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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
North Cascades Region
Bridgeport State Park
Bridgeport State Park © William Byron
Bridgeport State Park © William Byron
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BRIDGEPORT STATE PARK
BRIDGEPORT STATE PARK
235A Half Sun Way
Bridgeport, Washington   98813
(lat:48.0125 lon:-119.6164) map location

Phone: 509-686-7231
Reservations: 888-226-7688
Bridgeport State Park is a 622-acre camping park with 7,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Rufus Woods Lake. Set directly behind Chief Joseph Dam, this lake is actually a segment of the Columbia River. The park provides 18 acres of lawn and some shade in the midst of a desert terrain. Haystacks, unusual volcanic formations resembling their name, are the park's most striking feature. Located behind Chief Joseph Dam, Bridgeport State Park provides lake, lawn and shade in the midst of a desert terrain. Haystacks, unusual large volcanic formations, are the park's most unique feature. Interpretative programs are offered seasonally on many topics.
History of the Area
A park plaque honors Mr. Ralph Van Slyke who, with the most common garden tools, cut a park in the valley above Chief Joseph Dam in the early 1960s. Van Slyke was a retired employee of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The park was named for the town of Bridgeport, which from 1881 to 1889 was known as Westfield. In 1889, Mr. J. Covert, a citizen of Bridgeport, Connecticut, came west to survey a railroad route and renamed Westfield after his hometown.

The park was created as part of a cooperative agreement between Washington State Parks and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps is involved in park-building because of an operating agreement for dams which requires the corps to rebuild recreation areas.
Passes
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.
Camping
The park provides 14 tent spaces, 20 utility spaces, one dump station, two restrooms both ADA and two showers. Maximum site length is 45 feet. Since the park is heavily used, mid-week is the recommended time to locate a vacant campsite. The campground is situated on a lawn with many shade trees. Most facilities are modern.

The park offers a group camp that accommodates 20 to 72 people.

Boating
Located in Okanogan County on Columbia River, Bridgeport provides two watercraft launches and 240 feet of dock.
Fishing
The lake is abundant in rainbow trout, silvers and walleye. Fishing is open year round. Most fishing is by boat. Shore fishing requires a Colville Tribe fishing license in addition to a state license if fishing off of state park property. Colville Tribe fishing licenses can be purchased at the park or in the cities of Bridgeport or Brewster.



Picnicking
First-come, first-served day-use area provides 20 unsheltered picnic tables.
Trails
1. Foster Creek Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the park and surrounding areas, including Lake Rufus Woods.

2. Marina Loop Trail: A short half mile walk around Bridgeport State Park's marina area with beautiful lakefront vistas.

3. Osprey Point Pathway: An easy quarter-mile path leading to an observation point where visitors can spot ospreys nesting during certain times of year.

4. Cottonwood Campground Trails: These trails wind through the campground offering campers quick access to hiking opportunities right from their site; they also connect to other longer trails in the park for more adventurous hikers.

5. Lakeside Nature Walks: Several unmarked but well-trodden paths along Lake Rufus Woods shoreline offer tranquil walks amidst nature's beauty.

6. Rufus Ridge Hiking Route: It's a moderately difficult hike stretching over three miles across rugged terrain providing panoramic views of both land and water bodies within this state park.

7. Wildflower Way: During spring season, this pathway becomes vibrant with blooming wildflowers making it one among visitor favorites.

8. Picnic Area Paths: Short walking routes connecting various picnic spots throughout the state park allowing families or groups enjoy leisurely strolls between meals.

9. Birdwatcher's Delight: Unofficial name given by locals for several off:beat tracks frequented by bird watching enthusiasts due its rich avian diversity.

10. Fishing Access Routes: Few designated pathways provide direct access towards popular fishing points on shores of Lake Rufus Wood.
Nature Programs
Interpretive programs are provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Subjects include the operation of Chief Joseph Dam, area wildlife, and many other topics of local interest. Programs are usually on Saturdays during the summer season.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
March 16 Horses?
park review stars; one to five We are wondering if horses are aloowed to camp there? We are unsure of the rules of a state park nore have we ever been to this camp area :) Thanks to anyone who can answer this!
September 2 Great park - highly recommend it by Eric
park review stars; one to five The ranger, staff and campground host were very helpful and friendly. The park was very well maintained. The sites are situated far enough from one another for good privacy. Nice paved path from the park down to the nearby dam for walking or biking. With the irrigated grounds, it felt like a quiet, green oasis. The family had a great time - very relaxing.
August 15 Best for boating and stargazing by Ray
park review stars; one to five Excellent for boating, good for swimming, decent for golf. I always enjoy this park.
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Directions
Located three miles northeast of Bridgeport, Wash., in the north central area of the state.

From Bridgeport : Drive north on Highway 17 for .5 mile. After crossing the Columbia River, turn right at the park sign. Continue approximately two miles to park entrance.

From Wenatchee : Drive north on Highway 97, then proceed south on Highway 17 for eight miles. Turn at the park sign and continue approximately two miles to park entrance.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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