Adventures in Nature: The Lakebay Parks.

Checking state park number SEVEN and EIGHT off our list of sixteen!

I am on a quest this spring to visit all of the Washington State Parks in the three-county region around our home in south Puget Sound with my eight-year-old son Malachi.

There are, indeed, SIXTEEN total parks spread across King, Thurston, and Pierce counties in Washington State.

March 1st was actually a DOUBLE park day for us!

We hit both Joemma Beach State Park and Penrose Point State Park on a sunny, Sunday afternoon.

These parks are located in close proximity to each other -- in Lakebay, Washington, on Key Peninsula.

Luckier still, our two-year-old ball of energy and lover of all things saltwater and sea creatures was able to join us: Mr. Deacon Jeffrey!

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Joemma Beach State Park offers a gorgeous view of the Puget Sound off the end of a long dock. There is some beach access and a boat launch. (If only I was in the position to bring out my kayak!)

It is challenging to access the dock and beachfront if a wheelchair is needed. The parking lot, including the marked ADA spaces, sit on a hill that one must go down to reach the dock and water access, and then, of course, back up on the return trip. As the support person for my son, it was physically challenging to ensure his safe access, both up and down, but we managed.

Once on the beach, we made use of the cemented-over boat launch to roll Malachi to the water in his chair. It worked....

Both boys enjoyed exploring the beach area and finding all the tiny rocks stuck with ocean barnacles.

Read more about Joemma Beach State Park at HERE.

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Penrose Point State Park is a gem!

This park is also located on the Puget Sound and features a beautiful view and beach access.

Reaching the water from the parking lot is much easier, especially with a mobility aid. There are a few fire pits and picnic spaces; plus, a large, open, grassy yard, just waiting for a blanket to be spread and sandwiches to be opened. I sort of kicked myself for not bringing lunch out!

There is camping and hiking trails, as well, but we spent all of our time hanging out by the water, exploring the beach, and examining the washed-up sea life. The beach was cluttered with oyster and clam shells! (The area is popular for harvesting shellfish.)

Read more about Penrose Point State Park HERE.

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State Park Visit 1:

Flaming Geyser State Park -- King County, near the city of Auburn, Washington, on January 9th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 2:

Federation Forest State Park -- King County, outside of Enumclaw, Washington, on January 14th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 3:

Dash Point State Park -- King County, in Federal Way, Washington, on January 26th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 4:

Nolte State Park -- King County, outside of Enumclaw, Washington, on February 4th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 5:

Saltwater State Park -- King County, in Des Moines, Washington, on February 6th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.

State Park Visit 6:

Kanaskat-Palmer State Park -- King County, in Ravensdale, Washington, on February 25th, 2026. Read more about our visit HERE.