There are many wonderful national parks in Washington, and each one has something unique to offer visitors.
Whether you’re looking for pristine alpine scenery, rugged Pacific coastline, or lush evergreen forests, Washington has a park that’s just right for you.
In this post, we’ll provide an overview of all the national parks in Washington state, including information on the activities and amenities are available at each park. We’ll also provide information on where to stay near each park so you can make the most of your trip!
We’ll even go beyond the three national parks in Washington to include all 15 sites managed by the National Park Service.
If you love spending time outdoors or learning about history, Washington is the perfect place for you! With so many beautiful national parks to explore, you’ll never run out of things to do.
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Table of Contents
Map of the National Parks in Washington
Complete List of Washington National Parks
- Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
- Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
- Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
- Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
- Manhattan Project National Historical Park
- Minidoka National Historic Site
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Nez Perce National Historical Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Olympic National Park
- Ross Lake National Recreation Area
- San Juan Island National Historical Park
- Whitman Mission National Historic Site
In order to save money, I would recommend purchasing a national parks pass. These cost $80 and are valid for a full calendar year (from the date of purchase) at all public lands in the United States. After you visit 3 national parks, it’ll have paid for itself. It also makes a great gift for national park enthusiasts! Learn more about park entry fees.
When visiting our national parks and public lands, please practice Leave No Trace principles. Plan ahead, choose durable surfaces for camping or hiking, dispose of all waste properly, leave everything you find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other park visitors.
Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve
Located on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve is a great place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the area’s history.
The reserve is made up of several different units, each with its own unique character.
The main unit of the reserve is located near the town of Coupeville and is a great place to hike, bike, or picnic. Several historic buildings on the property are also open to the public.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, be sure to stop by the visitor center. Here, you’ll find exhibits on the early Euro-Americans of the area, as well as the local Native American tribes.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Self-guided walking tours, hiking, off-leash dog park, farmer’s market, birdwatching, shopping, restaurants, kayaking
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Anchorage Inn B&B | Sea Dog Sanctuary | Captain Whidbey Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 678-6084
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Located in Vancouver, Washington, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of the largest urban national parks in the country.
The park is made up of several different units, each with its own unique history. The main unit of the park is the reconstructed fort, which was an important trading post in the early 1800s.
Today, the fort is open to the public and offers a variety of activities and programs. You can take a self-guided tour of the fort or participate in one of the living history programs.
There are also a number of events held at the fort throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for more information.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Vancouver, be sure to visit the Pearson Air Museum. The museum is located on the park grounds and has exhibits on the early aviation history of the area.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Picnicking, ranger programs, bicycling, museums, self-guided tours, memorials, hiking, gardens, birdwatching
Park Entrance Fee: None, however, some activities or tours may require a fee.
Where to Stay: Homewood Suites | Hilton | Heathman Lodge | Briar Rose Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 816-6230
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Located in Seattle, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a great place to learn about the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. The park is made up of four units: three in Alaska and one in Seattle.
The unit in Seattle focuses on the impact that the gold rush had on the local area.
You can take a self-guided tour of the exhibit halls at the visitor center, watch a film, and learn more about the park in the Kerr Room. Self-guided walking tours of Pioneer Square are also available.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Museums, self-guided tours, walking tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn Downtown | Hotel 5 | Hotel Sorrento | Sheraton Grand
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (206) 220-4240
Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
Located in north-central Washington, Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
There are a variety of activities to keep you busy in the recreation area, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. You can also take a scenic drive or take a boat tour of one of the many lakes in the area.
The lake is accessed from the Stehekin area of North Cascades National Park.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Boat tours, hiking, orchard, camping
Park Entrance Fee: None, however, there is a $5 fee for dock permits
Where to Stay: Click here
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 854-7200
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
Located in northeastern Washington, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy the scenic vistas and cool off in a warm summer.
There are a variety of things to do in the recreation area, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. You can also take a scenic drive or take a boat tour!
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the area, be sure to visit one of the many historic sites located within the park. These detail the many inhabitants through the years, including Native Americans, traders, settlers, and dam builders.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, hunting, camping
Park Entrance Fee: None; there may be fees for camping or boating
Where to Stay: China Bend Winery B&B | Black Bear Motel
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (509) 754-7800
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Located in southwestern Washington, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park is a great place to learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition.
