Tilton River State Park
Washington’s Hidden River Fishing Hole — Undeveloped Riverside Access, Studhalter Fishing Hole, Coho Salmon & Rainbow Trout, Rocky Beach Picnicking Near Morton
Tilton River State Park is a small, undeveloped state park along the Tilton River near Morton, Lewis County, Washington. The park features the historic Studhalter Fishing Hole, coho salmon and stocked rainbow trout fishing, a short informal trail through forest to the river, a rocky riverside beach for picnicking, and a completely rustic experience with no developed facilities.
Tilton River State Park is one of Washington’s most hidden and rustic state properties — a tiny, undeveloped riverside access point along Highway 508 near milepost 27. The park is easily missed; a small, unmarked pull-off accommodates only a few vehicles. A short informal trail (roughly 0.25 to 1 mile) descends through forest to the Tilton River, where the Studhalter Fishing Hole has been a local favorite for decades. The river supports runs of hatchery coho salmon and is stocked with rainbow trout. A rocky beach along the river provides a scenic spot for picnicking, relaxing, and wading. Handmade fire pits dot the area. There are no restrooms, no signs, no maintained trails, and no staffing — this is a pure pack-in/pack-out wilderness experience.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Studhalter Fishing Hole: Historic local favorite
- Hatchery coho salmon: Seasonal runs
- Rainbow trout: Stocked
- Washington fishing license required
- Check WDFW regulations for current seasons
Riverside Relaxation
- Rocky river beach
- Handmade fire pits (local use)
- Wading in shallow areas
- Picnicking — bring your own supplies
Walking
- Short informal trail: ~0.25–1 mile to river
- Forest descent with natural obstacles (roots, rocks)
- No maintained or blazed trail
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Undeveloped state park — riverside access |
| River | Tilton River |
| Fishing | Coho salmon (seasonal), rainbow trout (stocked) |
| Famous Spot | Studhalter Fishing Hole |
| Trail | Informal — 0.25–1 mile to river |
| Facilities | NONE — no restrooms, water, signs, or staffing |
| Camping | Not officially permitted |
| Parking | Unmarked pull-off — ~4 vehicles max |
| Access | Highway 508 near milepost 27, near Morton WA |
| Nearby | Ike Kinswa State Park, Gust Backstrom Park (Morton) |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST: Coho salmon runs; fall foliage; cool weather; excellent fishing | Rain; slippery trail; river levels rising; check WDFW closures |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout fishing; wildflowers; green forest; moderate temperatures | High water; muddy trail; river may be too fast for wading |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm wading; low river; picnicking; long days; dry trail | Lower fish activity; hot afternoons; wasps near fire pits |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Solitude; winter steelhead potential; moody forest atmosphere | Cold rain; flooding; trail very slippery; extremely limited parking |
Visitor Tips
- Hard to find: The park has no signs — look for a small pull-off on Highway 508 near milepost 27, near Morton.
- Parking: Only ~4 vehicles can fit in the unmarked pull-off. Arrive early on weekends during salmon season.
- Trail: The informal trail to the river has roots, rocks, and no blazes — wear sturdy footwear.
- Pack-in/pack-out: No trash cans or facilities — carry out everything you bring in.
- Fishing regs: The Tilton River is anadromous water — check WDFW regulations for current seasons and rules.
- Nearby developed parks: Ike Kinswa State Park (where the Tilton meets Mayfield Lake) offers camping, restrooms, and boat launches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Tilton River State Park — along the Tilton River in Lewis County — provides riverside recreation in the western Cascades foothills. The river supports steelhead, coho, and Chinook salmon runs. River otters and American dippers inhabit the waterway. Bald eagles patrol during salmon runs. Black-tailed deer browse in the surrounding forest of Douglas fir and bigleaf maple.
Nearby Attractions
Morton — nearby — is a timber town and gateway to Mount Rainier (Nisqually entrance). Ike Kinswa State Park — 10 miles south on Mayfield Lake — offers camping. Mount St. Helens — 25 miles east. White Pass Ski Area — 30 miles east.
Where is Tilton River State Park?
Tilton River State Park is a small, undeveloped state park near Morton in Lewis County, Washington. It is located along Highway 508 near milepost 27. The park has no signs — look for a small unmarked pull-off that accommodates about 4 vehicles. A short informal trail leads through forest down to the Tilton River and the locally famous Studhalter Fishing Hole. There are no restrooms, water, or developed facilities. The nearby Ike Kinswa State Park offers full amenities including camping and boat launches.
Last updated: May 2026
