Ever wondered which Washington State Parks are perfect for unearthing hidden treasures with your metal detector? Dive in to discover the best spots!
Are you someone from the beautiful state of Washington? The state has many natural resources, wildlife, and forests, offering much to metal detectorists and nature enthusiasts.
When I visited Washington in 2015 mid, I was intrigued by nature and the many places to detect in this beautiful state.
From beaches and state parks to ghost towns, this state offers much for metal detectors.
Among the abundant places to metal detect in Washington, I was drawn most towards the number of state parks.
I was able to visit numerous state parks in Washington alongside fellow local detectorists, identifying the most metal-detecting-friendly parks teeming with treasures.
Additionally, I incorporated data collected from experienced local detectorists, enhancing our knowledge of metal-detecting opportunities within the state parks of Washington.
So, here are the best state parks in Washington to metal detect,
- Beacon Rock State Park
- Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
- Lake Sylvia State Park
- Rockport State Park
- Ocean City State Park
- Kitsap Memorial State Park
- Dash Point State Park
- Penrose Point State Park
- Rainbow Falls State Park
- Mystery Bay State Park
But there’s a lot more to know!
So, in this article, I’ll explore the best state parks in Washington to metal detect and how to metal detect in them.
More importantly, I will be talking about laws and regulations prevailing in each of these state parks, together with the state’s position on metal detecting the state parks.
Ultimately, I will share some tips and tricks I use to detect in Washington’s state parks.
So, let’s jump in!
Can You Metal Detect In Washington State Parks?
Yes, metal detecting is allowed in the state parks of Washington.
To entrain the rights of metal detecting in the state parks, you need to have a valid permit offered by the park officials or the state office.
With the permit, you can enter a state with a metal detector.
The permit will specify all the dos and, once in the park, to what extent you can go in metal detecting and what you claim ownership of if metal things are found.
Without specification, asking someone near you or the park officials before starting metal detecting is better.
If you break any rule, you must pay the park a price or a fine. So make sure you adhere to the rules provided by the officials.
Best State Parks In Washington To Metal Detect
So, let’s look at each of the best state parks in Washington that allows you to metal detect and find treasures.
Keep reading!
1. Beacon Rock State Park
Beacon Rock State Park is located in Skamania County near Stevenson. This was established in 1935, and people have been visiting the park constantly.
The park is famous for the Beacon Rock, an ancient volcanic core. If you climb on top of this rock, you will see the stunning view of the Columbia River Gorge.
The park allows multiple activities within its territory, like hiking, rock climbing, and enjoying the view of stunning wildlife.
Metal detecting is also allowed in the park with a permit offered by an authority.
While in the park, I found some coins, jewelry, and other lost items from the visitors. If you are thinking of metal detecting in the park.
I suggest you start on the hiking trails because many people lose stuff during hiking.
2. Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is in Clar County near the La Center township.
This is also a quite old establishment, whose roots go down to 1937 when It was officially stated as a state park.
This state park offers a unique nature experience for its visitors. People have been visiting the park to enjoy the serene and calm nature setting and to engage in outdoor activities allowed in the park.
Among the outdoor activities allowed in the park, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking take a major place.
Metal detecting is allowed in the park with a permit issued by the authorities.
I found that coins and other personal stuff belonging to visitors/fishing areas are best suited to you if you plan to visit the state park for metal detecting.
3. Lake Sylvia State Park
Lake Sylvia State Park is located in Gray Harbour County near Montesano. This is one of the oldest state parks, established in 1927.Â
Based on my experience, Lake Sylvia State Park is one of the best locations in Washington to metal detect.
As the name suggests, the state park consists of a lake. People from the state and neighboring states visit to enjoy the serenity of the natural habitats surrounding this lake.
The park allows people to engage in activities like boating, swimming, fishing in the lake, hiking, and camping inside the state park.
Metal detecting is also allowed inside the park with authorization permits.
In the park, you can find common stuff like coins and lost personal items from the visitors.
4. Rockport State Park
Rockport State Park is located in Skagit County near the town of Rockport. This was established back in the day, in the year of 1935.
