Washington Park
A 220-acre park featuring a scenic loop road, camping, picnic sites, and stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Washington Park
Best Time
Golden hour for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 220-acre park featuring a scenic loop road, camping, picnic sites, and stunning natural beauty.
"Gorgeous views! Beautiful scenery and trees! Shaded campsites! Lovely hiking trails."
🚶♀️ Walk Counterclockwise
Cars drive counterclockwise on the loop. Walking clockwise lets you see traffic coming. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking is Free!
Plenty of parking available, and the park entrance is free to access. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Loop Road
Park-wide
A 2-mile paved loop offering stunning views, accessible by car or foot. Watch for traffic!
Sunset Views
Near park entrance
Spectacular vantage points to witness the sun dip below the horizon, perfect for photos.
Picnic & BBQ Areas
Park-wide
Spacious pavilions with large BBQ grills available for rent, ideal for gatherings.
Playground for Kids
Park-wide
A dedicated area for children to play, making it a family-friendly destination.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Washington Park
Camping & Facilities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Counterclockwise
Cars drive counterclockwise on the loop. Walking clockwise lets you see traffic coming. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking is Free!
Plenty of parking available, and the park entrance is free to access. :car:
🚯 Pack Out Trash
Abundant trash cans help keep the park clean, but be mindful of your waste. :wastebasket:
⚠️ Watch for Cars
The paved path is shared with vehicles, so stay alert and move aside when needed. :warning:
Car camping near Anacortes/ferry terminal?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Counterclockwise
Cars drive counterclockwise on the loop. Walking clockwise lets you see traffic coming. :athletic_shoe:
🚗 Parking is Free!
Plenty of parking available, and the park entrance is free to access. :car:
🚯 Pack Out Trash
Abundant trash cans help keep the park clean, but be mindful of your waste. :wastebasket:
⚠️ Watch for Cars
The paved path is shared with vehicles, so stay alert and move aside when needed. :warning:
🏕️ Campsite Prep
If camping, be aware of potential restroom cleanliness issues. Staff are helpful with firewood. :tent:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Washington Park for its stunning natural beauty, well-maintained grounds, and abundant free parking. The scenic loop road is a major draw for both drivers and walkers. However, some guests have expressed disappointment with the cleanliness and maintenance of the restroom and shower facilities, particularly during longer stays.
"Beautiful park with stunning views.
We really enjoyed the natural beauty of the area gorgeous scenery and a peaceful setting. The grounds are well-maintained, and the abundance of trash cans throughout the park makes it easy to keep things clean and accessible. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into maintaining the outdoor spaces, and we appreciated how tidy everything was.
That said, signage could be improved—especially around Loop C. From the road, all you see is the exit sign pointing left, and it looks like going right would take you directly through someone’s campsite. We ended up looping around before realizing that the “campsite path” was actually the road to the rest of the campground. For first-time visitors, the lack of clear directional signage was a bit frustrating.
Unfortunately, the women’s restroom facilities really need attention. We stayed for four nights, and it didn’t appear they were cleaned at all during that time. Trash bins were full, soap dispensers were empty for over 24 hours, and the showers were in rough shape, one wouldn’t drain, and overall cleanliness was poor.
The staff was responsive when we called for firewood, and we appreciated how prompt
they were. I just wish that same level of attentiveness was applied to the restrooms and shower"
Alyse Wecker
"Gorgeous views! Beautiful scenery and trees! Shaded campsites! Lovely hiking trails. Unfortunately, the bathrooms were often dirty. Only one shower was working in the women’s restroom in the campground. When someone showered the entire bathroom floor became wet."
Anne Westerhof
"A fantastic walk in a beautiful area. My first time visiting Anacortes and stumbled upon this area when I had some time to kill. Its a little over 2 miles going in a loop with a ton of spots off the beaten path for site seeing. The main path is paved, but be on the lookout for cars as they can drive on it and you'll have to move off the path. Aside from that though, it was a fantastic experience!"
