Barnes State Park

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Barnes State Park is a beautiful park located in the state of Washington.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is well-known for its stunning scenery, which includes old-growth forests, pristine lakes, and snow-capped peaks. There are many good reasons to visit Barnes State Park, including its excellent hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and birdwatching.

One of the most popular points of interest in Barnes State Park is the Staircase Rapids Trail, which is a great place to see the beautiful scenery of the park. Another interesting point of interest is the Lake Cushman area, which is a great place to fish and hike. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful waterfalls in the park, including the Marymere Falls and Sol Duc Falls.

In addition to its natural beauty, Barnes State Park has a rich history. The park was originally inhabited by the Skokomish people, who lived in the area for thousands of years. Later, the area was used by European settlers for logging and mining. Today, the park is managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

The best time of year to visit Barnes State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors can also enjoy the park during the fall, when the foliage changes color and the temperatures start to drop.

Overall, Barnes State Park is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves nature and the great outdoors. With its stunning scenery, interesting history, and many recreational opportunities, it is sure to be a memorable destination for visitors of all ages.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References