Can I Carry a Firearm in a Washington State Park or on a Washington State Ferry?

[@howardfriedly3235]

My brother-in-law used to be with WSP, and was in charge of security on the ferries. I asked him if it was OK for me to carry on a ferry with my CPL. He said that he wished I would, as the WSP did not have enough personnel to provide security on all of the ferries.

[@joeblow4566]

I support the right to open carry myself I prefer that nobody knows that I am carrying a pistol I personally feel it can leave me vulnerable to criminal ambush

[@cassiespencer6134]

The potential for ambush is always there. The issue being: Is one ready for such an encounter which will likely occur with no warning whatsoever. However, should one know an ambush is likely then it would behoove them to not go, nor do what they had planned. Simply put, the best way to avoid such a thing is to not go where such an assault is significantly more likely than not. That said, one may not have a choice. In which case I'd advocate not going there alone. Instead bring friends. Especially those who will be armed. Now, to put it my way, say to them: 'Since you haven’t pissed yourself I’ll assume you don’t know who I am - next time I’ll bring my sickle and wear my black cloak.

[@Eric-gi9kg]

I have used the state ferry system for decades, and always wondered if I could carry above the car deck. Several years ago I ran into a senior officer (in uniform), while on a ferry and asked him this question. He stated that because it is an Extension of the interstate, that the same rules apply. In other words...YES, I can carry Openly, and canceled. Ever since that day, I Proudly Open Carry on a state ferry. Its quite fun to be honest...watching so many people have a meltdown.

[@dougjohnson7907]

Good information. I believe we should exercise our rights too. I don't believe we should have to get a ccp. That's another infringement and is against the constitution for good reasons

[@patricknesbit2334]

Being a lifelong, multigenerational, responsible, legal carry Washingtonian I find your informational, educational vids very helpful. Thank you for keeping us out of trouble with the law.

[@aaronsteele7585]

Keep the vids coming. Your level headed advice is greatly appreciated.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Thank you for supporting Washington Gun Law.

[@Trentmatthews]

Mr Kirk, I am very appreciative of you taking the time to put these videos up. I possess a valid Washington Concealed carry permit, and I live on Bainbridge island. I work in Seattle, so I’m on the ferry daily. I have been searching for answers regarding the legality of carrying on Washington state ferries. This video answered everything I was questioning about said topic. Again, I appreciate your time and knowledge being shared on here. Thank you for making these videos.

[@johnlshilling1446]

Wowzers! I was misinformed years ago. "No in WA State parks, and a Big No-No on a ferry" That's what I believed -- because -- I was told by someone that -- sounded -- knowledgeable.. LOL! Soooo glad I stumbled across this channel. I've been binge-watching. (How much will I remember?) Sub'd and share... a lot. 👍👍👍🙏

[@johnwoods1688]

Not only can you carry in state parks in Washington you can also carry in national parks. National parks now fall under the state laws of the state the park is in. We can carry while in the Olympic or north cascades now. Same laws apply to carrying open or concealed without permit. You just can’t enter a federal facility such as visitors center, maintenance building, or even a restroom while carrying a firearm

[@LarsBars17]

Definitely learned something new from you in this video! You can seemingly concealed carry while hiking, during the extended waiting period for your CPL!

[@foxxoboxxo1611]

Mmhmm; going off the interpretation so long as its not in a civil community, You can legally conceal carry without a CPL.

[@DrainDeSwamp]

Thank you for this informational video. The parks are getting more dangerous. There was a Stabbing last night a few sites over.

[@kylefauncd-davis9011]

Love to videos! I'm on a binge cause I can't sleep. 4:30am gang here haha

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Thank you!!! if you'd like to help WGL and vote for us in the 2025 Gundie Awards we would be forever grateful. We are nominated for Top Voice of the 2A. You can vote here. thegundies.com/event-category/top-voices-of-the-2a/ Thank you very much for your support of Washington Gun Law. Stay Safe.

[@kylefauncd-davis9011]

@WashingtonGunLaw account made and voted pal 👌🏼

[@activemanishere]

An exception to shooting in our across state parks is elbe. You must shoot in an area with a backstop but you may shoot in elbe.

[@chucktierney1386]

"You have the right, but one questions the wisdom" and ask what affect it might have on others". I like your take on "Just because you can doesn't mean you should".

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Thank you. That is a huge component of what we are trying to teach here. What you have the "right" to do sometimes is not necessarily what you "should" do. Or in other terms, what you the right to do vs. doing the right thing. Thanks for your support of WGL.