You can take a self-guided tour of the visitor center or participate in one of the ranger-led programs. There are also a number of events held at the park throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for more information.
While in Washington, visit Dismal Nitch and imagine being stranded there for 6 days taking shelter in a storm.
There are also sites in northwestern Oregon just over the Colombia River. This is the most popular area to explore.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of this area, be sure to visit Fort Clatsop. Located in Oregon, this site commemorates the winter campsite of Lewis and Clark.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Ranger programs, hiking, paddling, special events, wildlife viewing, fishing
Park Entrance Fee: $10 per adult (aged 16+); valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Motel 6 | Hotel Elliot | Norblad Suites | Clementine’s B&B | Comfort Suites
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (503) 861-2471
Manhattan Project National Historical Park
Located in Tennessee, New Mexico, and Washington, Manhattan Project National Historical Park commemorates the history of the Manhattan Project.
The park is made up of three units: one in Tennessee, one in New Mexico, and one in Washington. The unit in Washington focuses on the role that Hanford played in the project.
Hanford was the site of a secret plutonium nuclear reactor. Here, workers created the fuel that allowed the United States to run the first atomic test and eventually drop the first atomic bombs.
The Department of Energy leads tours of the B Reactor.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Ranger programs, hiking, guided tours, paddling, museums, bicycling, picnicking
Park Entrance Fee: None; tours from the US Department of Energy are also free
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn | Richland Inn & Suites | Lodge at Columbia Point | Holiday Inn Express
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (509) 376-1647
Minidoka National Historic Site
Located in southern Idaho, Minidoka National Historic Site commemorates the history of Japanese American internment during World War II.
The site consists of two units: one in Jerome, Idaho and one in Hunt, Idaho.
The unit in Jerome is the main unit and contains the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center has exhibits on the internment experience as well as a film that tells the story of those who were interned at Minidoka.
The unit in Hunt includes the remains of some of the barracks that were used to house internees. There are also a few interpretive panels that provide information about what life was like at Minidoka.
You may be asking, “Why is this on the list of Washington national parks?”
There’s a small piece of the park located on Bainbridge Island near Seattle. This memorial commemorates the exclusion camp once located here before Japanese Americans were sent to Manzanar (California) and Minidoka (Idaho).
Once the camps were closed, many Japanese Americans returned here to restart their normal lives and raise families, promising they’d never forget this unfortunate history. Learn more about it here.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Self-guided tours, museums, park film
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Marshall Suites
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (208) 825-4169
Mount Rainier National Park
Located in central Washington, Mount Rainier National Park is a beautiful place to explore. It’s also home to the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range, an active volcano called Mount Rainier (shocking, I know).
The park is home to many different trails, so there’s something for everyone. You can hike to waterfalls, glaciers, and wildflower meadows.
There are also a number of ranger-led programs offered throughout the year.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the park has several lodges and campgrounds. There are also a number of private companies that offer lodging and tours within the park.
One of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park is to take a scenic drive. The roads wind through old-growth forests and provide stunning views of the mountain. Be sure to stop at some of the lookout points along the way.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Camping, hiking, bicycling, paddling, climbing, fishing, birdwatching, boating, ranger programs
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per individual (on foot or by bicycle); all passes are valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Alexander’s Lodge | Nisqually Lodge | Gateway Inn & Cabins | Chalet at Mount Rainier
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 569-2211
Mount Rainier National Park Phone Case
Mount Rainier National Park Map
Mount Rainier National Park Pennant
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
Mount Rainier National Park Sticker
Mount Rainier National Park Pin
Mount Rainier National Park Patch
63 National Parks Water Bottle
Mount Rainier Ornament
Mount Rainier National Park Sticker
Mount Rainier Cross Stitch Kit
Nez Perce National Historical Park
Nez Perce National Historical Park is located mainly in Idaho, however, there are also locations in Washington, Oregon, and Montana.
The main site in Washington is called Buffalo Eddy. It’s one of the most important national parks in Washington that interprets Native American history.
On a bend in the Snake River about 4,500 years ago, the Nez Perce left their mark, literally. There are dense collections of petroglyphs and pictographs located here with distinct images that are still well preserved today.
On the Washington side, in addition to the rock art, there is also a short interpretive trail to hike. Signs along the path provide more information about the images and the Nez Perce people. Learn more here.
