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Nolte State Park is a 117-acre park with 7,174 feet of freshwater shoreline on Deep Lake in the Green River Gorge. The one-mile trail around the lake 866-320-9933 makes it a perfect host for high school cross country meets and an annual triathlon. Deep Lake, with a launch for non-motorized boats, provides a tranquil setting for fishing, bird watching or quietly contemplating life. In the summer, the cool water and shady, tree-lined shore provides a respite for families escaping the summer heat. On January 1, a group of residents often kick off the new year with a brisk plunge.
36921 Veazie Cumberland Road SE, Enumclaw, WA | 360-825-4646 | WEBSITE
Named for a methane seep, Flaming Geyser State Park lines more than three miles of the Green River on the floor of the valley. A 503-acre park with four group picnic areas it is perfect for hosting a company barbecue, birthday party or family reunion. Floating the river is a popular summer activ ity. Viewing the salmon run is worth the trip in the fall. The grassy bank near the entrance draws model airplane hobbyists. It is also a popular spot for birdwatching and horseback riding.
23700 SE Flaming Geyser Road, Auburn, WA | 253-735-8839 | WEBSITE
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is a 320-acre camping park in the Green River Gorge. Boat and raft launching on the Green River is by hand only. The graded Class II to Class IV white water offers some of the best rafting and kayaking in the region, but is for expert-level enthusiasts only. With threemiles of shoreline there are plenty of places for wading, rock hopping and trout fishing. It has a popular picnic area with miles of biking and hiking trails.
The campsite has 25 tent spaces and six yurts. Reservations may be made year round online or by calling (888) CAM POUT or (888) 226-7688
32101 Cumberland Kanaskat Road SE, Ravensdale, WA | 360-886-0148 | WEBSITE
Family-friendly hiking under a canopy of green along the White River – Federation Forest State Park is a refreshing respite on the way to Mount Rainier or after a long week behind a desk. The state park features 600 acres of old-growth Douglas fir, mature Western hemlock, Sitka spruce and Western Red Cedar. There are miles of hiking trails including two miles of interpretive trails and an interpretive center. The park focuses on wildlife viewing and more than 100 species of birds call it home.
Get there while you can, the park closes in the winter from October 1 to April 1st.
49201 State Route 410 E, Enumclaw, WA | 360-663-2207 | WEBSITE
