Dosewallips State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Dosewallips State Park is located in Washington State and offers visitors a wide range of activities to enjoy.
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Summary
This park is an excellent option for those who love being outdoors as it is home to many hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas. Visitors will enjoy the beautiful scenery, including the Dosewallips River, which offers great fishing opportunities.
One of the main attractions at Dosewallips State Park is the hiking trails. There are over 10 miles of trails to explore, ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the most popular trails include the Steam Donkey Trail, which is a 2.3-mile hike that offers stunning views of the river and surrounding forest, and the Mount Walker Trail, which is a more challenging hike that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas.
In addition to hiking, visitors can also enjoy camping at Dosewallips State Park. The park features 67 campsites, including several that are located right on the river. The park also has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a boat launch, making it a great place for families to visit.
Interesting facts about the area include that the park was originally used as a hunting ground for several Native American tribes, and was later used as a logging camp. The park was officially established in 1953 and has been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts ever since.
The best time of year to visit Dosewallips State Park is during the summer months, as the weather is typically warm and sunny. However, visitors should be aware that the park can get crowded during peak season, so it is recommended to make reservations early if planning to camp. Overall, Dosewallips State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to explore the beauty of Washington State.
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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
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Dosewallips State Park Camping
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