Month: February 2019

A Newsletter from Washington State Parks | February 2019 View as a webpage

Reservations  |  Discover Pass  |  Passes & Permits  |  Boating  |  Support Your Parks

Discover Pass gives you year-round access to millions of acres When you purchase your Discover Pass, you aren’t just buying a parking pass. You are directly supporting the preservation of public lands. Not only does the Discover Pass give you access to state parks, it also offers you access to millions of acres of state recreation lands in Washington, including: More than 100 developed state parks More than 350 primitive recreation sites, including campgrounds and picnic areas Nearly 700 water-access points  Nearly 2,000 miles of designated water and land recreation trails More than 80 natural areas More than 30 wildlife areas Purchase your Discover Pass today!   Welcome spring with Holi at Lake Sammamish State Park The Washington State Parks Folk & Traditional Arts Program invites the public to celebrate spring at the 2019 Holi Celebration at Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah.   The annual celebration runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 23. (Driving directions.) The free event, which takes place at the park’s kitchen shelter, will include a Bollywood DJ, traditional music & dance and family-friendly activities. Nontoxic paint powder and vegetarian Indian food will be available for purchase.   Holi, an ancient Hindu spring festival, is also known as the Festival of Colors. This joyful and vibrant holiday brings participants of all ages and walks of life together to celebrate, socialize and say goodbye to winter. Learn more about Holi at the event!   The Holi Celebration is part of a broader series of events that celebrate Washington’s diverse heritage presented by the Folk & Traditional Arts Program. Learn more.   A Discover Pass is required for vehicle parking.     Beat the winter chill with a State Parks scarf Feeling chilly with the cold weather and snow Washington has been receiving this year? Then get your hands on the new Washington State Parks scarf!   This beautiful, high-quality woven scarf is two sided and lets you proudly support Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program.   The scarf is 61 inches long by 6.5 inches tall. It sells for $20 (includes tax) at Washington State Parks headquarters building, 1111 Israel Road SW, Tumwater, 98501. Or $20 plus $7 to have it shipped to you. Call (360) 902-8844.   The scarf is 80 percent acrylic and 20 percent polyester, and is machine washer/dryer safe.  Proceeds support the Winter Recreation Program. Limited supply, so get your scarf today!   Find out how you can get your very own scarf here.   Photo: Blake the snowshoe hare is one of the mascots for State Parks’ Winter Recreation Program.     Avoid the rush! Book a cabin or campsite now! Planning your spring or summer vacation? State parks’ accommodations fill up fast, but you can make reservations up to nine months in advance for most parks.   If you waited too long to snag those summer weekend dates last year, consider a mid-week reservation. You might have better luck if you can be flexible on your dates. And there’s always the off season. Many cabins and yurts are cheaper then, too!   Looking for suggestions? We currently have openings for cabins and yurts at Twin Harbors and Ike Kinswa state parks. Book your stay today!   Photo: Yurt at Twin Harbors state park