Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park: National Natural Landmark Preserving 15-Million-Year-Old Fossil Forest

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park showcases one of the most diverse petrified forests in North America, featuring over 50 fossilized tree species from the Miocene epoch preserved within 7,124 acres of Columbia River shoreline near Vantage. This National Natural Landmark combines exceptional geological significance with modern recreation at Wanapum Recreation Area, where visitors can explore 15-million-year-old ginkgo, redwood, and maple fossils along the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail before enjoying swimming, boating, and camping on 27,000 feet of Wanapum Reservoir waterfront.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park Fast Facts

Park Overview

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park preserves the remarkable Vantage Forest, discovered in 1932 by Professor George Beck when he found rare petrified Ginkgo biloba specimens that led to the park’s establishment during the Great Depression with Civilian Conservation Corps construction crews building the interpretive infrastructure still used today. The park protects an extraordinary 15.5-million-year-old fossil forest where volcanic ash buried and mineralized over 50 tree species, creating petrified wood specimens that survived encasement in basalt flows until catastrophic Ice Age floods exposed them along the Columbia River.

This dual-purpose destination serves visitors seeking both paleontological education and Columbia River recreation, where ancient ginkgo, sweetgum, redwood, Douglas-fir, maple, and magnolia fossils can be examined along interpretive trails while Wanapum Recreation Area provides comprehensive camping, swimming, and boating facilities. The park’s significance extends beyond geology, preserving over 300 Wanapum tribal petroglyphs rescued from rising reservoir waters and showcasing the cultural intersection of prehistoric Native American heritage with modern geological discovery.

Activities & Recreation

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park offers exceptional geological education through the Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail, where visitors can observe 22 different petrified wood species left in their original 1930s discovery positions, including rare ginkgo specimens that inspired Washington’s state gem designation. The Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center houses extensive fossil displays and rescued Wanapum petroglyphs, while the historic Trailside Museum built by CCC crews provides detailed information about the fossilization process and regional geological history.

Facilities & Amenities

The park provides comprehensive visitor facilities including the Ginkgo Petrified Forest Interpretive Center with museum displays, gift shop, and exterior fossil exhibits, plus the historic Trailside Museum featuring CCC-constructed buildings and geological educational programs. Wanapum Recreation Area offers full-service amenities including boat launch with two ramps, day-use areas with picnic facilities, and modern restrooms with shower facilities.

Specialized facilities include 50 full-hookup RV campsites accommodating units up to 60 feet, designated swimming beach areas along Wanapum Reservoir, and extensive shoreline access for fishing and water recreation. The park maintains both primitive hiking trails through sagebrush-covered hills and developed interpretive paths with educational signage explaining the 15-million-year fossilization process.

Camping & Accommodations

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park offers 52 total campsites at Wanapum Recreation Area including 50 full-hookup sites with electrical, water, and sewer connections, plus 2 hiker/biker sites available first-come, first-served. All sites accommodate RVs up to 60 feet with limited availability for extra-large units, while tent campers can use RV sites but must pay full hookup fees due to the park’s infrastructure.

Campers should prepare for frequent high winds, especially during evening hours, requiring secure setup of lightweight items and tent anchoring systems. The campground experiences heavy demand during Gorge Amphitheatre concert season when facilities fill early on weekends, making advance reservations essential between May 15 and September 15.

Planning Your Visit

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park operates year-round and requires a Discover Pass for day-use access. Located on Huntzinger Road near Vantage, the park provides convenient access from Interstate 90 Exit 136, with the Interpretive Center approximately 3 miles from the highway and Wanapum Recreation Area further south along the Columbia River.

The Interpretive Center and Trailside Museum maintain seasonal hours with varying schedules throughout the year, while trails remain accessible dawn to dusk daily. Visitors should bring water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes for rocky trail conditions, with high winds common especially during evening hours requiring weather-appropriate clothing and secured equipment.

What to Bring & Know

• Sturdy hiking shoes for rocky terrain and sagebrush-covered trails with 15-million-year-old fossil sites
• Sun protection including hat, sunscreen, and water due to open high-desert conditions year-round
• Camera equipment for capturing unique petrified wood specimens and Columbia River Gorge scenery
• Wind-resistant camping gear if staying overnight due to frequent evening gusts at Wanapum Recreation Area
• Fishing equipment and Washington state license for Columbia River walleye, bass, salmon, and steelhead opportunities

Ginkgo Petrified Forest Through Our Eyes

Madeline Wilson visited Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park and shared her experience on EWS. She explores the ancient petrified wood, the Vantage desert landscape, and the geological story that makes this one of Washington’s most unusual state parks.

→ Read Madeline’s Day at Ginkgo Petrified Forest

Final Word

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park delivers an extraordinary journey through deep time where 15-million-year-old fossilized forests meet modern Columbia River recreation in one of North America’s most significant paleontological preserves.

Frequently Asked Questions