🌤 Weather at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 36–64 °F | 49–76 °F | 38–70 °F | 33–48 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Palmer 3 Ese, 2 mi away, elevation 920 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is a public state park in Washington near Ravensdale in King County. Spanning 320 acres and established in 1983, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Washington |
| Nearest City | Ravensdale |
| County | King |
| Park Size | 320 acres |
| Established | 1983 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (600 reviews) |
| Accessibility |
|
Location & Getting There
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is located near Ravensdale, Washington. The park’s coordinates are 47.3122, -121.8988.
Things to Do
Washington state parks offer an incredible diversity of outdoor recreation — from the rain-soaked old-growth forests of the Olympic Peninsula to the volcanic landscapes of the Cascades, the arid canyonlands of Eastern Washington, and the island-dotted waters of Puget Sound. Popular activities include hiking through moss-draped temperate rainforests, beachcombing on wild Pacific shores, kayaking through the San Juan Islands, camping beneath towering Douglas firs, fishing for salmon and steelhead in glacier-fed rivers, rock climbing basalt columns, mountain biking forested trails, and cross-country skiing in winter. Many parks also offer historical interpretation, including military forts, pioneer homesteads, and Native American cultural sites.
Best Time to Visit
Washington’s outdoor season varies dramatically by region. Western Washington (including the coast and Puget Sound parks) is driest and warmest from June through September — this is peak season. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds and mild temperatures but expect rain. Eastern Washington parks enjoy more sunshine year-round, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The San Juan Islands are best visited May through September for whale watching (orcas) and calm seas. Mountain parks in the Cascades open as snow melts, typically July through October. Winter transforms many parks into cross-country skiing and snowshoeing destinations. Always carry rain gear west of the Cascades, regardless of season.
Visitor Tips
Washington state parks require a Discover Pass ($45/year or $10/day) for vehicle access. Purchase one online through the Washington State Parks website before your visit — it covers all 100+ state parks. Camping reservations are made through the state parks reservation system up to 9 months in advance. Popular parks like Deception Pass and Cape Disappointment book months ahead for summer weekends. Many parks in the San Juans and islands are accessible only by ferry or boat — check Washington State Ferries schedules in advance. Cell service can be unreliable, especially on the coast and in mountain parks.
Wildlife & Nature
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park — 320 acres along the Green River in King County — is a premier whitewater kayaking destination with Class III+ rapids through a forested canyon. The park provides both a put-in and take-out for river runs through the Green River Gorge. Salmon and steelhead migrate through the gorge each fall — spawning in gravel riffles visible from riverside trails. American dippers bob on mid-stream rocks. Bald eagles concentrate during salmon runs. Black bears are occasionally spotted in the surrounding forest. River otters hunt in the deeper pools. The park’s campground is popular with kayakers and anglers.
Nearby Attractions
Green River Gorge Resort — 3 miles downstream — offers swimming holes. Flaming Geyser State Park — 5 miles downstream — has methane flame vents. Black Diamond — 10 miles west — is a historic coal town. Mount Rainier National Park — 50 miles southeast — via Chinook Pass. Enumclaw — 10 miles south — is a Rainier gateway.
Explore More Washington State Parks
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Washington. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Washington guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Green River Gorge Resort (a short drive away) or Nolte State Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Standard and partial-hookup sites, maximum site length 50 ft (limited availability). No full-hookup sites mentioned. No total count stated. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Yurts available, with accessible restrooms and showers nearby. No specific yurt count or capacity stated. |
| Pets | Dogs allowed on leash (general park rule). |
| Reservations | washington.goingtocamp.com or (360) 886-0148. Discover Pass required: Annual $45 / One-day $10. |
| Special sites | One group camp accommodating up to 80 people. Trailer dump $5 per use; overnight unattended vehicle $10 per night. |
| Season notes | Open 8:00 a.m.-Dusk year round. Winter Schedule page referenced for seasonal closures; specific dates not stated on this page. |
Camping questions about Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Can you camp at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park?
Standard and partial-hookup sites, maximum site length 50 ft (limited availability). No full-hookup sites mentioned. No total count stated.
How do you reserve a campsite at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park?
washington.goingtocamp.com or (360) 886-0148. Discover Pass required: Annual $45 / One-day $10.
Are there cabins at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park?
Yurts available, with accessible restrooms and showers nearby. No specific yurt count or capacity stated.
Are pets allowed at the Kanaskat-Palmer State Park campground?
Dogs allowed on leash (general park rule).
Source: parks.wa.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- 8 ft maximum leash required; pets must be under physical control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on designated swim beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are not allowed inside vacation houses but are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins and yurts (e.g. Grayland Beach, Seaquest, Ike Kinswa — Cape Disappointment does NOT allow pets in its yurts), typically up to two pets, with a pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use pet fee; $15 per night pet fee in pet-friendly cabins/yurts
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Director-designated off-leash areas are exempt from the leash rule and are conspicuously posted
Are dogs allowed at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park?
Pets are allowed in most Washington state parks but must be under physical control on a leash at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.wa.gov. More: Washington state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