[@dick-parker]

It’s your god given right tho🤔

[@mike325ci]

Reminds me of a video of someone open carrying an AR-15 in a park to prove a point, while alarming people in that park who call police that there is a man with a rifle. Cops show up with their rifles thinking they are walking into an active shooter situation. In a small town, that was all the on duty officers as well as the supervisor. So there is no police available for real emergencies because he wanted to make a point...

[@yourlogicalnightmare1014]

@@dick-parker God doesn't give rights

[@UkrainianPaulie]

With this shithole of a state, carry often.

[@Alitmos]

So we can carry in state land and an obvious use you mentioned would be protection from predators. But the park regulations state that the firearms may not be discharged. If I shoot a cougar which tries to attack me in a state park, am I in violation of the law? The WSP R&R does say “…except where specifically authorized by the agency” but does that cover me in defense from predators?

[@thisgirlripslips]

Exactly my question as well.

[@cassiespencer6134]

If you're being attacked by a predatory animal then use of lethal force would be objectively reasonable since it would be in defense of grave bodily harm or death.

[@johnwoods1688]

They are stating no plinking or target shooting. As well as other activities. It can 100% be used in self defense.

[@gizzyguzzi]

If you shoot a cougar it better be in self defense and not for hunting. If you get caught. I'm sure they can figure out the difference

[@mike325ci]

Great content as always. Looking forward to a similar one for National Parks, BLM parks, City parks as well.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Coming soon!

[@mike325ci]

@@WashingtonGunLaw Thanks, looking forward to it! I also saw your video on State Law Preemption (RCW 9.41.290), so that answers the City Park question, I think.

[@thomasbaxter9145]

Thank you for very informative videos on all aspects of 2A activities in WA. My wife was born and raised in WA, but we now are residents of TN. We kept my wife’s ancestral home and use it for summer breaks from the heat and humidity of TN. I have a non-resident concealed pistol permit. WA has been making lots of changes lately and I would appreciate a video on the impacts to non-residents. In particular, the magazine limit bill, and transferring pistols between TN and WA. Thanks. Tom Baxter

[@Astonomygirl491]

So glad i found this site!

[@stevestock2439]

Most excellent information, subscribing.

[@cspdx11]

wow - totally cranking out awesome info. thanks

[@mikeolin8586]

Very clear and informative video. Very well done Sir 👍

[@RAB_Gains]

I literally just came on your channel to check if you had a video on this very topic and it was right there posted mere minutes ago. I haven’t watched yet, but I’m sure it’s going to be exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for always posting great, relevant content!

[@TheMonteCarlo]

God really be out here

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Thanks for watching and supporting Washington Gun Law. Let us know if you have any ideas for videos.

[@RAB_Gains]

@@WashingtonGunLaw a video on how to navigate national parks would be great. Also (and you may have already done this), a series or at least a video on the implications of the NFA would be appreciated. Thank you!

[@m4a375mm]

Thank you for your hard work here I am glad I found your youtube site.

[@JustinSmith-rz2lu]

Mr. Kirk, First of all I would like to thank you for making these videos to help us law abiding citizens understand the law. Could you please do a video on carry a firearm in the National Parks here in WA state.

[@timsmith1589]

Good to know, thank you

[@Mike-vw7ct]

I was preparing to hike through Palouse Falls State Park once with a revolver in open carry. I encountered the Park Ranger and told him of my intent. He didn’t say I couldn’t but he said her would prefer I didn’t. I strapped the gun on and proceeded, nothing was said.

[@corvetteguy1980]

I drive an ‘86 Chevy Silverado and I have my DSA FAL in the gun rack.

[@hnangell]

I once carried a British Lee Enfield (full length military rifle - however it was converted into a .22LR training rifle) onto a ferry returning on foot from picking it up in Seattle. No questions were asked and no passengers seemed to notice. It was 30" long! I was a middle class white guy, about 40 then.

[@modeamity]

If my hands are lethal weapons and I wear gloves are they concealed?

[@anthonysundberg6871]

If you hands are registered yes.....yes they are.carry on.

[@josephshaff5194]

Thanks. I rarely carry. Don't really care for concealed. I have this prospecting thing that could take me into weird areas of Parks for samples and I can just see something sneaking up on me while I'm looking at rock stuff. Then there's Laws on Prospecting I need to check next.

[@patmahoney3120]

Thank you for the helpful, as usual, information. I like to open carry but I don’t usually do it in public areas because I don’t want to provoke the lunatics.

[@MrJdubbya36]

Thank you so much for putting all this information out there for us law abiding folks to learn more. So can localities like cities or counties mandate that firearms are not allowed in their parks? I know of at least a couple where they have put up signs saying no firearms allowed.

