Photo:
Kona Ice food truck serves park-goers at Birch Bay State Park
Nothing complements a day of adventure in one of Washington's beautiful state parks like a squished and soggy PB&J and some warm baby carrots.
Wait, what? Nooooo!
If you and your crew dream of fueling your nature adventures with tasty local fare instead of a tired sack lunch, you are in luck.
This month, Washington State Parks announced that new, locally owned food stands have set up shop in four Puget Sound–area state parks. Check out the parks and their tasty offerings below.
Remember your Discover Pass; this pass is required to park a vehicle in all state parks, except if you're camping in a paid campsite, or on free state parks day.
New state park snacks
1. Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah attracts swimmers and paddleboarders from near and far all summer long. After your splash in the lake, play at the must-visit destination playground. Stroll the park's nature trails and pop in for regular events. Wow, are you hungry yet? Hit the Sunset Beach Café for espresso drinks, pizza, ice cream and more. But go soon: The café is open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., but only through Labor Day.
2. Dash Point State Park in Federal Way should be where you search for a last-minute campsite this summer. Skip campground cooking for a night and enjoy a specialty hot dog from Jones’n for a Dog. This spot serves up kids' options, too, and even a veggie dog. If you don't get a campsite, no worries — just go play on the beach for the day and enjoy a tasty lunch. Open Thursday–Sunday, noon–6 p.m., through Labor Day (or late September, if weather cooperates).
3. Birch Bay State Park in Blaine makes for a fab summer beach day already, and now you can put the ice on top. Visit the Kona Ice truck for a delicious and refreshing shave ice. Kona Ice is open Tuesday–Sunday, noon–7 p.m., through Labor Day.
4. Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island is your go-to destination for whale spotting. While you're scanning the waters for signs of whales, keep your energy up with hot dogs and snacks from The Blow Hole. The Blow Hole is open daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., through Sept. 30.
More snacks in parks
5. A favorite camping and swimming destination for Seattle and South Sound families, Millersylvania State Park in Olympia offers up lunch and boat rentals from Lakeside Grill & Boats. Pro tip for parents: This spot has a beer garden.
6. Fort Worden Historical State Park in fabulous Port Townsend has long offered food services to fuel your explorations of this gem of a park. From the beach to batteries to the parade oval, keep on adventuring with sustenance from Reveille, featuring coffee and grab-and-go breakfast and lunch items, or with burgers and fish and chips from Cablehouse Canteen.
