Federation Forest State ParkAbout Federation Forest State Park
Federation Forest State Park is a Washington State park that preserves an area of lowland mixed conifer forest on the western slopes of the Cascade foothills. It was established as a memorial to early Washington pioneers and to protect representative native forest.
Short interpretive trails, boardwalks and picnic areas provide access to stands of Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar with educational signage about local ecology. Trails are relatively short and suitable for families and casual walkers, with viewpoints into the surrounding foothills. The park functions as a day-use site rather than a large backcountry area.
The site was set aside in the early 20th century as part of a movement to conserve forested land and to honor the contributions of early settlers in Washington State. Management has focused on restoration and interpretation of native forest conditions.
The park lies on the western foothills of the Cascade Range in western Washington State, within driving distance east of the Seattle metropolitan area and near communities that serve as gateway towns to the Cascades.
- Forest trails: Interpreted walking trails run through an intact stand of mature Douglas fir, western hemlock and other lowland forest species and are short and family-friendly.
- Purpose: The park was established as a memorial to Washington pioneers and is intended to preserve representative lowland forest close to the Cascade foothills.
Best Time to Visit Federation Forest State Park
Best in summer for hiking and in spring for lush, green forest and wildflowers.
Weather & Climate near Federation Forest State Park
Federation Forest State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from -2°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1845 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -2° - 4° | -1° | 269 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -1° - 6° | 0° | 193 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 0° - 9° | 2° | 174 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 1° - 11° | 4° | 141 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 4° - 15° | 8° | 107 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 7° - 18° | 13° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 9° - 22° | 16° | 48 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 10° - 23° | 16° | 53 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 7° - 20° | 13° | 93 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 14° | 7° | 154 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 0° - 7° | 1° | 270 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 4° | -2° | 258 mm | - | - | 2.2 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Federation Forest State Park
Federation Forest is east of Enumclaw and accessible via State Route 410. From Seattle it’s about a 1.5-2 hour drive; follow SR‑410 to local park signage. Limited parking is available at trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Federation Forest State Park
- Take the two-mile Rain Forest Trail for a good introduction to old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock.
- Start at the visitor center early - fog and low light can make trails slippery and seasonal ranger programs fill quickly.
- If planning to hike into higher-elevation trails, be prepared for sudden weather changes and check trail conditions.