Pacific Cascade Region Recreation Information
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Pacific Cascade Region Recreation Information 
Pacific Cascade Region location map 


DNR’s Pacific Cascade Region stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Range and includes more than 500,000 acres of DNR-managed land. Unique to the region are the scenic Columbia River Gorge, infamous Mt. St. Helens volcano, numerous DNR natural preserves and natural resources conservation areas. Recreation in this region occurs primarily in the Capitol State Forest and the Yacolt Burn State Forest with many recreation sites that include campgrounds, trailheads, day-use areas, and a several hundred miles of recreation trails.   

 

Updated: November 2, 2009
Find out which recreation sites in the Pacific Cascade Region are open or closed...and more. Select one of the following links:

Please note: Due to budget constraints, DNR has reduced services at many recreation facilities. There may not be amenities such as outhouses, picnic tables, signs, or garbage service. Some gates may be locked, but the public is welcome to access the areas on foot. Please pack out what you pack in. For updated information, go to a  recreation site on this page, or download a map of Washington state that shows reduced services or other restrictions.

> Map of reduced services (690 KB PDF)
> Map of reduced services (1.1 MB JPG)

Major DNR Recreation Sites: 


Recreation Areas by County

 

Please note: DNR may close a recreational facility or trail either temporarily or permanently for the purposes of protecting the environment, public safety, property, or to ensure DNR meets its management and administrative obligations. (Learn more | WAC 332-52-100

Pets
Pets are allowed on department-managed lands, except in areas that are closed to pets or animals for the protection of wildlife, sensitive natural systems, special cultural areas, or for other purposes. All pets must be on leash. If pets are accompanying livestock, they can be off leash but must be voice controlled. (Learn more | WAC 332-52-140)


Capitol State Forest (Grays Harbor & Thurston Counties)

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
CAPITOL STATE FOREST

Learn more about recreation in Capitol State Forest

NOTE: C-line road CLOSED near Low Bank rock pit Sept. 16, 2009 - Jan. 1, 2010 due to timber harvest activity. Use alternate route (C-4000 & C-7000) when driving in the area.

Capitol Forest Motorized TrailsOpen

Mima Porter Trail #8 CLOSED from Wedekind to C-5000 Road through January 1, 2010 due to timber harvest.

Capitol Forest Non-motorized TrailsOpen

Trail closed out of Margaret McKenny campground to the E-9500 road to protect salmon habitat.

Fall Creek CampgroundOpen Closed for the season December 1 - May 1
Fall Creek TrailheadOpenClosed for the season December 1 - May 1
Margaret McKenny CampgroundCLOSED

-- Campground closed beginning November 1 to discourage trail use in the area to protect salmon habitat.

-- Campground will re-open May 1.

Margaret McKenny TrailheadOpen
McLane Creek day-use areaOpen

-- Permit required for groups of 25 or more. Call 360-596-5145.

-- Closes at dusk.

Middle Waddell CampgroundOpenClosed for the season December 1 - May 1
Middle Waddell TrailheadOpenClosed for the season December 1 - May 1
Mima Falls CampgroundOpenClosed for the season December 1 - May 1
Mima Falls TrailheadOpen
Mima Mounds Interpretive CenterOpen

-- Permit required for groups of 25 or more. Call 360-596-5144.

-- No pets.

North Creek CampgroundOpenCampground closes for the season December 1 - May 1.
Porter Creek CampgroundOpen

-- Campground closes for the season December 1 - May 1.

-- Access to Capitol Forest from Porter Campground is closed until 2010 or longer.

Rock Candy TrailheadOpenClosed for the season December 1 - May 1
Sherman Valley CampgroundOpenClosed for the season December 1 - May 1

 

YACOLT BURN STATE FOREST (Clark & Skamania Counties)

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
YACOLT BURN STATE FORESTNOTE: Jones Creek ORV trail system and all trails in Yacolt are closed to ORV/motorized use from December 1 through April 30.
Bells Mountain TrailOpen

 

Cold Creek CampgroundOpen
Cold Creek TrailheadOpen 
Dougan Falls CampgroundCLOSED

Closed November 1 for the season.

Dougan Falls Picnic AreaOpenPark in designated areas only.
Jones Creek TrailheadOpen
Jones Creek Motorized TrailsOpenClosed for the season December 1 - April 30
Rock Creek CampgroundOpen 
Tarbell TrailheadOpen 
Tarbell Trail SystemOpen 
Three Corner Rock TrailheadOpen 
Three Corner Rock TrailOpen

 

ClarK COUNTY

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
Mitchell Peak Trailhead — Southern trailheadOpen -- Access rerouted to the north end due to landslide
Mitchell Peak Trailhead — Northern trailheadOpen
Mitchell Peak TrailOpen
Woodland Campground & day use areaCLOSED

-- Property undergoing transfer

 

Yacolt Burn State Forest

 

CowlitZ COUNTY 

Recreation AreaStatus Additional Information
Merrill Lake CampgroundOpenCloses November 15 and reopens around April 15, depending on snow.

 

Grays HarboR COUNTY 

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
Chehalis River Surge Plain
Parking & Trail
OpenNo pets.
Capitol State Forest

 

LEWIS COUNTY 

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
Winston Creek CampgroundOpenReservation only. Call region office at 360-577-2025.

 

Pacific county

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
Butte Creek Picnic Area & Trail Open

-- Facilities removed.

-- Gate locked. (Parking is limited)

-- Walk in OK

Snag Lake CampgroundOpen
Tunerville CampgroundOpen
Western Lakes CampgroundOpen

 

Skamania County

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information

Yacolt Burn State Forest

 

Thurston county

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
Black River Canoe Launch Day Use AreaOpenFacilities removed.
Chehalis Western Trail & TrailheadSee message >>The DNR-managed section of the trail has been transferred to Thurston County Parks. Visit Thurston County's Chehalis Western Trail web page for more information.
Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation AreaOpen

-- No pets.

-- Overlook Trail closed from March 15 - August 15 to protect sensitive wildlife.

-- Canoe launch open April 15 - Labor Day.

Capitol State Forest

 

WahkiakuM COUNTY

Recreation AreaStatusAdditional Information
Bradley Hills Trailhead & TrailsOpen

-- Day use only.

-- No camping.

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 Contacts

Brian Poehlein
360-577-2025
brian.poehlein@dnr.wa.gov

General Recreation Contact
recreation@dnr.wa.gov

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