Washington state parks and wildlife areas closed

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife announced the temporary closure of all state-managed parks, wildlife areas and water access areas through at least April 8. The closure is in response to Gov. Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order.

Entrance gates and facilities will be closed, and on-site public services will be suspended. Essential staff will be present to preserve and protect resources. Camping and other overnight accommodations on state-managed recreation lands will remain closed through April 30.

In addition, WDWF announced its decision to temporarily close recreational fishing and shellfishing will be temporarily closed statewide at least through 5 p.m. April 8. WDFW will re-evaluate on April 6 whether the closure may need to be extended.

WDFW Enforcement officers remain on duty and will be enforcing these new closures.

The lowland lakes opening day for trout remains scheduled for April 25 but will be evaluated depending on whether the governor’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order might be further extended.

The public can find the latest information about state parks at state.wa.us/COVID19 and WDFW operations at wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates.