Kanaskat-Palmer State Park

At first glance, Kanaskat-Palmer looks like a classic state park, with gentle trails, sprawling lawns and a diverse forest, set on the banks of a river.

But, oh, what a river it is!

As it tumbles toward the mouth of a sandstone gorge, the Green River serves up some of the region's best rapids for rafting and kayaking. Graded Class II to Class IV, this frothy whitewater isn't for everyone; only experts are encouraged to run through the Green River Gorge.

You can find many ways to experience the aquamarine waters without steering through currents, however. Activities include trout fishing, rock hopping and wading in the placid pools and eddies. Maybe you'll see your friend or family member speed by in a kayak.

Kids and contemplative hikers can stroll down the sun-dappled trails, identifying hemlock, cottonwood, alder, spruce and cedar and looking for birds and forest animals.

Though Kanaskat-Palmer is popular with locals and whitewater fans, overnighters can make a leisurely dinner, roll into a tent, RV or yurt, and leave the driving for another day.

Park features

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is a 541-acre camping park on a low, forested plateau, with 2 miles of shoreline on the Green River. Boat and raft launching is by hand only. River rafting and kayaking down the Green River Gorge is for expert-level enthusiasts only.

Please note: The local fire station uses a siren to summon volunteer firefighters for duty. The siren may be activated at any hour of the day or night and can create noisy conditions for campers and visitors. State Parks apologizes for the inconvenience. Additionally, BNSF tracks near the Park are a storage line, and while not used regularly, can emit train noise that may be disruptive to campers.  

Automated pay stations: This park is equipped with automated pay stations for visitors to purchase a one-day or annual Discover Pass and boat launch permit.

Park Wi-Fi Service

Free, high-speed Wi-Fi access is available in limited coverage areas at Kanaskat-Palmer. For more information on coverage areas and hours of service at Kanaskat-Palmer and our growing list of parks with Wi-Fi service, visit our parks Wi-Fi page.