The Washington State Parks Foundation has a new website which features an interactive map and a trip reporting platform. The new features make it easier to research and plan a trip to the 124 state parks within Washington.
“It’s nearly impossible to fully appreciate just how spectacular and amazingly diverse Washington’s 124 state parks are”, said John Floberg, WSPF’s Executive Director in a news release, “with dramatic coastlines, islands, mountains, rivers and coulee canyons just waiting to be discovered. We created this website to help you find your favorite state parks, to see what it’s like to walk the beaches or climb the hills, and to share your special park stories with each other.”
The website’s new features allow visitors to take virtual tours of the parks and read commentary from people that have visited the locations.
The launch of the site comes during the fall season, one of the most popular times to visit the parks. Fall colors and smaller crowds can make for very enjoyable visits, and there are several autumn festivals held this time of year.
The virtual tours are available for 105 of the parks, with more planned. Each individual park has a list of amenities and features, while the trip reporting feature should expand as visitors post reports about their trips.
The map offers visitors a chance to check out all the parks within a particular area of interest.
Sno-Park permits on sale Nov. 1, rule changes made
Winter sports enthusiasts are reminded that Sno-Park permits will go on sale beginning November 1. The Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Program has also announced changes to regulations regarding permit purchases and daily requirements.
Sno-Park permits are required to access areas around the state where Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoing, and other winter sports are enjoyed.
Starting this year, the Discover Pass will no longer be required along with the daily Sno-Park permit in Sno-Parks that are on State Park property. (Crystal Springs, Easton Reload, Fields Spring, Hyak, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee, Pearrygin Lake and Mount Spokane.)
“The Winter Recreation Program often heard from permit holders about how cumbersome the old requirements were,” said Winter Recreation Program Manager Pamela McConkey in a news release. “This change in permit and pass requirements means less confusion for winter recreation enthusiasts.”
The change was made in response to legislation passed last spring eliminating the need for the Discover Pass to accompany Sno-Park permits in Sno-Parks at Washington state parks.
In other changes, snow bikes are now classified as snowmobiles at state Sno-Parks. Snow bikes use motorcycle frames and engines, but they have a ski in place of the front tire.