[@theseattlejim]

Thank you

[@csyarid]

Good information once again Thank you!!

[@Jesse-bb4qj]

I'm glad to hear that *our* state parks are within the jurisdiction of the 2nd amendment 🤣🤣🤣

[@Jesse-bb4qj]

@@MichaelTheophilus906 I know it's hard to tell when reading a screen My original comment is *sarcasm* because SCOTUS has already ruled that guns are legal to carry in National Parks

[@kmc6-06]

Always great topics and analysis - THANKS!

[@RinglerRE]

This is very helpful info.

[@WASRT001]

Thanks for being there for freedom loving people.

[@edcronin5409]

Good information thank you

[@DDPAV]

Great info- with summer just around the corner, and being new to handguns, this information is very timely. Appreciate the time and effort that goes into simplifying the overly complicated language and loopholes.

[@Aonghuis]

When I was a kid my old man gave me a shotgun for my birthday, then he put me on the ferry to go back to the Peninsula. No one batted an eye and it was not in a case, just taped up the Post Intelligence news paper around the very obvious shape. That was back in the 70’s when logging, Boeing , and fishing were the economic mainstays in the state.

[@carllheureux3324]

Thank you for your information

[@georgepaqueo]

Great resource, I appreciate the info.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Thank you for your support of Washington Gun Law.

[@karlinathan]

Exception includes "traveling to and from" but the police told me you still have to keep the unloaded gun in the trunk. The police do not go by the statute so unless you want trouble with the law better keep an attorney on retainer...

[@johnwoods1688]

That law enforcement officer was telling you he would enforce his feelings. It is 10”% legal to do so on your watt to your activity. It clearly states it even under the revision this year. I don’t care about that officers feelings. I care about the law.

[@johnwoods1688]

And your firearm does not need to be in your trunk.

[@47solar43]

What are the laws for open or concealed carrying in WA state national parks, national forest and other wilderness areas?

[@TheDogsSide]

your channel has been so helpful. Thank you !!!

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Thank you for supporting WGL. Let us know if you have any ideas for videos you want to see.

[@Hellgrinde]

Yeah as a regular ferry user, open carrying is a really bad idea in my opinion. Thanks for the info as always!

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Hey, thank you!!! We appreciate your experience and input as a regular ferry user and your support of WGL.

[@jz601]

Great video as always👍

[@dodgecityvanlife]

This is great information

[@hooks4nooks]

So I can carry in state parks but no person shall discharge a firearm across, in, into,..a state park? If a bear or cougar attacks me in a state park and then i protect myself with my firearm and discharge that weapon, am I then in violation of Washington State Parks rules and regulations? Thanks for the great info William.

[@sandystarfish7645]

Thank you for this info.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kayakdog121]

Yes, you can open carry on a Washington State Ferry. The only downside is that you are subjected to the same over-reaction you occasionally run into by some busybody that wants to make an issue of it and if they do the captain may be notified by the "man with a gun" phrase and delay the sailing if the boat hasn't left the dock or react by his authority any way he chooses including returning to the dock or diverting to another dock based on the accurate or inaccurate information he is getting second hand about whether the passengers are in any danger. In other words a perfectly legal activity could turn into a clustrf*ck real quick if someone just "claims" you made a threat.

[@tysonc6422]

Thanks for another video!

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

You are welcome. Let us know if you have any ideas for videos you want to see.

[@tysonc6422]

@@WashingtonGunLaw I know its a little off track for the channel but a form 1 suppressor (legal and correct order of ordering parts, serialization, filling out a form 1, etc) would certainly be entertaining and I have to believe I'm not the only one in Washington considering this. It could branch out into other home built firearms and/or accessories and the legalities of these both federally and any additional state restrictions if that's a bit too narrow. Thanks for the consideration and double thanks for the videos and information as always? Have you had any changes of opinion or are there other options to date on self defense insurance?

[@RIVER-RATT]

Great video and information.👊🏼🇺🇸

[@azb2010]

Can you carry concealed on a ferry without a concealed carry permit if you are traveling on the ferry to go hiking?

