Western Washington - National and State Parks

Washington State/National Parks

Photos and Article by Rick Harden

Rainbow Falls State Park

Enjoy the tranquil beauty of Rainbow Falls State Park, surrounded by virgin timber along the scenic Ocean Beach Highway 6, 18 miles west of Chehalis towards Raymond, Washington. The land for this park was set aside in the early 1900's by the communities of Dryad, Doty and PeEll. Around 1920, the south side of the park was cleared for camping and picnicking. Not much later the Kiwanis Club initiated a land exchange, allowing the state to acquire most of the 124 acre area and set it up as Rainbow Falls State Park.

You can find a multitude of things to do and enjoy in the park. Such as fishing, kayaking or unsupervised swimming in the Chehalis River. Before fishing any lake, stream or river in Washington State be sure to check the Fish & Game Regulations for the area you are fishing.

Old Bridge

One of my favorite attractions at the park was this hand-hewn log and stone footbridge. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. From the bridge you get some great photos as well as a rush as you feel the swaying of the bridge beneath you. The park is also a great place to take the family for a picnic, some baseball at the parks ball field or just let the kids play on the play ground toys. Hikers can travel through cedar, fir and hemlock trees hundreds of years old, along the interpretive trail.

The area surrounding the park is abundant with deer, elk, bear and grouse. Although no hunting is permitted in the park, nearby areas are open to hunters during appropriate seasons.

Near by logging roads offer enjoyment for both motorcycles and "4-wheelers". These areas are generally open to the public except during high fire danger and when logging is occurring.

RUN TOTO RUN
Dog race

RUN TOTO RUN
While at Rainbow Falls State Park, my wife and I had the opportunity to watch some Cairn Terrier races. This event was sponsored by the Cascade Cairn Terrier Club. I'm sure most of you have seen the ever classic "The Wizard of Oz", well these little dogs are the same breed as Toto, the dog (star) used in the movie. We were amazed and amused at just how fast these little fur balls could run, not as fast as a greyhound but pretty quick just the same. If you would like more information about the Cascade Cairn Terrier Club,
email or call 503-761- 3950 Vicki Havlik (President).

Things to remember while staying or visiting the park.

1. Pets on leashes at all times.

2. One vehicle per campsite.

3. Quiet hours - 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

4. Ten day camping limit.

5. Jumping or diving from bridges is prohibited.
Commission rules and regulations are posted at the office.
Pick up a park flyer from the office while you are there.

Park Hours
April 1 - October 15:
6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
October 16 - March 31:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rainbow Falls State Park
4008 State Highway 6
Chehalis, WA 98532

National & State Park Links for Washington State

State Parks

You're a click away from all you'll need to plan a visit to one – or all – of Washington's splendid state parks. From sandy coastal beaches and sheltered Puget Sound islands to sun-baked lakes and lava flows east of the Cascade Mountains, few states can match the powerful natural beauty of Washington. There's no better place to find information on all of Washington states, state parks than Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

National Parks

National Historical Reserve: Ebey's Landing
National Historic Site: Fort Vancouver
National Historical Park: Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit
National Recreation Area: Lake Chelan
National Recreation Area: Lake Roosevelt
National Park: Mount Rainier National Park
National Park: North Cascades
National Park: Olympic
National Recreation Area: Ross Lake
National Recreation Area: San Juan Island
National Historic Site: Whitman Mission

If you find an interesting web site concerning Washington state parks or national parks in Washington state please drop us an email and tells us about it so we may place it on this page.