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
Buy a Discover Pass
Buy a license
Get involved

In this section

  • Life Outdoors Report

    WDFW's Life Outdoors Report showcases upcoming fishing, hunting, and other outdoor recreation activities around the state.

  • WDFW event calendar

    WDFW sponsors and attends public events throughout the state.

  • Wildlife areas

    WDFW manages more than 1 million acres of land throughout the state.

  • Water access areas

    WDFW manages hundreds of water access areas throughout Washington, providing recreational access to the state’s lakes, rivers, and marine waters.

  • Clam, mussel, and oyster beaches

    Find information about public clam, mussel, and oyster beaches, including harvest seasons, beach locations, and current Department of Health status.

  • Public fishing piers

    Dozens of fishing piers around Puget Sound let you fish Washington's marine waters, even without a boat.

  • Salmon viewing locations

    Find areas across the state where you can see salmon migrating and/or spawning.

  • Lowland lakes

    Washington's lowland lakes offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the state.

  • High lakes

    Without a doubt, high lakes trout fishing is one of Washington's premier recreational opportunities.

  • Marine areas

    Marine areas offer unique fishing opportunities to the adventurous angler.

  • License dealers

    Want to start your adventure today? Find a license dealer near you.

Places news & important dates

Elk herd in hills with flowers
Photo by WDFW
U.S. Army restricts public access on the Yakima Training Center beginning June 1

WDFW has removed Game Management Unit 371 (Alkali) from the list of hunt choice options for a special hunt permit this season due to the Army's restriction.

Army news release
Granite Falls and fishway platforms
Photo by WDFW
Granite Falls Fishway area closed to public access through June 13

This construction closure covers the entire area, including the parking area west of Granite Falls Bridge, trails, walkways, and platforms above the fish ladder adjacent to the falls.

Refer to our webpage
Visit the Newsroom for more news

Visit your WDFW lands

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.

Learn more in our news release
WDFW Chehalis Wildlife Area - Chehalis Unit - ADA Paved Path
Photo by WDFW
Comment on recreation at Olympic, Johns River, and Chehalis wildlife areas

WDFW is seeking public input at the Olympic-Willapa Hills Wildlife Area Complex, which consists of three wildlife areas across Grays Harbor, Clallam and Pacific counties.

Take the survey
Wood Duck Duckling
Photo by Robert Haney
What to do if you encounter common wildlife babies this spring

Always contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator before attempting to rescue any wildlife, and follow the tips in this blog for what to do if you encounter common young wildlife this spring.

Spring wildlife blog

Share your outdoor adventures