Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park - Washington
Park Overview
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is a 7,470-acre park with year-round camping at Wanapum recreational area. The park features 27,000 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Wanapum Reservoir on the Columbia River. Petrified wood was discovered in the region in the early 1930s, which led to creation of the park as a national historic preserve.
History
The park was set aside as a historic preserve when remains of a fossil forest were unearthed during highway construction in the 1930s. Petrified wood from many different trees are common in the area, but specimens of petrified Ginkgo are rare. Many buildings on the premises owe their origin to the work of the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps.
Park Features
Ginkgo Petrified Forest is a registered national natural landmark. It is regarded as one of the most unusual fossil forests in the world.
Interpretive opportunities
The park features an interpretive center. Hours vary with the season. Group tours are available for a fee and by advanced appointment only.
Address
4511 Huntzinger Road, Vantage, WA 98950
Directions
Located appoximately 30 miles east of Ellensburg, Wash., on the Columbia River in Kittitas County.
From east or west on I-90:
Wanapum recreation area: Take exit #136. Follow signs south on Huntzinger Rd. three miles to the park entrance.
Ginkgo Interpretive Center:
Take exit #136 north through Vantage one mile to Ginkgo.
