Mark your calendars: No Discover Pass required on these 2026 days
OLYMPIA – Washington’s state land management agencies have designated 12 Discover Pass free days for 2026, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience our state’s beauty.
On these free days, a Discover Pass is not required to park at Washington state parks or on lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sno-Park permits are still required when visiting Sno-Parks.
Each of the Discover Pass free days celebrates an important day of the year with the opportunity to get outside and enjoy…
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11/12/2025
OLYMPIA – Washington’s state land management agencies have designated 12 Discover Pass free days for 2026, creating more opportunities for visitors to experience our state’s beauty.
On these free days, a Discover Pass is not required to park at Washington state parks or on lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Sno-Park permits are still required when visiting Sno-Parks.
Each of the Discover Pass free days celebrates an important day of the year with the opportunity to get outside and enjoy… Read more
11/10/2025
Washington State Parks’ longest trail has had an eventful year, and staff are excited to share about what they’ve accomplished and what’s to come.
The community is invited to attend a free webinar on Nov. 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. to learn more about some of the projects and activities State Parks has completed on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail in 2025. The webinar is also an exciting opportunity to get a sneak peek at what’s planned for 2026.
Participants must register in advance to attend.
The webinar presentation will include:
An update on the… Read more
11/07/2025
OLYMPIA — The inaugural nomination round for the Scenic Bikeways Program closes Nov. 30 – have you submitted your route?
Washington State Parks is calling on organizations and individuals to submit bike routes they think should become Washington State’s first Scenic Bikeways. The pilot nomination round will advance up to 15 proposed routes for further consideration.
State Parks will oversee the route nomination and implementation process. The agency is also the final decision-making authority that will designate a proposed route as a Scenic Bikeway.
What makes a strong nomination… Read more
10/15/2025
OLYMPIA — State parks have a mission to support outdoor adventures for everyone. As part of this effort, the Washington State Parks Foundation, in partnership with Disabled Hikers and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, is pleased to announce the release of Accessible Adventures: A Disabled Hiker's Guide to 5 Washington State Parks. This new guide shares accessibility features and information for five Puget Sound-area State Parks, helping people with disabilities plan outdoor adventures with greater confidence.
Written by and for the disabled community, Accessible… Read more
10/10/2025
SPOKANE — Washington State Parks invites community members to help shape the next 20 years of Mount Spokane State Park by attending a public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 4-5:30 p.m. at the Shadle Park Library.
At this meeting, park planners will share the draft Preferred Alternative for the park’s Master Plan, which outlines a long-term vision for Mount Spokane. The draft includes a list of prioritized improvement projects, land classifications and long-term boundary recommendations — all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience for the next 20 years.
Provide feedback for the Final… Read more
10/08/2025
OLYMPIA — The future trail system at Nisqually State Park is taking shape and the community is invited to join Washington State Parks for a public meeting to get a first-hand look at what’s to come.
The Nisqually State Park Trails Plan was designed in partnership with the Nisqually Indian Tribe and shaped by community and partner voices. When complete, the park will offer approximately 13.2 miles of trails, with a mix of trail types that allow different types of trail users to enjoy the park in their own unique ways.
The plan’s trails include:
Hiker only … Read more
10/07/2025
OLYMPIA — The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will hold its regular commission meeting on Oct. 16 at its headquarters in Lacey.
The public is welcome to attend in-person or online.
Agenda items include:
Requested action to delegate authority to the agency director to enter into a long-term lease agreement with Centrum for their use of several buildings at Fort Worden Historical State Park
A legislative update
A financial update
An update on tracking and evaluating agency revenue
An update on camping occupancy trends, data and improvement… Read more
09/25/2025
OLYMPIA — One of the most uniquely Washington ways to experience the beauty of the state is to explore it by bike.
So, charged by the Legislature to raise the profile of some of Washington’s most notable cycling routes, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has officially established the statewide Scenic Bikeways Program. This program involves participation from the public who will have the opportunity to nominate routes they think should become Scenic Bikeways.
The first Scenic Bikeway nomination window will open on Oct. 1 and close Nov. 30, 2025. The pilot… Read more
09/23/2025
OLYMPIA — Beginning Oct. 1, the annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45, providing critical revenue to keep state parks open and operational.
The Discover Pass is a parking pass that provides one year of unlimited entry to all Washington state lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
Everyone in the passholder's vehicle has access to:
Over 100 state parks
350 recreation sites
700 water access spots
More than 90… Read more
09/18/2025
Family-friendly festival runs Sept. 25-27
PASCO – Sacajawea Historical State Park welcomes all to come have some fun at its 21st-annual Heritage Days celebration.
This free, family-friendly event is open to the public on Thursday, Sept. 25 and Friday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m., and on Saturday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Heritage Days is a popular, longstanding celebration that offers a glimpse into the cultural and natural history of early Snake-Columbia River confluence communities. This year’s gathering will feature historical reenactors, educators and… Read more