But some evidence proves people have been visiting these areas long before this was declared a state park.
After it was declared a state park, people visited the establishment to enjoy the scenic views of the Skagit River, navigating through the lush green forests.
Various activities like hiking, bird watching, and picnicking are allowed in the park. Metal detecting is also allowed in some areas of the park.
It would be best to have a valid metal detecting permit to enter the state park with a metal detector.
In the park, you can find some common stuff like coins and jewelry from the visitors. Apart from these, as there were shreds of evidence of early settlements in some areas of the park, you can also find some relics of those periods.
5. Ocean City State Park
Ocean City State Park is also situated in Grays Harbour County, with the largest town from the state park being Ocean Shores.
This was established in the year of 1953.
People have been visiting this beachside state park to enjoy the views of the calm beach and engulf their selves in the sandy shores.
The beach offers a nice scenic view into the Pacific Sea.
The park allows people to engage in various activities, from picnicking, birdwatching, camping, and swimming.
The park also allows people to meet detectives with proper permissions.
You can find some common stuff like coins and jewelry. If you have a waterproof metal detector, look in the shallow water areas because you will yield a lot by searching in this area.
Read to know the Best Beaches in Washington to Metal Detect!
6. Kitsap Memorial State Park
Kitsap Memorial State Park is located in Kitsap County near Poulsbo town.
This area was declared a state park in 1965, and people have been visiting to enjoy the views since.
This area was declared a state park in honor of the fallen veterans during the war.
This park offers its visitors a scenic view over the Hood Canal.
In the park, you can hike, picnic, and other things. The park is also allowing metal detecting in some designated areas.
You need to have a license for metal detecting to enter the state park with a metal detector.
You can find stuff like coins, jewelry, and other lost items from the visitors. And sometimes you might be able to find some historical artifacts related to the park’s history too.
7. Dash Point State Park
Dash Point State Park is located in Pierce County near Federal Way. This was established in fairly recent history, in 1962.
People have been visiting this state park to see and enjoy Puget Sound’s shoreline and see various marine life.
Visitors can also get a view of the Olympic Mountains in the park.
In the park, hiking, picnicking, and fishing are allowed. Metal detecting is also allowed in the park territory, but you should have a valid permit to engage in metal detecting activities.
You might be able to find stuff like some coins and other lost items by the visitors.
I found a lot of stuff from the fishing ground areas, so I suggest you start first if you are visiting the Dashb Point State Park.
8. Penrose Point State Park
Penrose Point State Park is located in Pierce County, too. This is situated near the town of Lakebay. This was established far earlier than the Dash Point State Park in 1931.
People have been visiting this park to enjoy the Key Peninsula’s views. The park offers a view of this sheltered bay and many more activities.
Park allows you to engage in boating, hiking, camping, and many more activities. Metal detecting is also allowed in the ark.
It would be best to have a valid permit to engage in metal detecting. You might be able to find stuff like coins, jewelry, and other lost times from the visitors.
If you plan to visit this state park, I suggest you start your metal-detecting procedures on the hiking trails. These are the places where I got more yield.
9. Rainbow Falls State Park
Rainbow Falls State Park is in Lewis County, near Chehalis town. This has a rich history as a state park after it was established and declared as a state park in 1935.
Many people have been visiting this state park, locals and foreigners. The park is famously known for the Rainbow Falls, which offers a nice, tranquil, calm setting for people to escape reality.
In the state park territories, you can hike, picnic, and enjoy your time watching various birds wandering here and there.
Apart from that, metal detecting is also allowed in the park, but you must have a valid permit issued by the state park officials or the local government office.
After obtaining the permit, you can detect metal in designated areas. This information will be in the permit itself.
While in Rainbow Falls State Park, I found some coins, bracelets, necklaces, and other jewelry.
If you are also interested in metal detecting in this state park, starting from the camping ground areas or the hiking trails is better.
10. Mystery Bay State Park
Mystery Bay State Park is located in the Jefferson County Near Nordland. This was established as a state park in 1957, and people have been visiting in numbers since then.
