of Olympia. This state reserve sprawls out over 369 square miles and sees a bevy of visitors each year. Whether it’s a day visit or a camping trip, attendees can take in the glory of this park through wilderness hiking, climbing, and winter sports. The astounding landscape includes flowery meadows, dense forests, and stately mountains, including Mount Rainier.
Olympic National Park
Google Rating: 4.8
The next national park on anyone’s list is Olympic National Park, just 14 miles outside Port Angeles, Washington. Olympic National Park extends to nearly a million acres (yep, really), and hosts impressive—and beautiful—varied ecosystems. The national park is renowned for its diverse wilderness, including its range of elevation and weather patterns. Popular among climbers and mountaineers, Mt. Olympus is a must-see spot. With larger-than-life views, visitors can also explore impeccable valleys, rainforests, ridges, lakes, and beaches. Organize a camping trip or spend the day climbing, boating, fishing, hiking, doing winter or tide pool experiences, or participating in a ranger-led activity.
North Cascades National Park
Google Rating: 4.8
Take a jaunt to Northern Washington and visit North Cascades National Park. At just 107 miles—or two hours—from Seattle, this national park is a vast expanse of beautiful wilderness from forested mountains and valleys to lakes and epic glaciers. With impressive wildlife (including grizzly bears), North Cascades National Park offers backcountry permits all-year round, plus camping, ranger programs, and guided tours. Linger longer in the park and embark on astounding feats like climbing, hiking, boating, fishing, and horseback riding.
The Evergreen State
Considering a move to Washington? Check out our other articles on the best places to live and notable retiree-friendly cities to call your next home. And when you’re ready to find your new home, you can find new listings every day at NewHomeSource.
All parks have been ranked based on the criteria of popularity, distance from the closest major cities, violent crime, property crime, google ratings, and the number of google reviews.
Stephanie Valente is a Content Director and Editor in Brooklyn, NY. She’s previously held writing and social media positions at Barkbox, Men’s Journal, and currently works at a full-service advertising agency. She’s a self-confessed home and design enthusiast. Stephanie is an award-winning poet and fiction writer. When she’s offline, you can find her taking a yoga class, running, hanging out with her rescue dog Pepper. Find her on stephanievalente.com.
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