Federation Forest State Park

Grab a picnic, and take a stroll among the old-growth trees of Federation Forest. This little-known gem on the White River offers family-friendly hiking and a peek at an important piece of Washington history.  A native plant garden surrounds the park’s interpretive center, named for Catherine T. Montgomery. The noted backpacker, teacher and conservationist is credited with being the first to envision the Pacific Crest Trail, back in 1926. Step inside the center to learn about the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, native to this area, and the Washington State Chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an organization of women’s service clubs that has worked for decades to preserve this forest. In 1926, the group began a campaign to save some of Washington’s rapidly disappearing old-growth trees, leading to the establishment of Federation Forest.    Whether you’re taking a break on your way to the mountains or looking for an afternoon outing, you will find tranquility on the river and beauty under the park’s cool forest canopy.