Upon your visit, please remember to respect sacred ground.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Special events, hiking, ranger programs, museums
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express | Cedars Inn | Hells Canyon Grand Hotel | Quality Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (208) 843-7001
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is located in the northern Cascade Range in Washington.
The park is home to many different peaks, glaciers, and lakes. There are also a number of hiking trails that vary in difficulty.
Some of the most popular trails include the Cascade Pass Trail, which leads to stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the Maple Pass Loop, which takes you through meadows full of wildflowers.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are several campgrounds within the park. You can also find lodging just outside the park boundaries.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Birdwatching, hiking, paddling, camping, climbing, wildlife viewing, backpacking, fishing, horseback riding, ranger programs, bicycling, guided tours
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Three Rivers Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 854-7200
North Cascades National Park Map
North Cascades National Park Pennant
Fodor’s Guide to the 63 National Parks
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Women’s National Parks Checklist T-Shirt
Map of National Parks T-Shirt
North Cascades National Park Sticker
North Cascades National Park Patch
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park is located on the Olympic Peninsula in northwestern Washington.
The park is home to many different ecosystems, including rainforests, alpine meadows, and beaches.
There are also a number of trails that vary in difficulty. Some of the most popular trails include Hurricane Ridge, which offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, and Hoh Rainforest, which takes you through one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, there are several lodges and campgrounds within the park. You can also find lodging just outside the park boundaries.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Boating, hiking, guided tours, climbing, fishing, ranger programs, camping, tidepools, wildlife viewing
Park Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per individual (on foot or by bicycle); all passes are valid for 7 days
Where to Stay: Red Lion Hotel | Olympic Lodge | Port Angeles Inn | Quality Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 565-3130
Read More: How to Spend 3 Days in Olympic National Park
Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Located in northwestern Washington, Ross Lake National Recreation Area is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The recreation area is made up of three units, North Cascades, Ross Lake, and Western Brook Lakes.
There are a variety of activities to keep you busy in the recreation area, including hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. You can also take a scenic drive or take a boat tour of one of the many lakes in the area.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ross Lake National Recreation Area, visit one of the visitor centers. The centers have exhibits on the history and ecology of the area, as well as a variety of activities and programs.
The lake is accessed from the Hozomeen area of North Cascades National Park.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Camping, hiking, paddling, fishing
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Ross Lake Resort
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 854-7200
San Juan Island National Historical Park
Located in the San Juan Islands of Washington, San Juan Island National Historical Park is a great place to learn about the history of the area. The park comprises two units, English Camp and American Camp.
English Camp was established in 1859 by the British Royal Marines, and American Camp was established in 1862 by the United States Army. Today, both camps are open to the public and offer a variety of activities and programs.
You can take a self-guided tour of either camp or participate in one of the ranger-led programs. There are also a number of events held at the park throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for more information.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the San Juan Islands, be sure to visit the San Juan Island National Historical Park Visitor Center. The center has exhibits on the early history of the area, as well as the British and American camps.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Wildlife viewing, museums, hiking, guided tours, paddling, tidepooling, beaches, bicycling
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: San Juan Island Hostel | Argyle House B&B | Smug Harbor Resort | Island Inn
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (360) 378-2240
Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Located in southeastern Washington, Whitman Mission National Historic Site is a great place to learn about the early history of the state.
The site is home to Whitman Mission, which was established in 1836 by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman.
The Whitmans were missionaries who worked with the Cayuse Indians, and their harrowing story is told through a variety of exhibits at the site.
You can take a self-guided tour of the Whitman Mission, or participate in one of the ranger-led programs.
There are also a number of events held at the site throughout the year, so be sure to check the website for more information.
If you’re interested in learning more about Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, visit the Whitman Mission National Historic Site Visitor Center. The center has exhibits on the Whitmans’ life and work, as well as the history of Whitman Mission.
How to Get There: Click here
Map: Click here
Things to Do: Hiking, museums, ranger programs
Park Entrance Fee: None
Where to Stay: Hampton Inn | Marcus Whitman Hotel | Eritage Resort | Walla Walla Garden Motel
Official Website: Click here
Speak to a Park Ranger: (509) 522-6360
Pin All 15 National Parks in Washington
There are many wonderful national parks in Washington. Each park has its own unique features, so be sure to visit as many as you can during your stay.
For more information on the parks, be sure to check the websites listed above.
Do you have a favorite national park in Washington? Let us know in the comments below!