[@nopeavyneeded1953]

My question has been if there is a unit on the other side of a small say 200 yard section of state park can i cut thru it with my rifle to hunt or is it illegal nobody in law enforcement seems to have the answer

[@Jicwfs]

I am a little confused and ignorant so let me ask this… I bought a firearm a year ago planning sample that’s all I did couple weeks later I bought bullets… To this day I have never even fired it but when I travel to see my sister four hours away within the state of Washington I travel alone and my car is not that new I worry about breaking down on the highway can I carry my gun with me ?somebody told me that they think so but the gun has to be in the car part and the bullets have to be in the trunk well if I break down and someone’s trying to pull over and pretend to help me doesn’t do me much good if the gun isn’t loaded what is my rights in this situation I did not take a class for anything I just simply bought a firearm… Which is another thing do I ever have to license it or ?????

[@Jicwfs]

Second question… I am separated I like to go camping and take my grandkids to the local KOA Campground although I don’t think I would ever need it I want to pack it with me and leave it in the trunk of course and hopefully never need it is that OK? I am not licensed for anything I simply just bought a firearm… ??? Thank you for helping me understand the laws in kindergarten language 😇

[@np4057]

I consider shopping, getting gas, running errands, and walking around town, etc as recreational activities too. So basically I just don’t need a CPL is what I’m hearing

[@rc9749]

To me it makes sense that you can carry on the ferry. The ferry is considered a highway and thus a public route

[@jmguzman6432]

can you talk about air guns/pcp/crossbow mr william kirk

[@johnwoods1688]

People need to be aware that the conceal carry exception is not well known. I guarantee you the majority of law enforcement does not know about it. Most Fisheries and Fame officers do. There is a chance you can be arrested and have your firearm take . That being said it will be a hassle but you will win in court

[@DuckingAround58]

Love you channel Kurt but I’m not sure why people need to feel nervous about exercising a right to open carry. It is not a problem for the firearms owner to worry about for their freedom is affecting other around them. Pricing and tattoos make some people nervous but we do not expect those with them to apologize for their appearance

[@michaelflascher360]

Can you discuss LEEOSA concealed carry for Washington state. Can you explain when an officer carrying under LEEOSA might need to have a Washington state concealed weapons permit and why. For off duty does LEEOSA cover any and all situations. There seems to be a lot of ambiguous information.

[@karsonavila8210]

I walked all the way to the space needle from the aquarium where we parked just to have to walk back to put my concealed firearm away cause they have metal detectors 😊😊😊

[@carlitosho]

And so in a nutshell: 5:39 And so what does that mean: 7:11

[@marinema5593]

Hi William, does Washington State recognizes the CCW permit issued by Californian or Utah? Thank you!

[@Americanfreedom2007]

How about traveling by Amtrak?

[@jackwalkerhunts7367]

Can I carry concealed and loaded in my vehicle traveling to and from my outdoor activity without a CPL?

[@davidwacton]

Just because you have the right to do something doesn’t mean it’s the wisest thing to do. Having a CPL Carrie’s with it a responsibility that one needs to be willing to shoulder. If your not willing, then don’t do it.

[@alakazoom87]

so if i store my ar's in the trunk ... unloaded... and i stay in the car... i'm good?

[@thecoffeem3ss]

Can you conceal carry or securely transfer a handgun (with a valid cpl) as a Washington State Park or Ferries employee?

[@karlinathan]

Cops will tell you that your gun must be in the trunk unloaded etc. And try not to honor the exemption. Ive had them try to copsplain it to me... wven a state trooper.

[@wakeup6580]

What about a walk on passenger? Can I walk on with a AR in a case?

[@kgg3324.-7.]

Good

[@vtibbs_8053]

Could you please define the lawful term in Washington State “on your person” does that include a separate bag like a back pack? I’m curious what the state law defines “on your person” as.

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Carrying a firearm in a backpack, purse, fanny pack, etc. that is on or with you, is concealed carrying. You can do that so long as you have a valid CPL.

[@reddragonmirage]

I was at a gun store I over heard a conversation about this subject and the owner said "Try and concealed carry while you're fishing or hiking in Washington, with out a CPL and you are going to jail and they will take your gun."

[@cassiespencer6134]

Of course. That's why CPL's exist. Note: One can carry openly as well. Hence a CPL isn't required.

[@reddragonmirage]

@Cassie Spencer you missed the point maybe watch the entire video and try again

[@johnwoods1688]

I’m sure there are law enforcement who enforce their feelings. So be it. Let them arrest me and take my firearm. I will have his badge and a fat paycheck to go with it. I don’t care about feelings. I care about the law. I have carried while steelhead fishing and fish and wildlife had zero issue with it. They knew the law. I had a dealer at Skagit arms say the same thing to me. His feelings don’t factor into the equation. If an officer of the law does not follow the law and arrests me then he himself will suffer the repercussions of breaking the law.

