Best National Parks and Forests Near Sumner

If you’re looking for natural beauty in Washington, you won’t have any trouble finding it. In fact, you would be hard-pressed to miss it. The state is home to dozens of state and national parks, as well as some national forests — and several of them are within easy driving distance of Sumner. Here are some of our favorites.

Olympic National Park

The nearly one million acres of Olympic National Park encompass three distinct ecosystems: glacial mountains, an old-growth temperate rain forest, and the Pacific coast. With the removal of the Elwha Dam and the Glines Canyon Dam a few years ago, salmon have returned to the newly-restored Elwha River. If roughing it isn’t for you, consider a stay at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Once you arrive on the Olympic Peninsula, use US-101 to reach destinations around the park.

Mount Rainier National Park

Home to an active volcano whose glaciated peak spawns six major rivers, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most iconic destinations in Washington. The park offers opportunities for hiking, climbing, fishing, boating, and camping, as well as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in the winter. You can reach the year-round entrance in the southwest corner of the park via WA-706.

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is home to another active volcano, Mt. Baker. Visitors can climb to the summit, called Grant Peak, or take advantage of the scenic driving areas in the park, such as the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway. Other recreational opportunities include bicycling, winter sports, water activities, picnicking, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, and camping. For hikers, the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail both run through this forest.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Two and half hours east of Sumner lies one of the world’s most unusual petrified forests. Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park includes a wide variety of wood species, including the eponymous ginkgo tree. In addition to three miles of hiking trails, the park offers dozens of picnic areas, a campground at the Wanapum Recreation Area, and plenty of water activities along the 27,000 feet of freshwater shoreline. To get there, take exit 136 off I-90 E.

Deception Pass State Park

For breathtaking shoreline views, head to Deception Pass State Park, about two and a half hours north of Sumner. In addition to 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline, visitors can take in views that range from mountains to old-growth forests. A campground and hiking trail are available, and dedicated bird watchers can spot 174 different varieties. The park sits along WA-20, which can be reached via exit 230 off I-5 N.

If you decide to visit one of the parks above, remember that a Discover Pass is required for vehicle entry into Washington state parks. However, this requirement is waived for the duration of your stay if you are camping or renting overnight accommodations. You can also save money by taking advantage of the “free days” offered throughout the year, which include Earth Day, Veterans Day, and National Trails Day.