Flaming Geyser State Park - Then and Now

When I have camera in hand, Flaming Geyser State Park is one of my regular "hang-outs".  Some of my best Great Blue Heron and Kingfisher photos come from here as do many of my other bird shots.  While everyone else focuses their attention on the Green River side of the park (and I love this too), I spend most of my time "sculking" the wetlands.  Such a rich environment for birds that depend on water related habitat.  This is also where I found the Swallows' nest with such cute little guys.

As it turns out, Flaming Geyser represents one of the very first State Parks in Washington.  The following photo taken in 1925 shows the park entrance as it was back in the early days.

Photo courtesy of Museum of History & Industry, Seattle PI staff photographer, P124764, circa 1925

Even then, there was an entrance fee.  I wonder how a $0.25 entry fee in 1925 compares with today's rates of $10/day or $30/yr? 

Over the years, I have featured several posts about Flaming Geyser State Park and how important it is that it remains open.  In addition to it's reputation as a premier teener "beer float" (now much overstated) and adult "model airplane" site, it's also a premier steelhead fishing area.  Do a search on Google for Flaming Geyser looking for photos, one of the first you will see is from my earliest days of blogging and well before I began to hone my camera skills dutifully tutored by our children.

But there is no doubt.  Flaming Geyser State Park is a beautful and diverse area and only 10 minutes from us here in Black Diamond. Take advantage - it's right in our backyard.

Comments

[Kathy Pauley ( Yarbrough)]

I lived at Flaming Geyser Park in the 60's.
What a fantastic place for kids to grow up! This was before the State took it over...we knew Bill & Betty Lenhardt and their 3 kids Billy Scotty & Marty they were our neighbors.
The park had visitors and campers in the summer but the rest of the time we had the whole Park to ourselves.
Like I said, what a wonderful place to grow up as a kid!

[Craig Goodwin]

Thanks Kathy. Sounds like it was very fun.