These Washington State Parks Are Reopening May 5

SEATTLE, WA — More than 100 Washington State Parks that had been closed off due to the coronavirus outbreak will reopen Tuesday, May 5, after Gov. Jay Inslee eased limits on outdoor recreation this week.

The full list of parks that will reopen is available on the State Parks website. The parks are reopening for day use only, with camping remaining off-limits until the state reaches Phase 2 of Inslee's reopening plan.

Permitted activities include hiking, hunting, fishing and golf, provided visitors avoid groups and adhere to social distancing practices.

All ocean beach parks and parks along the Columbia River Gorge remain closed, as Parks officials work with local communities to determine when they will be reopened, the agency said Saturday.

To reduce crowds, parking capacity will also be limited at some parks in urban locations, like Lake Sammamish, Saint Edward and Dash Point.

Inslee said Monday that all recreational trips should be limited to direct members of each household, and visitors should continue to wear face coverings, avoid gatherings and maintain a six-foot distance from others while outdoors.

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The governor cautioned that rolling back some of the rules should not be misinterpreted as a sign that the state's battle with COVID-19 is over.

"This is not a return to normal today, the virus is too rampant to allow that," Inslee said. "We have a plan for reopening our state, but it depends on how the data comes in regarding the progress of this virus."

Should data begin to show signs of increased virus activity, the state could reinstate the restrictions at a future date, Inslee said. Local governments will also have the authority to maintain any restrictions they deem necessary.

Guidelines and restrictions for outdoor recreation:

1) Anyone exhibiting any cold or flu-like symptoms shall not participate in outdoor recreation activities.
2) Any state parks, state public lands, hunting and fishing seasons, golf facilities, trails, and other public parks, public lands and trails may be closed at any time if there is reason to believe unsafe conditions exist or social distancing practices are not being adhered to.
3) People must recreate locally: Do not travel farther than necessary and do not stay overnight to recreate.
4) Limit your recreation partners to only those who live within your household unit.
5) Practice social distancing at trailheads, boat launches, and all areas where you encounter others.
6) Utilize facial coverings in any situation where social distancing is not possible.
7) Bring your own food and supplies when possible. This will help protect others in your community.
8) The Golf Alliance of Washington has been working to provide appropriate social distancing and limits on activities. These include spacing out tee times, limits on size of parties, walking-only (unless someone needs to be in the cart for mobility reasons), no on-site beverage or food service (take-away only, just as with other food service) and more.

Patch staffer Lucas Combos contributed to this report.