Summer is directly around the corner, and while the weather does often change here in the Pacific Northwest, there's no reason to take advantage of a day - or half a day - of great weather!  This is a guide to some of the best places in Pierce and Thurston Counties in which to spread out that picnic blanket, prop up those sandal-clad feet and enjoy the beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer.

PIERCE COUNTY

1. Joemma Beach State Park - This particular park is popular with those looking to do some fishing and crabbing.  With 122 acres and over 3,000 feet of saltwater frontage, this beach provides boaters with excellent access to the Puget Sound as Joemma Beach comes fully equipped with a boat launch.  Water trail campsites are also available, making Joemma Beach State Park a popular place to camp as well.  Visit www.parks.wa.gov for more info.
2. Riverside Park - Located on the Puyallup River, this park boasts over 50 acres of freshwater frontage, as well as a complete disc golf course.  Riverside's most noteworthy feature would be the bicycle motorcross course, home of River Valley BMX.  Visit www.co.pierce.us/pc or call (253)-588-2993 for more info.
3. Belfair State Park - With 3,720 feet of saltwater shoreline located at the southern end of Hood Canal, Belfair State Park offers a 65-acre year-round camping ground with plenty of beach access for swimming or beach walks.  Belfair State Park is known for its tide flats and wetlands.  It should be noted that the beach loop is seasonal and is closed for the winter.  Visit www.parks.wa.gov or call (360)-275-0665 for more info.
4. Dash Point State Park - Provides a 398-acre camping area with 3,301 feet of saltwater shoreline, this park makes for a great observatory of Puget Sound marine life.  Visit www.stateparks.com/dash_point, or call (253)-661-4955 for more info.
5. Narrows Park - Situated on the shores of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, extending south of the bridge in Gig Harbor, WA.  A sandy-rock beachfront allows for scenic walks and sea-life exploration.  Visit www.co.pierce.us/pc for more info.
6. Sunrise Beach Park - An undeveloped 82-acre scenic site in the Peninsula area, consisting of over 2,400 feet of saltwater beachfront, located on Colvos Passage just north of Gig Harbor.  This Marine Preserve is one of the most popular diving sites in Washington state, with a unique wall dive site for intermediate to experienced divers.  Visit www.co.pierce.us/pc for more info.

THURSTON COUNTY

1. Kenneydell Park - Snuggled up to 1,000 feet of freshwater shoreline along Black Lake near Olympia, WA, this 40-acre park includes two brand new playground structures, three covered areas complete with barbeque grills and picnic tables able to accommodate approximately 25 to 30 people.  Visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks for more info.
2. Frye Cove Park - A park with a little more seclusion, 67-acre Frye Cove Park is a prime choice for weddings, quiet walks among the many trails, and family picnics.  With 1,400 feet of saltwater frontage, Frye Cove Park also makes a great spot for shellfish gathering and beach combing.  Visit www.co.thurston.wa.us/parks for more info.
3. Burfoot Park - This park covers 50 acres of property with 1,100 feet of saltwater beachfront on Budd Inlet.  Picnic tables and covered dining areas are available for picnics and gatherings, with accommodations for approximately 35-40 people.

Millersylvania State Park - One of the larger state parks in Washington state, Millersylvania Park spans over 842 acres and offers 3,300 feet of freshwater shoreline alongside Deep Lake in Olympia.  This historic park boasts numerous trails forged by the Civilian Conservation Core in 1935 amidst towering cedar and fir trees.  Great for boating, fishing, picnics, and outings of all sorts. Visit http://secure.stateparks.com/millersylvania.html or call (360)-753-1519 for more info.

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