Novel Coronavirus - COVID 19

Update as of May 2, 2020

Parks announces limited opening for day use

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.

LIST OF PARKS NOW OPEN. 

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 also will 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. 

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.

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE RECREATION IN THE OUTDOORS


Before you go

  • Check what’s open. While many state-managed land destinations are open for day use, other local, tribal and federal land may still be closed. 
  • Opt for day trips close to home. Overnight stays are not permitted.
  • Stay with immediate household members only. Recreation with those outside of your household creates new avenues for virus transmission. 
  • Come prepared. Visitors may find reduced or limited restroom services as staff begin the process to reopen facilities at wildlife areas and water-access sites. You are advised to bring your own soap, water, hand sanitizer and toilet paper, as well as a mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth.
  • Enjoy the outdoors when healthy. If you have symptoms of fever, coughing or shortness of breath, save your outdoor adventure for another day.  

When you get there 

  • Avoid crowds. Be prepared to go somewhere else or come back another time if your destination looks crowded. 
  • Practice physical distancing. Keep 6 feet between you and those outside your immediate household. Launch one boat at a time to give others enough space to launch safely. Leave at least one parking space between your vehicle and the vehicle next to you. Trailer your boat in the same way. 
  • Wash your hands often. Keep up on personal hygiene and bring your own water, soap and hand sanitizer with you.  
  • Pack out what you pack in. Take any garbage with you, including disposable gloves and masks. 
  • Be kind and respectful to our rangers, park aides and other field staff.

For  information on Washington state’s response to COVID-19, visit www.coronavirus.wa.gov.

View previous COVID-19 updates.

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