Washington Just Finished A New Park That Was First Proposed In 1987
By Andrea Verschuyl|Published December 07, 2023
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Andrea Verschuyl
Author
Having grown up in Washington, Andrea is a self-admitted Pacific Northwest snob. In their opinion, there's simply nowhere else in the country with the Evergreen State's beauty. After attending university, Andrea devoted themselves to writing full-time. They're thrilled to represent Washington for Only In Your State while pursuing other professional and personal projects. They currently reside in Olympia, where they enjoy leaf-blowing their yard, perfecting homemade ramen, cuddling with their three tiny dogs, and feeding their pufferfish, Sea Biscuit.
There’s has no shortage of fabulous outdoor destinations in the Evergreen State, yet we still get excited when we hear of a new park in Washington. Located near Eatonville, it’s taken decades for Nisqually State Park to go from dream to reality. It’s easy to see why so many fought to preserve this mesmerizing spot as a green space for all to enjoy.
Learn more about our state’s newest park. It may just become your new local favorite!
With a prime location along the Nisqually River, the 1,300 acres of Nisqually State Park contain a variety of unique habitats, including lush forests and prairies. Neighboring Mashel River and Ohop Creek also impact the land and— combined with the Nisqually— create miles of waterfront trails.
Nisqually State Park is the product of a decades-long effort. After officials first proposed the park in 1987, the government spent years slowly purchasing land. Uniquely, it's the first state park to be co-managed with a tribal government, and the Nisqually tribe has played an instrumental role in moving along the project.
Eventually, the park will include a Coast Salish meeting hall, play area, interpretive trail, amphitheater, and an al fresco cooking space for the Nisqually to host tribal events.
Though this village center is still in the works, there are numerous trails curling through Nisqually State Park that lead visitors through the understory and direct them to unparalleled views of Mount Rainier.
If you lack the right gear for rugged terrain, you can stick to a wider gravel path. While you're less likely to spot wildlife here, you may see horses. Nisqually State Park has become a popular equestrian route!
And horses aren't the only furry companions you'll encounter during your visit. Dogs are welcome at Nisqually State Park. Just remember that there are other, much larger critters sharing the trail with them, so it's best to keep them on a leash.
Seeing how Washington's newest park will develop in the coming years will be exciting! In the meantime, Nisqually State Park's fantastic trails and amenities have already endeared it to locals, providing new opportunities for outdoor recreation and community involvement.
Renowned for its natural beauty, the Evergreen State is no stranger to outdoor recreation. And with so many destinations to choose from, new entries must meet a high standard if they’re going to make their mark. After three decades spent in development, Nisqually State Park has exceeded all expectations, providing a fantastic multi-cultural spot that will be a site for beloved memories for years to come.
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