National Parks - Did You Know?

What was the first national park? How many national parks are in the United States? Think you’re already a national parks scholar? Take our online quiz and find out! At the end of the quiz you’ll be able to share it with your friends so they can test their knowledge. Want to learn even more about our national parks and NPCA after you take the quiz? Then watch this inspiring short video or explore the National Park System on our web site.   Sincerely, Clark Bunting President and CEO

Down By The Riverside in Spokane

Relish the flora and fauna at Riverside State Park in Spokane. Hike the surrounding Ponderosa Pines, Douglas Firs, and in the right seasons enjoy the glorious wildflowers.

Did you say you like your state parks with a smattering of wildlife?  You've come to the right place. These still waters hide red band trout and whitefish. The shores are a playground for reptiles and amphibians. Bald eagles and osprey nest in spring, and soar year 'round. Among the 180 bird species that can be sighted, there are shorebirds and great blue herons.

What about mammals, you ask? What size are you looking for? Small include chipmunks and marmots. Large include mule, whitetail deer, black bear, and moose.  And of course, there are cougars - but you knew that because we're talking about Spokane and that's so close to WSU in Cheney, Wa.



And did I mention the geese? Lots of geese sunbathing the day I hiked through.

Sunbathing and honking



Here's the Bowl and Pitcher story . . . .

And here's the real thing. Breathtaking! You've heard of the ripples a pebble can make in the water. Well, these are enormous boulders that will amaze you. 



Here's what it looks like crossing that swinging bridge over the rapids next to the Bowl and Pitcher. The original bridge was build by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps. in the 1930's.  It was assembled off site, and brought to the park in 2 parts. At that point it took them 10 days to install the 216 feet of bridge.

No, this is not the original bridge. That was replaced in 1998 by a new bridge that was built using the same, original plans from the CCC.

The view from the bridge, swinging above the rapids that are churning past the Bowl and Pitcher

A weekend fisherman who is focused on a promising pocket amid the rapids. He exhibited real skill at his fly fishing.

The source of the Spokane River is Coeur d'Alene Lake. After tumbling over Spokane falls, the river zig zags it's way through this spectacular "Grand Park of the Spokane Canyon".

Hiking among the firs, you never know who may be watching you.

You'll love your visit to Riverside State Park in Spokane. There's so much to do in this beautiful setting. Hiking, jogging, biking, fishing, water sports, picnics, and lots more. The trails and all facilities are well maintained.

The Olmstead brothers visited this area in 1909 and were taken with the beauty. They urged the local population to preserve it as a park. In 1910 $1 million bond passed for the land acquisition.  In 1933 Riverside State Park was created for that generation, and generations to follow. 
Thank goodness!
 

Rasar State Park

Come with me to see highlights of a wonderful, wintry visit to Rasar State Park a friend and I thoroughly enjoyed. Isn't this an intriguing trail headed down to the Skagit River. You just can't wait to get walking and see what's around that next bend.

Rasar is Rasar State Park is a 169-acre camping park with 4,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the beautiful Skagit River. Wildlife observation opportunities, especially for eagle watching, are excellent, particularly in early fall and early winter. We saw, and heard, lots of birdlife.

This is a low elevation Cascade mountains choice, an option for people who avoid snow driving.

Washington State Parks link is here -
Rasar State Park Information from Wa State Parks

One of the trails is mostly a route along the river, with easy access to the sometimes sandy, sometimes rocky, river bank. Yes, there were a few shoreline fishing parties that were catching.  And yes we were thrilled to see soaring eagles and hawks, and other birdlife that we can only presume were also catching.

Just look at this well maintained trail. They all are. There were many footprints, although on our end-of-November-day we saw few people and just a handful of campers. Amongst the footprints we also saw wildlife prints.

We enjoyed our trail mix feast at the nice little picnic area.

Steam rising on the shady side of the Skagit River. Breath in deeply the cold, fresh air.

And did I mention the breath taking Cascade mountain views?
 

Travel through wisps of fog on forest trails.
 

Another picture from a trail that crosses an expansive meadow. The surrounding mountains scene embrace you on all sides as you hike.  Edges of the park skirt private property lots. Can you imagine those lucky residents who choose to wake up to this scene daily?  Well, if you're not planning to buy property, consider camping for a vacation and wake up to this gorgeous country for awhile. There are camp sites for tent or RV, and there are also very nice cabins.

Frozen dew next to the trail - a winter gift
 

One of the signs to help you identify the birdlife that you'll see.
 

