Manitou Park
Rate this placeNearby: South End Recreation Area Tot Lot
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Manitou Park is a popular outdoor recreation area located in the state of Washington.
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Summary
It is nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, just outside of the town of Enumclaw. There are many good reasons to visit Manitou Park, including the stunning natural scenery, abundance of wildlife, and wide range of recreational activities.
One of the main attractions of Manitou Park is the hiking trails. There are several trails of varying difficulty levels, ranging from short and easy to long and challenging. The trails offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, as well as opportunities to spot wildlife such as deer, elk, and black bears.
Another point of interest at Manitou Park is the campground. The campground is situated in a peaceful, wooded area and offers a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms. It is a popular destination for families and groups looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
In addition to hiking and camping, Manitou Park is also a great place for fishing and picnicking. The park contains several streams and ponds that are stocked with trout, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts. There are also numerous picnic areas throughout the park, providing visitors with a convenient place to enjoy a meal or snack while taking in the beautiful scenery.
Interesting facts about Manitou Park include its history as a former logging camp and the fact that it was once home to a ski resort. The park is now managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, which has worked to preserve its natural beauty and ensure that it remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The best time of year to visit Manitou Park depends on the activities you are interested in. The park is open year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is also a great destination for winter sports such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts all year long.
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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.
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