Washington State Parks’ 2018 State Park Free Days
Get outside and enjoy the beauty of Washington State!Did your New Year’s resolution call for getting outside more? Maybe getting more exercise? We have just the solution for your resolution! Get your legs moving and your heart pumping, for FREE! Take advantage of Washington State Parks’ 2018 State Park Free Days.
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 notbe 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
Looking for other ways to get out and enjoy your Washington state parks, check out our Calendar of Events for some inspiration!