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Skagit River.
 

Rasar State Park is truly a bright spot along the Skagit River.

National Wildlife Refuge Locations for Fee Free Days

Exciting announcement of the 2014 Fee Free Days for our National Wildlife Refuges in the 50 states.

Jan. 20th
February 15th through 17th
September 27th
October 12th
November 11th

Here's a link to the treasured locations - List of National Refuges by State

Enjoy!

Goldendale State Park for the Stars

Goldendale Observatory is the most fun!  It's been open since 1973.  It is one of the nation's largest public telescopes.  It was the dream of 4 men who constructed a 24.5 inch reflecting Cassegrain telescope at Clark College in Vancouver in 1964.  They eventually donated it to the city of Goldendale.  Thousands of visitors came in 1997 to view the comet Hale-Bopp and also again for an unusually close view of Mars in 2003.  Our visit in August was not so crowded, and was so enjoyable.  I highly recommend a visit.  And in spring of 2014 the re-design and modernization will be done, as an added treat for visitors.  Guided tours are highly personalized.

Here's the giant telescope.  It has multiple lenses, and you step up on the ladder to view.  That night we were so fortunate in August to see Venus, the moon, Saturn with its rings, Neptune and its moons, and Uranus.  All was amazing, and we could see it all so clearly.

Troy, the Astronomer and Ranger is the very knowledgeable and personable guide at Goldendale.  He is so good at translating this science for amateur fans, but can also speak in depth.  Among our group of friends who visited Goldendale together, one has a degree in Astronomy and she was very impressed with Troy.  We were all inspired by Troy and all we saw at Goldendale.  I recommend a great companion book called Skywatching by David H. Levy.



In addition to seeing Venus through the telescope, at dusk we were able to see Venus in the sky without the scope.

Here's the beautiful view from the hill of Goldendale Observatory



While in Goldendale, visit the area around the Columbia river, just a few miles down the road.  And don't forget the Maryhill winery which also books some incredible entertainment for concerts.  What a venue!

Goldendale has this extra bonus telescope too.  Be sure to get there during daylight hours too, so you can view the sun through the specially designed sun telescope. 

Add to your celestial visit with a stop at the Stonehenge replica that is down the road, near the winery.  It is a fully astronomically aligned replica.  It was built by businessman Samuel Hill as a WWI memorial to the local youth who sacrificed their lives in the war.  Their names are each inscribed on the stones.

And here is the breathtaking view from the Stonehenge replica, on the Columbia River.

Kayaking Deception State Park - A Summer Must Fun!



Photo courtesy Anacortes Kayak Tours

Six hiking friends were encouraged by one ringleader to try something new this past hot August.  Like most new things, there was excitement mixed with anxiety when our ringleader wanted to try kayaking at Deception Pass State Park.

No need for hesitation - we beginning kayakers had the most fun!  We went on a little kayak tour through Anacortes Kayak Tours.  By the way, they are the best!  Fun, qualified guides who are also entertaining, have a great sense of humor, and along with your friends make your first time a treasured memory.

The scenery is breath taking, and the new perspective, gliding along on the water surface, is heartening, tranquil, and energizing all at once.  We were three and three in two separate kayaks.  Cooperation, collaboration, and companionship with great friends on a sunny afternoon.  And we all stayed dry, except for our own playful splashes!

After a few hours out on the water, we were reluctant to end our time.  We all resolved to do another tour in 2014 for a full day, or overnight.

Fortunately although our time on the water was over, our fun was not!  We headed over to the State Park trails where there happened to be a Centennial party that weekend!  Rangers to meet, treats to eat, trails to explore, and also lake shores.

I've heard that especially in winter months the water can be very treacherous, but no deception on our summer visit - just an honest and forthright great time!

Dip a paddle in and get your feet wet next summer . . . .

Lucky 13 Wa State Parks Enjoyed this Centennial Year

Here's the fun list I enjoyed this Centennial Year for Wa. State Parks:January - Fort Townsend State Park
February - South Whidbey State Park
March - Wallace Falls State Park
April - Bay View and Padilla Bay State Park
May - Dash Point State Park
June - Millersylvania State Park and Flaming Geyser State Park
July - Pinnacles State Park
August - Deception Pass State Park and Goldendale State Park
September - Riverside State Park and Spokane Centennial Trail
October - Mt. Pilchuk State Park - snowed out, plan for 2014
November - Rasar State Park
December - Saint Edward State Park