GINKGO PETRIFIED FOREST STATE PARK
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is a 7,470-acre park with year-round camping at Wanapum recreational area. The park features 27,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Wanapum Reservoir on the Columbia River. Petrified wood was discovered in the region in the early 1930s, which led to creation of the park as a national historic preserve. Ginkgo Petrified Forest is a registered national natural landmark. It is regarded as one of the most unusual fossil forests in the world.
The park was set aside as a historic preserve when remains of a fossil forest were unearthed during highway construction in the 1930s. Petrified wood from many different trees are common in the area, but specimens of petrified Ginkgo are rare. Many buildings on the premises owe their origin to the work of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The Wanapum recreation area has 50 utility sites and two restrooms. All sites have full hook-ups. Maximum site length is 60 feet (may have limited availability). Tenters are allowed to use the sites but must pay full fee.
The campground is subject to high winds, especially in the evening. Campers should secure tents and light-weight articles.
The park is heavily used during Gorge concert season. Facilities fill early on weekends.
To reserve a campsite for dates between May 15 and September 15, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m., and check-out time is 1 p.m. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Engine-driven electric generators may be operated only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.Length of stay: You may stay up to ten consecutive days in any one park during the summer; the stay limit is extended to 20 days between Oct. 1 and March 31.
There is one watercraft launch with two ramps in the park.
A daily watercraft launching permit and a trailer dumping permit is available at the park. Annual permits also may be purchased at State Parks Headquarters in Olympia, at region offices, online, and at parks when staff is available.
Enjoy fishing in the Wanapum Lake, known for its variety of species like walleye, bass and salmon. The Columbia River also offers opportunities to catch steelhead trout and sturgeon. For fly-fishing enthusiasts, there are rainbow trouts available too.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is
There are 57 unsheltered picnic tables, available first-come, first-served. The park is heavily used during Gorge concert season, and fills early on weekends.
1. Interpretive Trails: These are short, easy trails that offer educational signs about the park's geology and history.
2. Petrified Forest Trail: This 3-mile round trip trail takes hikers through a unique landscape of petrified ginkgo trees and other ancient plant life.
3. Vantage Highway Loop Trail: A moderate difficulty level hike covering around 5 miles with beautiful views over Wanapum Lake and Columbia River Gorge.
4. Westside Boat Launch Area Hiking Pathway: An accessible pathway leading to picnic areas, boat launch facilities, swimming spots along the riverfront area; perfect for family outings or casual strolls in nature's lap.
5. Overlook Trailhead Route: Starting from this point leads you on an uphill climb towards panoramic viewpoints overlooking basalt cliffs against blue waterscape backdrop: ideal spot for photography enthusiasts!
6. The Trees Of Stone Interpretative Trail: It is wheelchair-accessible offering visitors close-up view of several species of petrified wood including Douglas fir & walnut tree specimens dating back millions years ago during Miocene Epoch period.
7. Wild Horse Monument Access Road: Though not exactly within Park boundaries but it offers stunning vistas across desert landscapes making it worth exploring while visiting Gingko State Park region.
8. Columbia Plateau Heritage Landscape Corridor Walks: Offers glimpses into Ice Age floods' impact shaping regional topography besides providing bird:watching opportunities amidst shrub-steppe habitat environment.
The park features an interpretive center. Hours vary with the season. Group tours are available for a fee and by advanced appointment only. For information, call the park at (509) 856-2700.
Located appoximately 30 miles east of Ellensburg, Wash., on the Columbia River.
From east or west on I-90: Wanapum recreation area: Take exit #136. Follow signs south on Huntzinger Rd. three miles to the park entrance.
Ginkgo Interpretive Center: Take exit #136 north through Vantage one mile to Ginkgo.