Nick Nelson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Washington Park is located in Anacortes, Washington. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available. If you're coming from out of town, it's near the Anacortes ferry terminal for access to the San Juan Islands.
Yes, there is ample parking available throughout Washington Park, and the entrance is free.
Absolutely! The park features a 2-mile scenic loop road that you can drive or hike. Cars travel counterclockwise on the paved path.
Yes, Washington Park is conveniently located near the Anacortes ferry terminal, making it a great stop before or after island hopping.
The loop road is a one-way, counterclockwise path. It's recommended to be aware of vehicles, especially if you are walking or biking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to Washington Park is free, and parking is also complimentary.
It's advisable to book campsites in advance, especially during peak season, as they can fill up.
Washington Park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facility hours may vary.
Yes, pavilions with large BBQ grills are available for rent, perfect for parties and gatherings.
While generally open, always check for any temporary closures or advisories before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy hiking the scenic loop, picnicking, camping, birdwatching, and taking in the beautiful natural scenery. There's also a playground for kids.
Yes, the 2-mile paved loop road is great for walking, and there are also spots off the beaten path for exploring.
Some visitors have noted that restroom and shower facilities could be better maintained, with reports of cleanliness issues.
Yes, with a playground and scenic areas, it's a family-friendly spot. Just be mindful of the shared loop road.
The entire loop road offers gorgeous scenery, but areas near the park entrance are noted for great sunset views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants within Washington Park itself. It's best to bring your own food for picnics or dine in nearby Anacortes.
Yes, there are pavilions with large BBQ grills available for rent, making it a great spot for a cookout.
The city of Anacortes, just a short drive away, offers a variety of dining options from casual cafes to seafood restaurants.
There are no convenience stores within the park. It's recommended to bring all your snacks and drinks with you.
Pack essentials like sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and any cooking supplies if you plan to use the BBQ grills.
📸 📸 Photography
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for stunning photos, especially for sunsets. Early mornings are also great for softer light and fewer people.
You'll find gorgeous natural scenery, including trees, water views, and scenic vistas along the loop road.
The areas near the park entrance are highlighted for their excellent sunset views. Exploring off the main path can also yield unique shots.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the park authorities or local regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive scenery, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife if you're lucky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the park offers natural beauty, it's worth noting the feedback regarding restroom facilities. If you have very young children, you might want to plan accordingly or be prepared for potential challenges with cleanliness. Despite this, the free entry and plentiful parking make it an accessible and enjoyable destination for a family adventure.
🚗 Day-Trippers
For those looking to capture memories, the park offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during the golden hour for sunset shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Scenic Loop Road
The loop provides access to various points of interest within the park, including picnic areas, viewpoints, and trailheads. The abundance of trash cans along the route helps maintain the park's tidiness, a detail many visitors appreciate.
This loop is perfect for a leisurely drive, a refreshing walk, or a bike ride. It’s an excellent way to experience the park's diverse landscapes without extensive hiking. Remember to bring water and wear comfortable shoes, as you might be tempted to stop frequently to admire the views and take photos.
Camping and Facilities at Washington Park
Despite these concerns, the park staff are generally responsive. Visitors have noted prompt assistance when requesting items like firewood.
While the natural beauty and camping ambiance are appealing, potential campers should weigh the convenience of the location against the reported facility maintenance. It's a trade-off that many visitors find worthwhile for the overall park experience, but it's good to be aware of these aspects beforehand.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond the main loop, there are opportunities to venture off the beaten path for unique shots. The park's natural setting makes it ideal for landscape photography, and if you're lucky, you might capture some local wildlife. The well-maintained grounds and the interplay of light and shadow create dynamic photographic possibilities throughout the day.
When planning your photo session, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the sweeping vistas and a telephoto lens for any wildlife encounters. Remember to be mindful of the shared loop road, ensuring your photography doesn't impede traffic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit