DNR’s Pacific Cascade Region stretches from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade Range and includes more than 500,000 acres of DNR-managed land. Unique to the region are the scenic Columbia River Gorge, infamous Mt. St. Helens volcano, numerous DNR natural preserves and natural resources conservation areas. Recreation in this region occurs primarily in the Capitol State Forest and the Yacolt Burn State Forest with many recreation sites that include campgrounds, trailheads, day-use areas, and a several hundred miles of recreation trails.
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Updated: May 2, 2012
Find out which recreation sites in the Pacific Cascade Region are open or closed...and more. Select one of the following links:
Major DNR Recreation Sites: Recreation Areas by County
Please note: DNR may close a recreational facility or trail either temporarily or permanently for the purposes of protecting the environment, public safety, property, or to ensure DNR meets its management and administrative obligations. (Learn more | WAC 332-52-100)
Pets
Pets are allowed on department-managed lands, except in areas that are closed to pets or animals for the protection of wildlife, sensitive natural systems, special cultural areas, or for other purposes. All pets must be on leash. If pets are accompanying livestock, they can be off leash but must be voice controlled. (Learn more | WAC 332-52-140)
Capitol State Forest (Grays Harbor & Thurston Counties)
Attention: Due to storm washouts DNR has closed the C 8000 road at Potoi Creek approximately three miles north of the Noshka County road. The North Rim trail is closed at Mt .Molly Loop/Trail #30 and the Waddell Loop North Rim trail intersection.
For safety and environmental protection, the former bridge crossing at C 8000 needs to remain closed. Please do not attempt to enter the Salmon stream in the closure area.
DNR plans to have a new bridge installed by the summer of 2012. For questions, please contact Phil Wolff at 360.902.1435.
| CAPITOL STATE FOREST | | NOTE: Camping outside of designated campsites is not allowed in Capitol State Forest. | | Learn more about recreation in Capitol State Forest CAUTION! Timber harvest activities occur throughout the forest. -- Maximum stay length at campgrounds is 7 days every 365 days -- All trails are open to foot traffic year round. -- Mountain bikes OK year round except for McLane Creek. |
| Capitol Forest Motorized Trails | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Capitol Forest Non-motorized Trails | | Open | | -- Closed to equestrian use Dec. 1 to April 30. |
| Fall Creek Campground | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Fall Creek Trailhead | | Open | | |
| Margaret McKenny Campground | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Margaret McKenny Trailhead | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| McLane Creek day-use area | | Open | | -- Permit required for groups of 25 or more. Call 360-596-5145. -- Closes at dusk. |
| Middle Waddell Campground | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Middle Waddell Trailhead | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Mima Falls Campground | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Mima Falls Trailhead | | Open | | |
| Mima Mounds Interpretive Center | | Open | | -- Permit required for groups of 25 or more. Call 360-596-5144. -- No pets. |
| North Creek Campground | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Porter Creek Campground | | Closed | | -- Reopens May 23, 2012 |
| Rock Candy Trailhead | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
| Sherman Valley Campground | | Open | | -- Closed seasonally from Dec. 1 to April 30 |
YACOLT BURN STATE FOREST (Clark & Skamania Counties)
| YACOLT BURN STATE FOREST | | | | --Travel advisory April - August 2012: Traffic to Yacolt Burn State Forest may be affected by chip seal and paving operations on the L-1400 and L-1000 roads. Expect some delays of no more than 30 minutes at a time. View project map. --Organized events of more than 25 people require a recreation permit. Call 360-577-2025. --CAUTION: Timber harvest activities occur throughout the forest. For safey reasons, areas or gates may be closed without notice. --Campfires outside of designate fire rings are not permitted. -- ORVs permitted on open gravel forest roads. Please yield to all traffic. |
| Cold Creek Campground | | Open | | -- Maximum stay length: 7 days every 60 days |
| Cold Creek Day-use Area | | Open | | |
| Dougan Falls Campground | | Open | | -- Maximum stay length: 7 days every 60 days |
| Dougan Falls Picnic Area | | Open | | Park in designated areas only. |
| Jones Creek Trailhead | | Open | | |
| Jones Creek Motorized Trails | | Open | | -- Trails are closed seasonally from Dec. 1 - April 30. -- Note: Baz gate is subject to closure at any time. |
| Rock Creek Campground | | Open | | -- Maximum stay length: 7 days every 60 days |
| Tarbell Trailhead | | Open | | |
| Tarbell /Bells Mountain Trail System | | Open* | | ALERT:Trail detour in effect due to timber harvest activities. Trail bridge is also out until further notice. Tarbell is closed from mile post 15 to mile post 17. Refer to trail map for location. Please follow signs and flagging indicating trail detour for your safety.
*ALERT: Bells Mountain Trail closed temporarily during the week due to timber harvest activity around Mile #4. Trails are open on weekends. |
| Three Corner Rock Trailhead | | Open | | *ALERT. Bridge out. Please access trail from W2000 road crossing and yield to all traffic. |
| Three Corner Rock Trail | | Open | | -- Some snow may still be present on trails and roads at higher elevations. |
ClarK COUNTY
| Mitchell Peak Trailhead — Southern trailhead | | Open | | |
| Mitchell Peak Trailhead — Northern trailhead | | CLOSED | | Access to the trailhead is currently not available due to private landowner gate on 10 Road. |
| Mitchell Peak Trail | | Open | | -- Some snow may still be present on trails and roads at higher elevations. |
Yacolt Burn State Forest | | | | |
CowlitZ COUNTY
| Merrill Lake Campground | | Open | | -- Maximum stay length: 3 days every 30 days -- Some snow may still be present on trails and roads at higher elevations. |
Grays HarboR COUNTY
LEWIS COUNTY
| Winston Creek Campground | | Open | | Reservation only. Call region office at 360-577-2025. |
Pacific county
| Snag Lake Campground | | Open | | -- Walk-in camping only |
| Tunerville Campground | | Open | | |
| Western Lakes Campground | | Open | | |
Skamania County
Thurston county
| Chehalis Western Trail & Trailhead | | See message >> | | The DNR-managed section of the trail has been transferred to Thurston County Parks. Visit Thurston County's Chehalis Western Trail web page for more information. |
| Woodard Bay Natural Resources Conservation Area | | Open | | -- No pets. -- Overlook Trail closed from March 15 - August 15 to protect sensitive wildlife. -- Canoe launch open April 15 - Labor Day. |
| Capitol State Forest | | | | |
WahkiakuM COUNTY
| Bradley Hills Trailhead & Trails | | Open | | -- Day use only. -- No camping. |