OLYMPIA – Governor Inslee announced this afternoon that he will authorize a partial re-opening of State Parks and State Lands for day-use hiking and recreation, boating and fishing, hunting and golf starting Tuesday, May 5.
He called it a data-driven decision, but warned that he might roll back the re-opening if there’s an uptick in positive virus numbers.
Not every park and beach will be opening, and the list of which areas will open will be announced by the end of the week.
Inslee emphasized maintaining existing social distancing and not traveling long distances for recreation. He’s encouraging visiting areas that can be done in a single day turnaround. No overnight camping will be permitted.
Small groups of household members will be permitted to gather, but not groups from separate households. He said people shouldn’t travel together in cars or in boats unless they live together.
He said when hiking, step off the trail, if possible, to give others 6 feet of space when passing.
Inslee said for now, golfers will only play in twosomes, or foursomes for people from the same household.
The Governor also said remaining open may depend on evidence that people are complying with the rules.
Find out more about fishing and hunting guidelines here.