June 10 and 11 are State Park Free Days! What does that mean? You can go visit any state park for free! Lucky for us, Washington State has over 140 state parks that you can visit. Here are a few we suggest for next weekend:
Dash Point State Park
This 461-acre park is located in the Puget Sound. Dash Point State Park has it all with camping, hiking and biking trails, and even beach access. Guests can participate in activities from kayaking to fishing to climbing! One of its most appealing features is its perfect tides for skimboarding, a popular activity for guests of any age.
Saltwater State Park
Continuing the beach trend, Saltwater State Park is exactly what the name suggests, a beachy state park with water access for guests. Located right between Tacoma and Seattle, the park also has hiking trails off the beach. This is a great spot for a quick picnic too, as the park has many grills available throughout for guests. Fun historical fact, in 1926, the two cities of Tacoma and Seattle literally buried a hatchet to symbolize the end of their competition.
Lake Sammamish State Park
This park is one of the most convenient to get to as it is right off of I-90! This is a great area for young families at both of the beaches also have playgrounds and lots of close parking. For those who are up for the challenge, there are also trails through the deciduous forest on the outskirts of the beach. However, if you are most interested in water activities, rentals are also available for kayaking or other boards!
Flaming Geyser State Park
If you are trying to fully immerse yourself in nature, Flaming Geyser is the one for you. This park has lots of space for big gatherings but also offers many hiking and horse trails. The name comes from the formerly used methane seep found at the center of the park. Don’t worry, it’s no longer active, but if you want to learn more, there are plaques around the park that will explain its history.