Chief Joseph State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Chief Joseph State Park is located in the northeastern part of Washington state near the town of Bridgeport.
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Summary
The park is named after Chief Joseph, who was a leader of the Nez Perce tribe and led a famous retreat through the rugged terrain near the park.
There are several good reasons to visit Chief Joseph State Park, including hiking, fishing, and boating. The park has several trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains. Visitors can also fish for trout in Rufus Woods Lake or launch a boat from the park's boat ramp.
One of the most popular points of interest in Chief Joseph State Park is the Chief Joseph Dam, which is located downstream from the park. The dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the United States and provides power to the Pacific Northwest region.
Interesting facts about the area include its importance to the history of the Nez Perce tribe and the construction of the Chief Joseph Dam in the 1950s. The park is also home to several species of wildlife, including bald eagles, mule deer, and coyotes.
The best time of year to visit Chief Joseph State Park is in the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures and limited shade, as the park is located in a desert region.
Overall, Chief Joseph State Park offers a unique blend of history, outdoor recreation, and natural beauty that is sure to appeal to a wide range of visitors.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Fort Okanogan State Park
Bridgeport State Park
Alta Lake State Park