Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

Introduction of Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park has two miles of Green River shoreline and is a great place to camp. The 541-acre state park, located two miles north of Cumberland, Washington, was established in 1983 as part of the Green River Gorge preservation effort. The state park is named after the surrounding communities, which were built as part of the Northern Pacific Railway in the late 1890s.

The Muckleshoot Tribe, a Salish-speaking tribe, had their ancestral homeland in the area surrounding Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. The tribe was vital in sustaining itself through fishing, animals, and plants that thrived along the Green River’s waterways. In the early 1800s, the tribe encountered European fur trappers and signed the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1854. However, the treaty did not prevent encroachment on tribal land, which led to increased violence. During the early 1900s, with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway, settlers called Kanaskat home.

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is now a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with white water rafting for experienced paddlers. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming are among the other activities available at the state park. The campground is located in a heavily forested area and has 50 campsites, 19 of which have electric hookups for RVs.

Summertime temperatures in the mid-70s are accompanied by up to three inches of rain per month at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, making it ideal for campers. Winter months can bring up to seven inches of snow and temperatures in the 40s.

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Camping

The park has 25 tent spaces, 19 partial-hookup electric sites, six yurts, one dump station, two ADA restrooms, and six ADA showers.

There is a group camp in the park that can accommodate up to 80 people. Parking is scarce. Restrooms, showers, two Adirondack three-sided sleeping shelters, eight standard tent sites, and a picnic shelter are all available at the camp. The group camp does not allow motor homes, trailers, or tent trailers.

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Activities

Hiking

Hiking is a popular activity in Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. The three-mile loop River Trail that encircles the campground and follows the Green River’s shoreline is available at the state park. Hiking allows you to see the beautiful natural scenery, which includes cottonwood, spruce, alder, and cedar trees. Hiking is best in the fall when the colorful trees change from green to gold to orange to red. When you emerge from the forest and reach the river, you will have excellent views of the Green River Gorge’s shale and sandstone cliffs.

Fishing

Bringing a rod and reel is always a good idea because fishing at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is a fun activity. Cutthroat trout fishing on the Green River is best after the spring run-off, when water levels drop. The Green River is home to a variety of salmon species, including chum, coho, sockeye, chinook, and kokanee. These species’ fishing seasons are best in the fall and winter. Please refer to Washington’s fishing regulations for bag and size limits, as well as the opening date of the fishing season.

Wildlife Watching

Pack a pair of binoculars in your camper or trailer because the wildlife viewing opportunities at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park are fantastic. From a safe distance, you will be able to see a variety of animals in their natural habitat. You might see foxes, minks, otters, rabbits, raccoons, elk, deer, coyotes, and even a black bear during your trip. Please do not disturb newborn animals or feed wildlife in their natural habitat when watching wildlife.

Biking

Biking is a superb thing to do in Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. There is a mixed-use River Trail that runs around the campground and along the shoreline of the Green River. The trail is approximately three miles in length and is an excellent way to stretch your legs. There is plenty of paved roads within the state park where bicycling is perfect. The easiest way to get around the rafters and kayakers within the state park is by bicycle. Always adhere to state park regulations when biking off-trail within the area.

White Water Fun

Bring your rowing and paddling gear if you are an experienced kayaker or whitewater rafter. The Green River Gorge is a mecca for whitewater rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV. During spring run-off, the river is ferocious and will test even the most experienced paddlers. There is no boat ramp to launch from, but there is plenty of shorelines to choose from when entering. Due to the nature of the white water rapids, only experienced paddlers should attempt the Green River Gorge. Swimming is another summer water sport, and you can always dip your toes in the water while sitting on the beach.

History of  the Area

Mining history abounds in the area surrounding Kanaskat-Palmer and the Green River Gorge. The area continues to be mined for coal, as it has for many years. A nearby coal seam provides the methane flame for Flaming Geyser. Cinnabar, the base ore for mercury, was also mined locally.

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Location

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is accessible by RV at the intersection of Cumberland Kanaskat Road Southeast and Kanaskat-Palmer State Park Road. Driving north from Cumberland, take the Cumberland Kanaskat Road Southeast, which follows the Newaukum Creek shoreline. The road is not difficult to navigate, with few turns and undulating terrain. Traveling south from Durham, the road becomes more difficult along Retreat Kanaskat Road Southeast.

Once inside the state park, there will be traffic near the dump station and the state park office. There are two day-use areas that will be congested as you travel through the state park to the campground. The two-day-use areas are primarily used by rafters and kayakers, making it difficult to navigate your RV or rig through them. The loops within the campground have wide curves and are suitable for people driving larger rigs. The best way to explore the park is by bicycle, though you will have to share the road with vehicles. When driving through the state park, keep an eye out for pedestrians, bicyclists, and children playing near the campground and day-use areas. To ensure your safety, please obey all posted speed limits.

Public Transport

There is no public transportation available.

Parking

Parking is available for Kanaskat-Palmer State Park