WA State Parks And Recreational Areas Closed For Coronavirus

SEATTLE, WA — Washington's state parks, recreational areas and water access areas are all closing down for at least two weeks. The news follows Washington Gov. Jay Inslee's order Monday evening which closed all non-essential businesses and government offices.

The closure is effective as of Wednesday, March 25, for all sites managed by both the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. During the closure, all entrance gates to parks and facilities will be shut, and only essential staff will be allowed on the premises for upkeep and maintenance. Anyone with questions or reservations affected by the closure can call a regional office for help.

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The closure also cancels all upcoming razor clam digs. The hunting and fishing season remains unchanged, though the state advises against traveling long distances to hunt or fish.

The move follows a similar motion on Sunday, when all state campgrounds closed through April 30th. While visitors could return to parks for day trips if the order lifts in the next two weeks, those campgrounds will still remain closed regardless through the end of April. Cabins and yurts will also be closed.

Mount Rainier National Park has also been closed alongside Crater Lake and several other nationally operated parks in the Pacific Northwest.

The latest updates on each agency's COVID-19 response can be found on the State Parks, Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources websites.