State announces 2019 free park 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 first free day of 2019 is New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

State Parks free days are in keeping with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day visit. The pass is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Discover Pass legislation directed State Parks to designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.

“We think the State Parks free days are a great way for people to try a new park or visit an old favorite,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. 

State Parks, in coordination with WDFW, will once again offer a free day on Sunday, June 9, as part of WDFW’s Free Fishing Weekend. This day, combined with the June 8 free day for National Get Outdoors Day, will give visitors an entire weekend to explore state parks for free.

The 2019 State Parks free days: 

• Tuesday, Jan. 1

New Year’s Day

• Monday, Jan. 21

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Tuesday, March 19

State Parks’ 106th Birthday

• Saturday, April 20

Springtime free day

• Monday, April 22

Earth Day

• Saturday, June 1

National Trails Day

• Saturday, June 8

National Get Outdoors Day

• Sunday, June 9

Free Fishing Day

• Sunday, Aug. 25

National Park Service Birthday

• Saturday, Sept. 28

National Public Lands Day

• Monday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day

• Friday, Nov. 29

Autumn free day

The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, visitors to Sno-Parks will need Sno-Park permits, which are available for purchase online or from vendors throughout the state. 

— Washington State Parks