Battle Ground Lake State Park
In recognition of the National Park System’s 104th birthday, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering free entrance to state parks on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle on that day.
While Washington State Parks and the National Park Service are different, the two agencies share a rich tradition of stewarding the lands they manage. Many state parks are located within an hour’s drive of Washington’s national parks, monuments and historical sites.
Though most Washington state parks have reopened for day use and many have reopened for camping, the agency encourages visitors to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by recreating responsibly on free days and every day.
Responsible recreation includes:
• Staying close to home.
• Knowing what’s open before heading out.
• Having a Plan B if a certain park is too crowded.
• Keeping a social distance of at least 6 feet between households.
• Bringing personal supplies such as soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and face coverings.
• Wearing face coverings in indoor facilities, such as restrooms, and outdoors when social distancing isn’t possible.
• Packing out what is packed in.
The remaining 2020 State Parks free days are:
• Sunday, Sept. 13 — Girls Scouts Love State Parks Day
• Saturday, Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day
• Saturday, Oct. 10 — World Mental Health Day
• Wednesday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
• Friday, Nov. 27 — Autumn Day
