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.

Wetland boardwalk at Tennant Lake Wildlife Area Unit
Photo by WDFW

In this section

  • 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.

  • Life Outdoors Report

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

  • Clam, mussel, and oyster harvest

    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.

  • 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.

  • Salmon viewing locations

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

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Places news & important dates

Purple and yellow wildflowers in the foreground with mountains in the background.
Photo by Justin Haug
Comment sought on proposed land acquisitions

WDFW is inviting public comment on 20 proposed public land acquisitions to benefit conservation and public access to Washington’s outdoors.

See how to submit comment
Illustrative graphic showing draft design of Elliott Bay Fishing Pier, with benches, lights, sign, and guardrails.
Photo by WDFW
WDFW shares draft design for new Elliott Bay Fishing Pier on Seattle Waterfront

This public fishing pier is located on the Seattle Waterfront adjacent to the Port of Seattle’s Centennial Park north of the Pier 86 grain terminal. The current pier was built in 1980 and has been closed since 2016 due to safety concerns.

Learn about the draft design
Visit the Newsroom for more news

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.

Visit the wildlife area page for more info
Close up of wildlife photographer taking photos.
Photo by WDFW
Hunting seasons underway; tips for sharing space

Respectful communication and dialogue go a long way toward creating positive connections between outdoors enthusiasts and avoiding potentially negative encounters while recreating.

Read the blog post
An ADA-accessible waterfowl blind in a field with tall grass
Photo by WDFW
New ADA-accessible waterfowl blind in Region 1

WDFW teamed with the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council to build an ADA-accessible waterfowling blind on private property.

More information and how to use the blind

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