This state park offers a nice, serene, calm view of the Mystery Bay. Furthermore, you can access the bay and engage in various activities from the park.
Among the activities allowed in the state park, boating, swimming, and picnicking are prominent.
Most people come to engage in these activities. You can also engage in fishing, camping, and many more activities.
Metal detecting is legal within the territories of the park. It would be best to have a valid permit to engage in metal-detecting activities inside the park.
You can find stuff like coins, jewelry, and other lost personal items from the visitors.
If you are lucky, you will be able to find some artifacts and relics related to the maritime activities in the area.
That’s it folks! Now you know all the best state parks in Washington to metal detect and how you can get permission to metal detect with metal detecting techniques.
Check out the Best Metal Detecting Finds in Washington!
Now I’m going to share with you several tips that I learned during the time I was metal detecting in Washington state parks which helps me to find cool treasures without any issues.
The below tips will help you as well when getting a permit and when detecting items on the ground without any confusion.
Some of the below tips were collected from the local expert detectorists in Washington after interviewing them several times.
Just keep reading!
Tips For Successful Metal Detecting In Washington State Parks
That is all about the state parks in Washington and how to metal detect them.
Now, let’s look at some of the tips and tricks that I use when metal detecting. to have the maximum out of any metal detecting procedure.
Research
Research is half of the work of metal detecting. Research will open your eyes to where to detect, what to look for in that place, and how to look for the particular element or item.
Knowing these things, all you have to do in the field is adjust the settings and metal detect, which brings us to the next tip.
If you’re interested in learning more about metal detecting in state parks, better to join a metal detecting club in Washington and engage with experts since they know a lot.
Metal Detector
Having the best metal detector will not make you successful.
But, having the metal detector that you know how to set the settings correctly and adjust according to the changing conditions will set you apart from the rest of the crowd.
So, bring your most trusted metal detector into the field when going into metal detecting sessions.
Technique
When metal detecting, have a technique that works for you. To develop a technique that works for you, you must engage in more and more metal-detecting practices.
Only the practice will perfect your technique and have the best results every time you enter the field.
Washington State is home to Deception Pass State Park, one of the most-visited parks in the entire United States, offering over 3,854 acres of stunning landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts, including metal-detecting aficionados.
parks.wa.gov
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
What kind of items can I find while metal detecting in Washington State Parks?
You can find a variety of items including coins, jewelry, lost personal items from visitors, and occasionally historical artifacts or relics, depending on the specific history and visitor activity in each park.
Do I need a permit to metal detect in Washington State Parks?
Yes, a valid permit is required to metal detect in Washington State Parks, and it’s crucial to adhere to the rules and regulations specified in the permit to avoid fines.
Where should I start metal detecting in Washington State Parks?
Starting in areas with high visitor activity such as hiking trails, camping grounds, and near water bodies is often fruitful, but it’s important to have the proper permissions and follow any guidelines provided in the metal detecting permit.
What should I do if I find a historical artifact while metal detecting in a Washington State Park?
If you find a historical artifact, it’s important to report your discovery to park officials or the state office as it may have historical significance, and removing such items without proper authorization is usually prohibited.
Are there any tips for successful metal detecting in Washington State Parks?
Engaging in thorough research before your trip, knowing how to properly adjust your metal detector settings, and developing a successful metal detecting technique through practice are key tips for successful metal detecting in Washington State Parks.
Did I cover all you wanted to know about: Best State Parks In Washington To Metal Detect
In this article, I deeply discussed the best state parks in Washington to metal detect in detail with their historical value, how can you visit them, and what steps you should follow to take the necessary permits.
The best state parks in Washington for metal detecting include Beacon Rock, Lake Sylvia, Rockport, Ocean City, and Kitsap Memorial State Parks. Obtain a valid permit and follow park regulations to enjoy finding coins, jewelry, and potentially historical artifacts in these picturesque and visitor-friendly locations.
Furthermore, I’ve answered some frequently asked questions.
I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best state park in Washington to metal detect including experts’ tips.
Now research out to your nearest state park in Washington which is mentioned in the above list for metal detecting and start treasure hunting like a pro!
