Penrose Point State Park

This point of land jutting into Carr Inlet is one of the South Sounds most popular State Parks. With almost two miles of beach, forested hiking trails, picnic areas, clamming, swimming, water skiing and sailing, this park has much to see. For beach hiking, plan on when tide is lower because there is no beach hiking at high tide. The upland trails are covered with Douglas-fir, western red cedar, red alder, Pacific madrone and big-leaf maple. The campground has 82 standard campsites, all within the woods with shade or partly shady. The beach is only a short walk away from the campground. The name honors Dr. Stephen Penrose, a Pennsylvania native who served as president of Whitman College in Walla Walla from 1884 to 1934. For many years, Dr. Penrose and his family spent their summers vacationing on what is now park property. A prominent church and educational leader in the Northwest, Dr. Penrose was a firm believer in outdoor recreation for children.