June 8 is National Get Outdoors Day, celebrate by enjoying WWRP-funded spaces
This Saturday is National Get Outdoors Day and most of us are fortunate enough to live in areas where we can easily access Washington’s exceptional wild spaces.
Washington State Parks is making that even easier this weekend by offering free admission to all state parks both Saturday and Sunday. What with all your options, we understand if you’re having a difficult time deciding where to go. Here’s our list of suggested WWRP-funded recreation areas for hikers, climbers, bikers, and everyone in between:
CLIMBING
Beacon Rock – Featured in last month’s e-news, Beacon Rock boasts the world’s second largest monolith and has some of the best climbing in Southwest Washington. Beacon Rock received a WWRP grant in 2001 and could receive a second grant this year.
Steamboat Rock – Hike in the shadow of one of our state’s most iconic rock formations. This park is also a great spot for hiking and mountain biking.
Peshatin Pinnacles – Climbable sandstone spires reach 200 feet into the air in this popular desert park.
HIKING
Mt. Spokane – Mount Spokane State Park offers rare opportunities to stand on a peak and look into Canada, Idaho and Oregon. This park offers hikes that are accessible to families and inexperienced hikers as well as more difficult trails for adventurous folks.
Mt. Si – The Washington Trails Association says this hike should be experienced at least once by every Puget Sound area hiker. If you persevere and make it to the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Puget Sound Basin.
Umtanum Creek Canyon – This desert hike crosses the Yakima River into a region bursting with life. Hikers report seeing evidence of beavers and occasionally even run into a bighorn sheep.
BIKING
Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park – This park offers 6 miles of cross-country trails, 2 miles of free-ride trails, some incredible jumps and obstacles, and even a kids biking area. It is truly one of the premier mountain-biking areas in Puget Sound.
Iron Horse State Park – While most of us will want to be in the sun this weekend, this dark ride is one to consider. Iron Horse offers a biking trail through Snoqualmie Pass in a 2.3 mile tunnel.
Lord Hill Regional Park – Old logging roads create wide trails where multiple bikers can ride comfortably-side-by-side in scenic wilderness. This park also accommodates horseback riders.
WATERFRONT
Bottle Beach – This beach on Grays Harbor offers great opportunities to birdwatch and explore tidal flats.
Cama Beach – Featured in last month’s e-news, this state park offers both day use and over-night accommodations in restored cabins that have maintained their fishing-village charm.
Crystal Falls – Enjoy the scenic waterfalls on the riverfront outside of Colville.
Old Mill Park – This waterfront park in Kitsap County is the perfect spot for a picnic if you’re looking to get outside this weekend to just relax and soak up the sun.