• Paradise Point
• Kitsap Memorial
• Fields Spring
• Belfair
• Columbia Hills
• Mount Spokane
• Spencer Spit
• Conconully 
• Dash Point
• Dosewallips
• Lincoln Rock 
• Kanaskat-Palmer

Got bait on ice, flies tied or lures ready? Whatever your preference, if you’re a trout fishing fiend, you probably know fishing season at lowland lakes starts Saturday, April 28.

And on Saturday, our friends at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) kick off their 2018 Trout Fishing Derby, which runs through Oct. 31. The Fishing Derby is happening at lakes all across the state, including in 11 state parks.

Catch one of 1,000 tagged fish that are being stocked in more than 100 lakes, and you can win a fabulous prize!

Turn your Fishing Derby experience into an adventure! Visit one of the many Washington state parks near a Fishing Derby lake. 

Learn more about WDFW’s 2018 Fishing Derby.

When the Carlton Complex Fire swept across north central Washington in 2014, Alta Lake State Park’s forest of pines and low brush became a landscape of twisted black trees and scarred earth.

But the story of Alta Lake State Park is one of recovery and restoration. Not only have trees and shrubs begun to grow back, diligent park staff have lovingly replanted native species.

That means you and your family can pitch your tent or hook up your RV in a campsite by the lake without feeling like you’re inside the charred remains of the fire.

As an angler or a boater, you can take off for far corners of the lake and, as a parent, you can let your children splash and laugh in the calm, roped-off swim area.

As a hiker, you can enjoy the evolving landscape on foot.

Read more about the park on our Adventure Awaits blog. 

*Photo: Hiking trails and more await at Alta Lake

Interested in a volunteer position where you camp at a different Washington state park each week, circling the eastern half of our beautiful state and talking with visitors from around the world?    

We’re looking for a survey host or hosts to conduct visitor surveys this summer in eastern Washington.

Over the nine-week period, you would camp in nine state parks and visit up to 20 as part of this unique volunteer position. Volunteer duties include:

• Surveying visitors using iPads and survey software (training and equipment will be provided)
• Training other survey takers on how to survey visitors
• Recording basic field notes and briefing park staff on surveying activities

Time Commitment: At least 20 hours per week from June 5  to Aug.8, with an additional one to three hours’ travel time between parks. In the event of an unplanned park closure due to weather conditions or other events outside our control, this volunteer position may be extended for an additional week. 

Requirements:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a criminal background check.
• Strong social skills and ability to approach park visitors regarding the survey.
• Ability to provide instructions one-on-one and to small groups.
• Basic understanding of computers and ability to record field observations through writing and photos.

If selected, you’ll be provided with RV space and up to $1,500 in mileage reimbursement. You must provide your own RV with enough space to transport approximately two boxes of survey equipment.

Interested?  Please send a letter of interest to Darleen Muhly at Darleen.muhly@parks.wa.gov by April 30, letting  her know how you meet the qualifications for this volunteer position.

*Photo: Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park