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.

Okanogan County in fall

Places news & important dates

Fire crews working a prescribed fire on the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area
WDFW plans prescribed fires on Eastern Washington wildlife areas

Annual prescribed fires on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)-managed lands in Eastern Washington are scheduled to start in March, as conditions allow.

Mule deer in the Methow Valley
Methow Wildlife Area units close temporarily to protect wintering mule deer

To protect the largest migratory mule deer herd in Washington, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is closing five units of the Methow Valley Wildlife Area to public access from Dec. 15, 2023 through March 31, 2024.

Visit your WDFW lands

A bright orange sunset over a snowy field
Winter wildlife watching in the snow

Winter is a great time to get outdoors with the kids. Snow reveals animal tracks, hidey-holes, and other wildlife findings that might not be seen on bare ground.

A pond seen through trees and grass
Public comment open on recreation at Cowlitz Wildlife Area

WDFW is seeking public comment on how the public uses the Cowlitz Wildlife Area for recreation.

People watching birds at the Sherman Creek Wildlife Area
Wildlife viewing tips

Wildlife can be found anywhere in the state of Washington.

Share your outdoor adventures