First two State Parks free days of 2018 coming up in January

OLYMPIA – Dec. 20, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering two free days in January, when visitors to state parks will not need a Discover Pass for day-use visits.

The first free day is Monday, Jan. 1, which also coincides with First Day Hikes, a nationwide initiative that aims to get people outdoors on New Year's Day. More than three dozen Washington state parks are hosting First Day Hikes events. Learn more here: http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=355.

The second free day is Monday, Jan. 15, in honor of the holiday celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday.

State Parks free days are in keeping with the 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 not be required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.

Washington State Parks will offer 10 more free days in 2018:

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. 29 - National Public Lands Day

Sunday, Nov. 11 - Veterans Day

Friday, Nov. 23 - Autumn free day

Note: The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, December through March, visitors to Sno-Parks will need Sno-Park permits, which are available for purchase online or from vendors throughout the state. For more information about winter recreation permit requirements, visit: parks.state.wa.us/winter.

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.

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