Hike our State Lands

After reporting that the Discover Pass legislation was in a holding pattern last week, we've been pleased to see some developments this week - and your efforts have helped!

On Tuesday, WTA staffer Kindra Ramos sent out an action alert urging calls to legislators to get the legislation enacted. And today we've learned that House Bill 1796 has been scheduled for a vote in the House Ways and Means Committee for March 17th, which is perhaps its biggest hurdle. Way to go!

As we await the next steps in the process, one thing that you can do is to familiarize yourself with all of the wonderful hiking and recreation opportunities that Washington's state lands have to offer.

You probably know some of the more popular state parks - Deception Pass, Cape Disappointment, Lake Wenatchee, Sun Lakes and Mount Spokane, just to name a few. But have you ever heard of Griffiths-Priday State Park, Columbia Hills State Park or Millersvania State Park? These three places have great hiking that can be accessed all year long, and you can learn more about them and eight others on our State Park Hikes feature.

What about land managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)? Most of the 500,000 visitors to Mount Si each year do not realize that it is managed by DNR. So is Green Mountain on Bainbridge Island, Tiger Mountain, the Yacolt Burn, and a lot of excellent hiking near Mount Pilchuck.

If you like to hike in Eastern Washington - especially to see spring wildflowers - you've almost certainly hiked on WDFW land, but there is plenty west of the Cascades as well. Check out our Wildlife Hikes article for a couple of good choices, or anticipate going hiking this spring by checking out our Great Desert Hikes.

To get a sense of the scope of hiking and recreational opportunities available on state land in Washington you'll want to look at this map (which is hooked up with our Hiking Guide). We've also put together a photo gallery that offers a small smattering of state lands photos.

So get out and enjoy these wonderful places! Then get home and encourage your legislators to support legislation that will keep our parks and wildlands open despite Washington's serious budget deficit. Thanks!