Fort Simcoe State Park

Central Washington

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An interesting historical fort complex is preserved in the 200-acre Fort Simcoe State Park, an oasis of green amid scorched desert hills. It was built in 1855 but served as a fort for only three years until the creation of the Yakama Reservation in 1859. Note that you'll need a Discover Pass to park here.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park now acts as an interpretive center, with a handful of original buildings still intact. It's also one of the best places in the state to spot Lewis's woodpeckers.

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