State Parks urges Fourth of July celebrants to recreate responsibly

Parks staff offer reminders, tips and rules for fireworks and use of state parks

OLYMPIA – June 22, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages safe and responsible gatherings in state parks during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

Parks urges visitors to:

 Know before you go – Check for park closures and alerts before heading out.

 Leave no trace – Garbage receptacles may be available, but visitors should plan to pack out trash and anything they have brought with them. All fireworks must be fully extinguished before visitors dispose of them. 

 Practice fire safety – Fires must be small, contained and at least 100 feet from the dunes and extinguished before leaving. 

 Respect beach closures – There may be beach driving closures in areas designated to protect wildlife and marine habitat.

 Depart beaches by 11:00 p.m. – Avoid getting you and your car stuck in incoming high tides.

 Keep our beaches beautiful – We all have a responsibility to sustain the places we love. Opportunities include volunteering for a beach cleanup on July 5.

Although personal fireworks may be legal on ocean beaches, State Parks, partners and law enforcement wish to remind people that fireworks are illegal on state park lands, including on beaches in front of Washington state parks. 

Fireworks are also banned in forests, wildlife reserves and some cities, towns and counties. Additionally, the City of Ocean Shores banned all fireworks within city limits and the City of Westporthas banned use of fireworks on city beaches.

For those visiting state parks, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access. 

On beaches where no restrictions exist, consumer fireworks may be used or discharged within the following timeframes:

 June 28: Noon to 11 p.m.

 June 29 – July 3: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 July 4: 9 a.m. to midnight

 July 5: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.