Parks announces limited opening for day use

Ocean beach and Columbia River Gorge parks to remain closed

— from Washington State Parks —

Today, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced the list of state parks that will open on Tuesday, May 5, for day use only.

The list of more than 100 parks and properties is posted to the agency’s website and includes popular destinations for hiking and boating across the state.

State Parks will delay the opening of some areas beyond May 5, including all ocean beach parks and those along the Columbia River Gorge. Parks is working with local communities, natural resource agencies and our partners in Oregon to determine the appropriate timing for reopening these areas. No specific timeline has been identified for opening these park areas.

State Parks will also take steps to reduce parking capacity at some urban locations such as Lake Sammamish, Saint Edward and Dash Point by limiting parking. Reducing the number of parking stalls available will help decrease the number of people who can access the parks at one time, minimizing crowds.

State Parks asks that visitors:

• Stay close to home.
• Check the status of their favorite park or trail heads before heading out.
• Come prepared with their own handwashing supplies.
• Follow State Parks’ guidelines for responsible recreation.

Parks is also asking visitors to respect closures and only visit parks that are open for day use.

Parks staff look forward to welcoming visitors into our parks. Please consider their safety by following the guidelines posted on the agency’s COVID-19 response page and the CDC’s recommendations for visiting parks and recreational facilities.

As parks reopen, visitors should understand there may be limited restroom facilities at some parks.

Beaches and camping have been identified in Phase 2 of Gov. Inslee’s reopening plan. Parks will coordinate with the governor’s office as we move toward that milestone.