[@MrPilotguy20]

I recently noticed that RCW 46.10.495 states you cannot carry while snowmobiling. I thought this was odd, even more so since you specifically mentioned it as a part of the "concealed carry without a CPL" portion of your video. Could you explain what the deal is with this weird rule.

[@sky-riders]

I am curious about this as well.

[@commonsenselost2635]

What about fishing on Federal land? In Washington

[@mburke285]

Are you shooting the fish with a gun? Because that would be illegal.

[@commonsenselost2635]

@@mburke285 is that a serious question? No I don't shoot in water ways etc it kills fish and the water would taste of lead

[@uscgalpha91]

You only need to carry a gun if you board the ferry in Seattle

[@ryanniksch4174]

As far as I am aware you can not transport a firearm in an Uber or Lyft ? Can I bring an unloaded rifle in a rifle carry bag as a walk on passenger onto a ferry the take it on an Uber? To and from a recreational event such as a range trip?

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

This would be up to Uber's policy. There is nothing in the RCWs that prohibit you from possessing a firearm in an Uber.

[@johnsmith-dm2tq]

Is a city park a state park? I have googled this and specifically wiggly field dog park. There is a no guns sign and I just ignore it. But i can't find this answer anywhere.

[@srspammenot]

Could you ask , WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ALASKA FERRY SYSTEM ?

[@jeremievigliaturo1317]

Remember, what ever the law says, concealed means know one knows. and you dont tell.

[@stewmeat9261]

can out of state residents open carry in Wa?

[@SzelachowskiTomek]

I thought it was illegal to have a fire arm when on snowmobile just thought it was strange

[@modeamity]

Hiking with bears and cougars!

[@jimmercer1961]

As one Coug to another don’t you think you could have used a better example of a wild animal you might need to shoot in self defense while walking in the woods? How about a rabid Covid infected squirrel? Or a feral hamster?

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

Amen brother. Perhaps a rabid Husky? Thanks for watching and supporting WGL. Go Cougs!!!

[@genej501]

What about a national Park?

[@bryonslatten3147]

Open carrying your 1911 onto the Vashon Ferry. Not a good idea.

[@activemanishere]

Oh and the second amendment allows me to concealed carry no matter what the state laws say. The state doesn't have the right to restrict my ability to possess or carry a firearm. Who is going to be the first to challenge the states on concealed carry permits being illegal?

[@noaspencer]

Can I legally conceal carry at work without being fired??

[@WashingtonGunLaw]

So long as you don't work somewhere where it is prohibited by law, then it would be a company policy that would dictate that.

[@noaspencer]

@@WashingtonGunLaw Okay I work at a Target store. I assume it would be company policy not to bring a firearm into Target but I’m not 100% sure, just didn’t want to ask anyone at work because I wouldnt want anyone knowing If I had one on me.

[@noaspencer]

So since I would assume it is not prohibited by law to carry in Target, if it goes against the companies policies, I could still be terminated for exercising my second amendment right?

[@GirlSmotheredToDeath]

@@noaspencer Carry pepper spray instead. A non-lethal option is much better than a lethal option in 99% of the time.

[@dummgelauft]

WK needs to re-do this video..

[@stuartlunsford7556]

Keeping a rod and tackle with you 24/7 equals a CPL! Haha, if you're actually going fishing of course...don't test this please, permits are easy to get here..........for now, sigh.

[@marlow769]

Thank You for detailing the facts about WA State carry laws - I rely upon your commentary. I also wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of NOT open carrying your firearm when not necessary. I know that there are civil rights “auditors” out there and for the most part I’m glad that they ARE shoving some of our rights into the faces of ignorant law enforcement for everyone’s edification BUT to unduly scare the sheep (general public) is rarely a good idea and will only backfire in the long run.

[@gregcooper9071]

Al Gah Rythim.

[@pandersn5054]

can I carry a handgun while operating a snowmobile? if not why...

[@dougjohnson7907]

If the Israelis had been carrying guns on October 7, 2023, the terrorist attack may never have happened! Exercise your rights. The 2A is to protect your family from enemies foreign and domestic and to prevent government tyranny. Read your constitution and know what your rights are. Its your DUTY to protect your family and your country.

[@yoshi7527]

Thank you washington for having adequate gun laws

[@warrentrout]

Just get a permit and stop worrying

[@AmericanSCPO]

It's unfortunate you say that while you may have the right to do it, but should you? If you have the right to do it , then yes, you should. It's like saying we'll you have the 2st amendment right of speech, but Shhh, don't say anything it might upset someone.

[@Tom53Tech]

You can take the gun anywhere ... Just leave the bullets at home.