Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park, Paleontological site in Kittitas County, United States.
Description
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park is a protected landscape in Washington containing thousands of petrified logs from ancient times. The site displays more than 50 species of fossilized trees, including ginkgo, sweetgum, fir, elm, maple, poplar, magnolia, sassafras, and witch hazel from different forest layers.
History
Geologists began excavations in 1927 following discoveries of petrified wood in the area. These efforts resulted in the park's establishment and opening to the public in 1938 to preserve the findings.
Culture
The Wanapum Native American tribe inhabited this region, using exposed petrified wood to craft tools and welcoming settlers during Lewis and Clark expeditions.
Practical
The park features a museum with petrified wood displays and marked trails that guide visitors through different fossil sites. You can walk through the grounds at your own pace and learn about the ancient forest layers from interpretive signage along the paths.
Did you know?
This location is the only known place in the world where fossilized ginkgo trees have been found, a species still revered in Japan for millennia. The discovery of these ancient ginkgo specimens connects the geological past of North America with one of Earth's oldest tree species.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Kittitas County).
The Gorge Amphitheatre
16.9 km
B Reactor
44.6 km
Iron Horse State Park
15.4 km
Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies
3.7 km
Potholes State Park
49.7 km
Wanapum Dam
8.6 km
Priest Rapids Dam
34.8 km
Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility
17.9 km
Rock Island Dam
44.3 km
Whiskey Dick Mountain
19.4 km
Vantage Bridge
2.8 km
Fred G. Redmon Bridge
43.4 km
Columbia National Wildlife Refuge
37.1 km
Olmstead Place State Park
35.7 km
Beverly Railroad Bridge
13.8 km
Priest Rapids
21.7 km
Squilchuck State Park
49 km
Vernita Bridge
39.8 km
Rock Island Railroad Bridge
47.9 km
Umtanum Ridge Water Gap
42.6 km
Wanapum Lake
8.8 km
Masonic Temple
54 kmSentinel Gap
16.8 km
Thorp Mill
53.5 km
Powell House
53.7 km
Water Playground
54.1 km
Naches River Railroad Bridge
53.2 km
Quincy Aquatic Center
33.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes