Places to Go

There are countless ways to get outside in Washington. Whether hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, hiking, horseback riding, boating, or camping, the Department of Fish and Wildlife wants to make it easy for you to do the things you love, from Puget Sound and the Pacific coast to the Columbia Basin and the rolling hills of the Palouse.

Shrub Steppe habitat
Photo by WDFW

Places news & important dates

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Field with trees
Photo by WDFW
Conservation Grazing at Violet Prairie in the South Puget Sound

Only 3% of the South Puget Sound region's prairies remain, and conservation grazing is playing a key role in helping this unique habitat.

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Milltown Island Estuary Restoration Project construction
Photo by WDFW
WDFW, partners restore estuary habitat with completed Milltown Island Project

Intertidal marsh restoration in the South Fork Skagit River estuary creates habitat for juvenile salmon while adding amenities for waterfowl hunters and recreationists.

Visit your WDFW lands

Mule deer buck
Photo by Susan Jensen
Methow Wildlife Area implements partial closure for wintering mule deer

WDFW is implementing partial seasonal closures of five units in the Methow Valley Wildlife Area through Mar. 31, 2025. These closures help protect critical winter range for migrating mule deer and balance conservation and recreation efforts.

A pod of orca including a juvenile.
Photo by Dante Aubert
Boaters must stay 1,000 yards from Southern Resident killer whales in Washington waters

As of Jan. 1, 2025, boaters must follow new regulations to protect the endangered Southern Resident killer whale population.

Three people harvesting shellfish.
Photo by WDFW
Washington’s clam, oyster, and mussel seasons underway

Daytime low tides have returned, providing more opportunity for recreational shellfish gathering on many of Washington’s clam, oyster, and mussel beaches.

Share your outdoor adventures