News Flash Home
The original item was published from 12/11/2014 11:14:00 AM to 12/11/2014 11:14:59 AM.

News Flash

News Releases

Posted on: December 11, 2014

[ARCHIVED] 14-079 State Parks offers 12 'free days' to visitors in 2015

No Discover Pass needed to visit parks on designated days

OLYMPIA – Dec. 11, 2014 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces Thursday, Jan. 1 is the first of 12 “free days” in 2015 when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass to visit a state park.

The “free days” are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass—a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources. The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could 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 to access WDFW and DNR lands.

“We hope the public will take advantage of a State Parks free day to get out and sample a new park or revisit an old favorite, and then consider supporting state recreation lands by purchasing a Discover Pass,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch.

The 2015 State Parks free days are as follows:

  • January 1 – (Thursday) New Year’s Day and State Parks’ First Day Hikes Day
  • January 18 and 19 – (Sunday and Monday) Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • March 19 – (Thursday) Washington State Parks’ 102nd birthday
  • April 4 – (Saturday) A springtime free Saturday
  • April 22 – (Wednesday) Earth Day
  • May 10 – (Sunday) A springtime free Sunday
  • June 6 – (Saturday) National Trails Day
  • June 13 – (Saturday) National Get Outdoors Day
  • August 25 – (Tuesday) National Park Service 99th birthday
  • September 26 – (Saturday) National Public Lands Day
  • November 11 – (Wednesday) Veterans Day

More information about the Discover Pass is at www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

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 www.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.

-30-

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in News Releases

State Parks Commission to meet in Lacey

Posted on: January 18, 2023

State Parks is hiring 305 park aides

Posted on: January 17, 2023

State Parks Commission to meet in Chelan

Posted on: November 8, 2022

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 13, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Pullman

Posted on: September 13, 2022

State Parks expands Beacon Rock

Posted on: June 15, 2022

State Parks Commission to meet in Kalama

Posted on: November 30, 2021

State parks launches new online store

Posted on: November 29, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this season

Posted on: October 5, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet in Richland

Posted on: September 3, 2021

Next Discover Pass free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 12, 2021

State Parks launches gift cards

Posted on: June 2, 2021

Sno-Park fees to increase this fall

Posted on: March 18, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: January 20, 2021

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: November 10, 2020

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Oct. 10

Posted on: September 28, 2020

State Parks announces free days for 2021

Posted on: September 22, 2020

State Parks Commission to meet next week

Posted on: September 10, 2020

State Parks prohibits campfires statewide

Posted on: September 8, 2020

Next State Parks free day is Aug. 25

Posted on: August 18, 2020

State parks seek volunteers for 2020

Posted on: December 11, 2019

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 21, 2019

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 8, 2019

Sept. 28 is next State Parks free day

Posted on: September 9, 2019

Riverside State Park adds cabins

Posted on: August 20, 2019

State Parks announces free day March 19

Posted on: February 25, 2019

Help improve safety on Willapa Hills Trail

Posted on: November 21, 2018

2019 State Parks Calendar on sale now

Posted on: November 15, 2018

Sno-Park permits go on sale Nov. 1

Posted on: October 30, 2018

State Parks announces 2019 free days

Posted on: October 17, 2018

State Parks announces winter schedule

Posted on: October 8, 2018

History comes alive at Sacajawea State Park

Posted on: September 12, 2018

Celebrate autumn at Lake Sylvia State Park

Posted on: September 4, 2018