Brooks Memorial State Park is a bright spot of colors, views and birdsongs, off the beaten path in south central Washington.
Brooks Memorial sits between the barren hills of the south Yakima Valley and the pine forests of the Simcoe Mountains. This environmental diversity makes for a stunning park site. The 9 miles of hiking and equestrian trails lead along the Little Klickitat River and up through Ponderosa pine and stands of Oregon white oak. As you gain elevation, you will find yourself in subalpine meadows with a profusion of wildflowers in spring and panoramic views that include Mount Hood to the south. Save energy for the park's more classic picnic and park activity options – a softball field, playground and horseshoe pit.
Groups can rent the Environmental Learning Center, which sleeps more than 70 people in cozy cabins clustered around a lodge with a great hall. While facilities are closed in the winter, visitors use the area for back country snow play.
You can gaze at the stars from your campsite or head to Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site, just 20 minutes away, for some of the best night sky viewing in the Pacific Northwest.
Nearby Maryhill State Park, Maryhill Museum, the Stonehenge replica and the orchards and wineries of the eastern Columbia River entice the cultural traveler, and the river itself is a sight to behold. Alternating days of touring and trails make for great vacation memories in this Washington sweet spot.
PARK FEATURES
Brooks Memorial State Park is a 682-acre, seasonal camping park located between the south Yakima Valley and the Simcoe Mountains 15 miles north of Goldendale off Highway 97.
PICNIC & DAY-USE FACILITIES
Two kitchen shelters with picnic tables, sinks and electricity are available first come, first served. A restroom is available.
ACTIVITIES
TRAILS
9 miles of hiking trails
9 miles of equestrian trails
OTHER ACTIVITIES & FEATURES
Amphitheater
Bird watching
Horseshoe pits (2)
Mountain biking
Softball field
Wildlife viewing
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A ball field and a swing set are in the park.
Hikers should bring a day pack with first-aid supplies, map and compass and/or GPS. Please contact a ranger for hiking information.
Butterfly Garden with 27 species of butterflies sited.
Motorized activities are not permitted on trails.
Metal detector enthusiasts must report any evidence of Native American artifacts to a park ranger.
Activities close to the park include stargazing at the Goldendale Observatory, visiting the Maryhill Museum, viewing the replica of Stonehenge on State Route 14 and driving the historic Columbia Highway in nearby Oregon.
A recreational license is required for fishing and shellfish harvesting at Washington state parks.
CAMPSITE INFORMATION
The park has 22 standard sites (sites 24-45), 23 full-hookup sites (sites 1-23), one dump station, one restroom and two showers. A limit of eight people are permitted per site. Maximum site length is 60 feet (limited availability). Electrical sites have 50 amp hookups. Water is available in hookup sites from mid-April to late October.
Check-in time is 2:30 p.m.
Check-out time is 1 p.m.