won’t be at all disappointed or deceived in any way upon visiting this unique and majestic state park.
time of this writing, with completion expected by April, 2025.
www.parks.wa.gov | 360-642-3078
Fronting the Pacific Ocean and looking into the mouth of the Columbia River, the park’s 2,023 acres affords plenty of space for camping (more on that later), 7 miles of hiking trails that meander through old growth forest, around freshwater lakes, saltwater marshes and ocean tidelands. The park’s beaches lure kite flyers, sandcastle builders and tidal pond explorers. Breathtaking views of the stately 1898 North Head Lighthouse, perched atop a 200-foot-high cliff, can be had from many points throughout the park. The lighthouse is open to visitors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from May through September. Residing nearby is another of the park’s attractions—the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center—that tells the fascinating story of the famous explorer duo, and their 1804-06 journey from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean. The park is a favorite among campers for its 137 standard campsites, 60 full hook-up sites and 18 partial hook-up sites with water and electricity. Additional accommodation includes 14 yurts, three cabins and two vacation houses that formerly served as lighthouse keepers’ residences. Major campground renovations were underway at the
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada Lying just minutes from the razzle-dazzle of the Las Vegas Strip, nature presents its own spectacular show in a 40,000-acre extravaganza of brilliantly colored sandstone encompassing aptly named Valley of Fire State Park. Often cited as the state’s most remarkable geological feature, the Valley’s beauty is undisputed by anyone who has shared the excitement of a visit to this magnificent yet unforgiving place. Formed over millions of years of geologic activity, the area is little changed from the times when ancient Nevadans documented their experiences via petroglyphs on the canyon walls. While the bright red Aztec sandstone stands out as the most prominent color in the park’s palette, the pressure from complex uplifting and faulting that formed its myriad shapes produced contrasting striations of pink, orange, tan and white sandstone.
In the decades since its inception as a state park
Driftwood collects on the beaches at Cape Disappointment State Park Photo credit: Washington State Park
STATE PARK STAYCATION
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SPRING 2025 | 30
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