The South Puget Sound Region offers 30 recreational sites in King, Pierce, Kitsap, and Mason counties. Sites include trailheads and picnic areas for day use and campgrounds for overnight use. South Puget Sound is the most diverse region in the state with a mix of rural and urban landscapes and large bodies of fresh and saltwater. Recreational opportunities are as diverse as is the landscape and include: hiking, mountain biking, 4x4 rock climbs, quad and bike trails, horseback trails, natural areas, paragliding, plus diving, boating, and other marine activities.
Updated: October 28, 2009
Find out which recreation sites in the South Puget Sound 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)
ELBE HILLS AND TAHOMA STATE FOREST (Pierce County)
| | | | |
| Beaver Creek Trailhead | | Open | | |
| Elbe Hills ORV Campground | | Open | | Reservations required. |
| Elbe Hills Trails | | Open | | |
| Memorial Trailhead | | Open | | |
| Mount Tahoma Ski Huts | | Open | | Reservations required. www.skimtta.com |
| Mount Tahoma Ski Trails | | Open | | Winter: Sno-Park permit required. |
| Nicholson Horse Trails | | Open | | |
| Sahara Creek Campground & Trailhead | | Open | | |
GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST (Kitsap county)
| Green Mountain Campground | | Open | | -- Open year-round for walk-in access only. -- Green Mountain (GM-1) gate open to vehicles 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays June 1 - October 15. |
| Cold Creek Trailhead | | Open | | No quad, two-track motorized access. |
| Wildcat Trailhead | | Open | | |
Tahyua State Forest (Mason County)
| campgrounds | | | | More information about recreation in Tahuya State Forest |
| Tahuya River Horse Camp | | Open | | Reservations required. To reserve a campsite: -- Send an email to reservetsf@dnr.wa.gov Include the following information: name, phone #, email address, group size, requested dates, campground name, and site number(s). -- Or call 360-802-7075. |
| Kammenga Campground | | CLOSED | | -- Closed to camping due to budget cuts--until further notice. Gates and restrooms closed. Walk-in access only. |
| Camp Spillman | | CLOSED | | -- Closed to camping due to budget cuts--until further notice. Gates and restrooms closed. Walk-in access only. |
| Trails | | | | |
| Elfendahl Pass Staging Area | | Open | | -- Self-contained camping allowed. -- No reservations required. |
| Elfendahl Pass 4x4 trailhead | | Open | | |
| Kammegna 4x4 trailhead | | Open | | |
| Mission Creek trailhead | | Open | | |
| Motorized multiple-use trails | | Open | | Unless posted otherwise. |
| Lake Access | | | | |
| Aldrich Lake | | Open | | Day-use only. No overnight camping. Walk-in access only. |
| Howell Lake | | Open | | -- Day-use only. No overnight camping. -- Walk-in access only. |
| Twin Lakes | | Open | | -- Day-use only. No overnight camping. -- Walk-in access only. |
| Robbins Lake | | Open | | Day-use only. No overnight camping. Walk-in access only. |
Tiger Mountain (King County)
| | | | All Tiger Mountain facilities are day-use only.
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| Fifteen Mile Trailhead | | Open | | -- Walk-in only. -- No restrooms. |
| High Point Trailhead | | Open | | Dawn to dusk. |
| Paw Print Rest Stop | | Open | | Expect reduced maintenance/services. |
| Poo Poo Point Vista | | Open | | -- Walk-in only, unless using shuttle. -- Call the region office at 360-825-1631. |
| Tiger Summit Trailhead | | CLOSED for the season | | Reopens April 15, 2010 |
| Tiger Mountain Multi-use Mountain Bike Trails | | CLOSED for the season | | Reopens April 15, 2010 |
KING COUNTY
| Little Si Trailhead | | Open | | Dawn to dusk. |
| Mount Si Trailhead | | Open | | Dawn to dusk. |
| Mine Creek Day Use & Picnic Area | | Open | | Expect reduced maintenance/services. |
| Rattlesnake Trailhead | | Open | | Dawn to dusk. |
| Tiger Mountain | | | | |
KITSAP COUNTY
MASON COUNTY
| Lilliwaup Creek Campground | | Open | | Facilities removed. Gate to be locked. |
| Melbourne lake Campground | | Open | | Facilities removed. Gate to be locked. |
| Tahuya State Forest | | | | |
PIERCE COUNTY