Outdoor Recreation in Washington State

Outdoor recreation is a cornerstone of Washington’s economy and quality of life. Attracting billions in consumer spending each year, outdoor recreation supports jobs throughout the state while deepening connections between people and landscapes. Earth Economics, in partnership with Washington State’s Recreation and Conservation Office, has produced The Economic Analysis of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, 2025 Update—a comprehensive assessment of the ways in which outdoor recreation contributes to local economies and community wellbeing (link below).

Building on earlier analyses (2015 and 2020), the 2025 update refines our understanding of recreation’s economic impacts. For the first time, the study integrates anonymized mobile device data to better capture visitation on public and private lands, revealing where people recreate, how far they travel, and how their spending flows into local economies. Such improvements provide the clearest and most-complete picture of Washington’s recreation landscape to-date.

In 2024, outdoor recreationists spent $25.2 billion in Washington, supporting over 237,000 jobs and contributing $20.5 billion to the state’s gross domestic product. Every $1 spent on recreation generated $1.31 in total economic activity.

Washington’s forests, waters, and parks also provide value that extends well beyond visitor spending, include numerous “co-benefits” that provide a foundation for the state’s high quality of life. This report estimates that the lands supporting outdoor recreation deliver $33 billion in annual consumer surpluses—benefits beyond what people pay to hike, paddle, or camp—and between $20 billion and $148 billion in ecosystem services such as clean air and water, flood protection, and wildlife habitat.

These findings can help state and local partners make data-driven decisions to strengthen economic resilience, while ensuring that outdoor recreation remains accessible and sustainable for generations to come.

Please provide an email address to download the full report.