Lower Snake River Recreation Study
- In 2026, the Washington State Legislature appropriated $350,000 to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to complete the identification of offsets and opportunities for recreation associated with the potential draw down of reservoirs on the lower Snake River. RCO is working in partnership with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to analyze the fishing and non-fishing recreation impacts and benefits associated with potential breaching of the four Lower Snake River dams. A report is due to the Washington State Legislature on June 30, 2027.
- As of September 30, 2025, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers formally cancelled the memorandum of understanding and ended their partnership with RCO on the Lower Snake River Recreation Study to comply with the Presidential Memoranda of June 12, 2025.
- In the 2024 state budget, RCO was directed to assess the impact to recreation if the Lower Snake River dams were breached. RCO worked on the study with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, examining current and potential future uses. The study was reviewed by the Army Corps for compliance with the Presidential Memoranda of June 12, 2025. For questions or more information about the study, please contact Ben Donatelle, RCO policy specialist.
Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State
Washington’s outdoor recreation is a driving force for the state’s economy, creating jobs and building rural businesses. It also is a way of life in the Pacific Northwest. The report shows $25.2 billion is spent on recreation trips and equipment annually, supporting 237,000 jobs across Washington State.
Economic and Health Benefits of Walking, Hiking, and Bicycling on Recreational Trails in Washington State
Companion studies that look at the economic, environmental, social, and health benefits of trails.
Recreational Assets of Statewide Significance
RCO conducted a study of recreational assets of statewide significance. These are outdoor places that make Washington a great place to live. They include local facilities that support the most popular forms of recreation in our state as well as marque, popular, and destination sites that have a regional or statewide draw.
The study identified these assets, where gaps may exist, and recommendations and investment strategies to fill these gaps. The study also forecasts needs through 2040 and how this study will implement the goals of the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Plan.
Maps of the foundational assets
Contact
Adam Cole
Natural resources policy specialist
360-725-3939
Outdoor Recreation Inventory
The Outdoor Recreation Inventory map and dashboard includes information on more than 23,000 outdoor recreation areas, facilities, trails, and water access sites. It is used to understand the quantity and distribution of key outdoor recreation opportunities across the state. The dashboard also includes a service area analysis for outdoor recreation opportunities, such as accessing a local park or trail.
Off-Road Vehicles
Outdoor Recreation Equity Grant Program
In 2021, the Legislature directed RCO to review some of its recreation and conservation grant programs. The goals of the review were to identify opportunities to improve equitable distribution of recreation funding and identify barriers that prevent underserved communities from participating or being successful in RCO programs. The review provides numerous findings gathered through research and community solicited feedback and recommendations on how the agency can address inequities.
Trails Database for Planners
The Washington State Trails Database project website compiles data from state and local agencies and their partners responsible for building and maintaining trails. The database provides a comprehensive picture of multi-modal trail systems, which may be used to identify trail gaps, plan trail connections, and prioritize funding to improve access to Washington State trails.
Governor’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Gov. Jay Inslee established the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation through Executive Order 14-01 to develop an action plan and recommendations to manage, transform, better leverage, or develop Washington’s outdoor recreation assets and state programs to increase outdoor recreation activities as well as promote the jobs and business associated with outdoor recreation.
From April through September 2014, the 29 task force members journeyed around the state, listened to hundreds of people who took time out of their busy lives to show up and speak, and read thousands of comments submitted by email and through an online town hall. The task force submitted its final report to the Governor in September, and the advisory process expired December 31, 2014.