Burn Ban Level 3

Posted on:

Gas/propane self-contained camping stoves and portable gas/propane fire pits allowed. No charcoal or wood fires allowed.

White commander's house behind blooming rose bushes.
120 foot flag pole in the middle of the parade ground with large green trees and log cabins close by.
Close up of early 1900s cannon
Square style lookout building on top of a hill. Hill in the distance, with a cloudy blue sky.
Historic wood structure surrounded by trees with some blue sky poking through the trees

Fort Simcoe Historical State Park

5150 Fort Simcoe Rd, White Swan, WA 98951

Located on the Yakama Indian Reservation, Fort Simcoe is one of the few remaining pre-Civil War forts in the west. Take a walk through the fort and enjoy the landscape.

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas

Alcohol is not permitted at Fort Simcoe State Park. This policy is strictly enforced throughout the park, including picnic shelters.

Activities

Bird Watching

Hiking, Walking, Rolling and Running

Amenities

Accessible Restrooms

Restrooms

Trash Service

Grill

Picnic Shelters

Picnic Tables

Parking

Horseshoe Pits

Interpretive Opportunities

Accessible Trails

Hiking Trails

Park features

Field

Wildlife Viewing

Rules

  • Day-Use Only
  • Dogs Allowed on Leash
  • Fires Allowed in Designated Areas

Alcohol is not permitted at Fort Simcoe State Park. This policy is strictly enforced throughout the park, including picnic shelters.

Map & visitor guide

Nestled between rolling hills, small farms and tiny towns, Fort Simcoe has a unique sense of remoteness - and a beauty that makes it worth the drive.

Once a Yakama Nation camping area, the rich, fertile region sparked discord between the tribes and Euro-American settlers, prompting the U.S Army to construct a fort there in 1856. Fort Simcoe's military history was short-lived when in 1859, the U.S. military fort was closed and turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It became the location of the Yakama Indian Agency, as well as home to an Indian boarding school for Yakama children for over 60 years (1860-1922). 

Activities

Meander the 196-acre park to view five of the original buildings, the tribal jail and restored barracks. Don’t forget to look at the original blockhouse (defense lookout) and take in the golden valley below. Try to spot a Lewis's woodpecker, as Fort Simcoe Park is a haven for this bird of a different feather. 

Relax under a shade tree or have lunch in the picnic shelter near the playground. Keep an eye on your food, as bears have been known to enjoy the park, too.

Don't forget to bring your equipment to play baseball, football, softball and soccer in the large, open grassy area. 

Interpretive opportunities

To book a tour of the interpretive center or Commander's Quarters, call (509) 874-2372 or (509) 925-1943.

Winter Schedule

Learn about seasonal closers and operational changes during the off-season on the Winter Schedule page.