State Parks in Washington

The state of Washington, located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, is home to 121 state parks. The activities are boundless, thus satisfying various preferences one may have when it comes to enjoying the outdoors. From the sandy beaches to the breathtaking mountains to the forests, Washington's state parks allow extensive exploration in whatever suits your fancy. There are more than 40 Saltwater State Parks. Mystery Bay, a park that is part of South Sound, is popular with boaters due to its extensive shoreline. Not only does it give a great view of the mountains, the name lends bit of U.S. history. This park got its name because it was a well known spot used for smuggling booze during the Prohibition.

To soak in some of the natural beauty of Washington, visit Beacon Rock State Park. It has more than 4,600 acres and almost 10,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Columbia River. Activities to enjoy include mountain biking, hiking, camping and rock climbing. You can also cast your line for salmon, steelhead and walleye. Riverside State Park in Spokane has 600 acres for all-terrain vehicles including dirt bikes and off-road vehicles.

There are also activities in Washington's state parks where winter sports enthusiasts can go to play. It's a part of Washington's Winter Recreation Program. There are Sno-Parks designated for snowmobiling. Empire Lake has 57 miles of snowmobile trails. For the true outdoor lover, overnight camping is allowed in most of the Sno-Parks.