Scuba divers are not permitted in the main spring, but they can apply for a limited number of permits to explore the extensive cave system that runs under the spring, all the way to the river. Reservations for RV, tent camping, and cabin rentals can be made online or by calling 800-326-3521.
www.floridastateparks.org | 352-493-6072
Cape Disappointment State Park, Washington Sailing south from Canada in 1788, British fur trader John Meares attempted to enter the mouth of the Columbia River that was too shallow to enter. His mistake cost him credit for the discovery of what would become the most vital waterway in the Pacific Northwest. He later named the headland flanking the river mouth Cape Disappointment and the mouth itself Deception Bay.
The Rio Grande River runs through Big Bend Ranch State Park Photo credit: Flickr
commercial outfitters (based mostly in the nearby town of Lajitas) who lead rafting trips, horseback rides, campouts, nature and birding hikes, and photography tours. Visit the park’s website for a link to guide service providers.
While the nomenclature survives to this day, you
BigBendRanchSP@tpwd.gov | 432-424-3327
Manatee Springs State Park, Florida Florida is well-known for its dozens of fresh water springs. Manatee Springs is the largest of them, flowing into the Suwannee River on the Florida Panhandle near the town of Chiefland at a magnitude of anywhere between 50- to 150-million gallons of water per day. During the winter months, the spring’s temperate waters—a steady 72 degrees—attract West Indian manatees as the Gulf of Mexico waters turn chilly. The chubby manatees (affectionately known as sea cows) venture into the Suwannee River and then swim 23 miles upstream to arrive at the comfortable mainspring pool, where they stay through March. It is during the winter that most of the park’s human visitors also arrive—of course, to witness the lazy migration of manatees. The park features 8 miles of hiking trails that wind through leafy forests, past sinkhole ponds, and over boardwalks across cypress swamps. Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and canoeing are permitted in the spring, as well as along the quarter mile long spring run that connects to the Suwannee.
During the winter, West Indian manatees visit aptly named Manatee Springs State Park Photo credit: Jaques DeCarufel/Flickr
STATE PARK STAYCATION
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SPRING 2025 | 29
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