Lake Easton State Park

Easton State Park

Lake Easton, which sits off I-90 between Seattle and Ellensburg, attracts urbanites who have little time for getaways. Additionally, the park is far enough east that it occasionally receives sun while Seattle is enveloped in fog.

Bring your bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, fishing gear, bikinis, and hiking boots because Lake Easton is all about activity. The playground is a short sprint from the swim beach, so the kids will go back and forth all day. Also, don’t forget your camp chair for relaxing, reading, and conversing while enjoying one of the park’s picnic or campsite locations in the woods.

In the winter, this park is open. Even if the abandoned campers are covered with snow, a day at the lake is worthwhile. In this stunning environment, bundle up and take part in winter sports. Families may enjoy throwing snowballs and creating snow constructions as they choose while using miles of groomed paths for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Even during the darkest months of the year, Lake Easton may have clear sky for residents of the west side.

Put on your skis and glide through a winter forest, or go jump in the lake. You will notice when tension gives way to enjoyment, even if you are close to home.

PARK FEATURES

A 697-acre camping area surrounded by forest, Lake Easton State Park offers 24,000 feet of freshwater access on the lake’s shoreline and mid-state access to the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

The campsites at Lake Easton are located on the park’s northern edge, close to Interstate 90. As a result, they are exposed to road noise. The use of earplugs is advised for light sleepers.

Automated pay stations: Visitors can purchase a one-day or yearly Discover Pass at this park’s automated pay station located in the day-use parking lot (April 1-Nov. 30). Visitors can pay for primitive camping or a one-day Sno-Park permit during the winter (Dec. 1-March 31). The Sno-Park does not require Discover Passes.

ADA AMENITIES/FACILITIES

• Campsites
• Hiking trail
• Picnic area
• Restroom

PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES

The park has 40 unsheltered picnic tables that are first come, first served. The day-use park has an amphitheatre, grills, fire pits, a play structure, and is located in a forested environment.

ACTIVITIES

TRAILS

Numerous hiking, biking, and winter activities are permitted in the park. When there is enough snow, the Sno-Park groomed paths are open from December through March. The groomed trail network in the Kachess and Stampede Pass regions is accessible by a snowmobile path.

• six km of bicycle paths
• groomed cross-country ski paths for 5 km (December-March)
• 6.5 kilometres of paths for hiking

WATER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

• 20 feet of dock
• Boating (10 HP or less)
• Fishing (freshwater)
• Swimming
• Watercraft launch

WINTER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

• Cross-country skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Snow play
• Snowshoeing

 

OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES

• Amphitheater
• Basketball court
• Bird watching
• Horseshoe pits (2)
• Mountain biking
• Wildlife viewing

INTERPRETIVE OPPORTUNITIES

Public events are held both in the winter and summer. Any time of the year, group programmes can be planned in advance. Self-guided Junior Ranger activities are offered at the entry station or by a park ranger. For further information, consult the park’s calendar or contact the interpretive office at (509) 925-1943.

BOATING FEATURES

The park, which is situated in Kittitas County on Lake Easton, provides a boat ramp and a 20-foot dock. Launching of watercraft begins in April. The start date is based on the amount of snowfall. Boat motors are limited to 10 horsepower even if motorised boating is permitted. A tiny reservoir called Lake Easton has stumps that are close to the water’s surface. Activities at high speeds are not advised. There are no lifeguards on duty at the swimming beach.

In a state park, you must do one of the following to launch a boat:

A one-day Discover Pass and a daily launch permission; a yearly Discover Pass and a daily launch permit; or a daily launch permit and a natural investment permit. a $7 daily launch licence for boats. Annual permits can be be bought online, in region offices, at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at parks while personnel is on duty, and at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia.

CAMPSITE INFORMATION

The campground features four facilities (three ADA), three full-hookup sites, two hiker/biker sites, one dump station, and 90 regular campsites (two ADA). Each place is surrounded by trees. The Yakima River and Lake Easton are both close to where most tent and RV parking is located. The allocated tent pad is where tents must be set up. In a few of the park’s spots, RVs up to 60 feet long are permitted. Some locations allow tip-outs.

The campsites at Lake Easton are located on the park’s northern edge, close to Interstate 90. As a result, they are exposed to road noise. The use of earplugs is advised for light sleepers.

From December 1 through March 31 you may camp in the day use area for $12 during the winter. Camping at a Sno-Park during the winter also requires a permit.

The time to check in is 2:30 pm.
1 p.m. is the check-out time.

Directions

Driving

Located in Kittitas County, 15 miles west of Cle Elum, Washington, and 15 miles east of Snoqualmie Pass, Washington.

Take exit #70 off of I-90, then follow the park signage.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.