NEWS17-066 | Media contacts:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604 |
Updated 1/11/18
Agency sets aside 12 days for free day-use visits to state parks
OLYMPIA – Sept. 25, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will again offer 12 free days next year, in which day-use visitors won’t need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle.
The “free days” for 2018 are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on lands managed by Washington State Parks and the Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days each year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.
“Free days are a great way for people to discover or rediscover Washington’s diverse and scenic state parks,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. “Once people visit a park, we hope they will be inspired to help support their state park system by buying a pass.”
New for 2018: In coordination with WDFW, State Parks will offer a free day on Sunday, June 10, as part of WDFW’s Free Fishing Weekend. This day, combined with the June 9 free day for National Get Outdoors Day, will give visitors an entire weekend to explore state parks for free.
The 2018 State Parks free days are:
- Monday, Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
- Monday, Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Monday, March 19 — State Parks’ 105th Birthday
- Saturday, April 14 — Springtime free day
- Sunday, April 22 — Earth Day
- Saturday, June 2 — National Trails Day
Saturday, June 9 — National Get Outdoors Day - Sunday, June 10 — Free Fishing Day
- Saturday, Aug. 25 — National Park Service Birthday
- Saturday, Sept. 22 — National Public Lands Day (Note: This date was originally listed as Sept. 29. That information was incorrect.)
- Sunday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
- Friday, Nov. 23 — Autumn free day
For more information about the Discover Pass, visit: www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388