Public Lands

The Best State Parks in Washington

From half-acre pocket parks to surf beaches and cross-state trails, the state park system is a whole different kind of wild.

08/26/2025 By Allison Williams

Public Lands FTW

The Northwest's Best State Park Cabins

Cozy rentals at budget prices.

06/30/2025 By Allison Williams

Puget Sound Ground

Blake Island Hides in Plain Sight near Seattle

With the long-running Tillicum Village show closed, what will become of Seattle's backyard island?

09/06/2023 By Allison Williams

Outdoor Bound

Has Washington's Hiking Boom Finally Begun to Fade?

The pandemic brought record crowds to local trails, but stats show we may have passed the peak.

08/18/2023 By Allison Williams

Quote Unquote

Hilary Franz Has Her Eye on Public Lands—and Beyond

Washington's commissioner of public lands reimagined wildfire fighting and isn't ruling out a run for higher office.

01/23/2023 By Allison Williams

Extremely online

How the Department of Natural Resources Won Social Media

A Washington state agency's Twitter and Instagram are going viral with wholesome memes.

09/21/2022 By Allison Williams

Recreation jubilation

The Great Outdoors is Open for Business, Sorta

Hiking, boating, and fishing return to state lands, with restrictions; golf tees up, too.

04/27/2020 By Allison Williams

Cabins & Cottages

The Best Washington State Park Cabins

Some are simple, some are surprising, and all sit on public land—and that means they rent for cheap.

05/14/2017 By Allison Williams

On Other Blogs

On Other Blogs Today: Job Losses, Road Closures, Parks Funding, and More

08/17/2012 By Erica C. Barnett

On Other Blogs

On Other Blogs Today: The Supreme Court, Paul Ryan, the Arena, and More

08/14/2012 By Erica C. Barnett