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Visitors Guide to
Washington
State Park is also the site of many Depression era Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) structures. Shortly after the land was donated to the state
for a park in 1932, an African-American company of the Civilian Conservation
Corps began to develop the area. Inspired by Indian petroglyphs in the park,
the all-black company named their barracks "Camp Thunderbird," and
continued that theme at the former dining lodge, which now serves as a
camper store and snack bar. The lodge has an Indian thunderbird symbol
carved in its stone chimney, and the theme is repeated in the handmade iron
door hinges. The stonemasons also did extensive roadside work, laid stone
for what is known as the 1,000 Steps Trail, and worked on 14 buildings,
including an octagonal lookout shelter with an interesting rustic design. Because
of the exceptional quality of their craftsmanship in stone these buildings
were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The
1875-acre park is also noted for its natural beauty with both the
characteristics and unique features of the eastern Ozarks. The Washington
State Park Hardwoods Natural Area has a wide assortment of trees including
Kentucky coffee, sugar maple, and slippery elm trees. On the hills and bluffs
are limestone glades and savannas and the area looks the same as it did
before the arrival of European settlers. These open forests and sparse
grasslands contain trees that are often quite small, even though they may be
more than 200 years old. Washington State Park is considered to be one of
the best state parks in Missouri to visit to see wildflowers with the
1.5-mile long 1,000 Steps Trail leading to one of Missouri’s most
spectacular spring wildflower displays. The Opossum Track Trail is a
3-mile loop trail that provides outstanding views of the Big River valley
and the rugged 10-mile Rockywood Trail is designed for both hiking and
backpacking use. The Big River is a popular feature of the park. The river flows under towering dolomite bluffs and is used as a floating and canoeing waterway. Anglers can often be seen catching bass, catfish, bluegill and carp. Swimmers and sunbathers have a choice between a natural gravel bar in the river or an Olympic-size swimming pool. A picnic gazebo located at the scenic overlook provides a majestic view of the Big River and surrounding area. During the summer, naturalist-led programs explain the significance of the park features. The nature center building is located next to the park office near the north entrance of the park and is open from sunrise to sunset year-round. The park has basic and improved campsites at the campground as well as air-conditioned cabins with fully equipped kitchens available for rent. Visiting Washington State Park Editor's note: Washington State Park is technically located in Washington County, an area that greatriverroad.com does not cover. We have included it in our coverage as the park sits on the border of Washington and Jefferson counties, and the nearest town is the Jefferson County community of DeSoto.
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