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BIRCH BAY STATE PARK
5105 Helweg Road
Blaine, WA 98230
(360)371-2800
Facing Puget Sound, this park has a one mile sand beach, which draws visitors from all over the world. Trails are mostly for beginners and are highly traveled. Short stints skirt around saltwater marshes and creeks, are well maintained, and offer nice, short walks for any age and skill level.
CENTRAL FERRY
10152 State Route 127
Pomeroy, WA 99347
(509)549-3551
Central Ferry is open March-November, and gives visitors a chance to birdwatch, hike and camp. All trails within the park are well groomed and easily walkable by any skill level. Some brushy countryside on the outskirts of the park is geared toward more serious hikers, who will have to dodge black widow spiders and rattlesnakes to make it to the end. See Park Rangers before attempting the latter walk.
FORT CANBY STATE PARK
PO Box 488
Ilwaco, WA 98624
(360)642-3078
This park has 1, 881 acres to roam. Walking trails wind through forests and steep shoreheads, and several lead to picture perfect views from neighboring lighthouses. Most walks are well groomed and make a nice afternoon stroll for the average hiker.
GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST
10600 NE 51st Circle
Vancouver, WA 98672
(360)891-5000
Backcountry hikers will love the 7 wilderness areas that make up this park. Rocky climbs, meadows and forest walkways are the highlights here. You'll be crossing a few lakes and streams on the path, so wear waterproof shoes, if possible. Moderate to serious hikers will enjoy the view from high atop several mountains.
CONBOY LAKE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
100 Wildlife Refuge Road
Glenwood, WA 98619
(509)364-3410
This park is a spring migration stop for Canadian geese and ducks. The refuge also draws swans and bald eagles during winter months. Covering over 5, 000 acres, this is a nice park with lots of in-your-face wildlife. The Willard Springs foot trail is the most popular hike in the area, and suitable for all skill levels.
MARYHILL
Hwy 97
Goldendale, WA 98620
(509)773-5007
This is a nice family park, named after Mary Hill, relative of the great railroad tycoon, James Hill. All trails are short and well groomed, never leaving the city atmosphere of the park too far behind.
TURNBULL NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
26010 South Smith Road
Cheney, WA 99004
(509)235-4723
Short trails, auto tour routes and wildlife are the big attractions here. The Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 50, 000 ducks, geese and other migratory birds during the fall months. Waterfowl also commonly use this area for nesting. Deer, elk, coyotes, beaver and badgers are common sites on hiking trails. Wheel chair accessible treks round out this park as being perfect for almost anyone.
PAERRYGIN LAKE861 Bear Creek Road
Winthrop, WA 98862
(509)996-2370
Located in Washington's upper Methow Valley, this 578 acre park was once a traditional hunting ground for Native Americans. Newly maintained, this is a pretty park, with much to see and do. There are no formal hiking trails here. True nature lovers just head off into the wooded fields for the afternoon or jump on one of the many deer trails. This is a fun walk, best used by those with good hiking boots, a compass, and some experience.
LINCOLN ROCK STATE PARK
13253 State Road 2
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
(800)452-5687
Nestled into the east bank of the Columbia River, Lincoln Rock is a small, water friendly park. Only 80 acres in size, this park is a favorite hangout for fishermen, boaters and sailboarders. Trails within the park are paved and share with bicyclists. Any skill level hiker will appreciate this trip!
MILLERSYLVANIA STATE PARK
12245 Tilley Road
Olympia, WA 98512
(360)753-1519
The trail here is referred to as the "physical fitness trail." A great challenge for walkers and runners, this 1.5 mile jaunt will leave you breathless. Another 7 miles of trails weave through the park and around the lake, and are more appropriate for less seasoned hikers.
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