Cowlitz County, WA Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- CCC § 9.06.040
- Enforcing agency
- Public Works Director; Sheriff's deputies
- First-offense fine
- $75.00 civil infraction
- Repeat fines
- $150.00 second, $300.00 third+
- Exceptions
- Camping/fishing areas or written Director permit
Summary
Unincorporated Cowlitz County parks close at posted hours, and no one may remain in a county park once it is closed. Camping and fishing areas are exempt, and the Director of Public Works can issue a written permit allowing after-hours use. Violating posted hours is a civil infraction under the county's Park Code.
No person or vehicle shall remain in any county park during posted closed hours except in designated camping or fishing areas or by written permit by the Director.
Full Breakdown
040 states that no person or vehicle shall remain in any county park during posted closed hours except in designated camping or fishing areas or by written permit issued by the Director. 010, including Riverside Park, Woodbrook Park, Coweeman River Park, Cook Ferry Trail, Coal Creek Boat Launch, Cougar Wayside and Harry Gardner Park in unincorporated Cowlitz County. 030 to adopt operating rules, including posted closing times, for management and control of the parks; those rules must be posted at each park so visitors know the hours that apply to that specific site.
025. A person found remaining in a park after posted closing without a camping or fishing exemption or a written Director's permit is subject to removal from the park without a refund of any fees paid and can be issued a civil infraction citation. Sheriff's deputies patrol unincorporated county parks and can enforce the curfew alongside the Director's staff.
Violations & Fines
Remaining in a county park after posted closed hours is a civil infraction under CCC § 9.06.100, punishable by a $75.00 penalty for a first violation, $150.00 for a second, and $300.00 for a third or subsequent violation. A person who fails to respond to a notice of civil infraction faces an additional $25.00 penalty. Any law enforcement officer with jurisdiction, or the Director, may issue the infraction, processed under CCC § 2.06.050 through § 2.06.130.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in a Cowlitz County park after it closes?
What fine applies for being in a county park after hours?
Who enforces the park curfew in unincorporated Cowlitz County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cowlitz County
Compare Cowlitz County to another location·View the Washington curfew laws overview
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