State land agencies free days announced for 2022

OLYMPIA – Nov. 10, 2021 – Washington State Parks has designated the free days in 2022 when visitors will not need a Discover Pass to park at state parks and on recreation lands managed by Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

In 2022, the Discover Pass free days are: 

 Saturday, Jan. 1 – New Year’s Day

 Monday, Jan. 17 – Martin Luther King Day

 Wednesday, March 9 - Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday 

 Saturday, March 19 – Washington State Parks’ birthday

 Friday, April 22 – Earth Day

Last free day for 2021

is Friday, Nov. 26

The last free day for 2021 will be Friday, Nov. 26. On these days, visitors to Washington state lands will not need a Discover Pass to park. Discover Pass free days apply to all visitor parking on DNR and WDFW lands and in day-use areas at Washington state parks.

November 11 honors Veterans Day, which is also a state and federal holiday. Friday, Nov. 26 is the day after Thanksgiving. The November dates are the final free days in 2021. The full list of designated free days for 2022 will be announced next month.

About the Discover Pass

State lands free days align with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 to $35 annually, or $10 to $11.50 for a one-day visit, depending on point of purchase. The pass is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, WDFW and 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 Discover Pass provides daytime access to state parks and day and overnight access to DNR and WDFW lands. When staying overnight at a state park, visitors are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations and day access is included in the overnight camping fee. 

The three state lands agencies urge visitors to stay safe and recreate responsibly:

 Plan ahead - Prepare for your visit. Carry warm clothes and cold weather emergency supplies with you and in your vehicle. 

 Have a ‘Plan B’ - Have an alternate plan if your destination is crowded or closed, or if road conditions are dangerous.

 Leave no trace - Pack out what you pack in. Bring your own health and hygiene supplies.

 Respect others - Respect the land, people and communities where you are recreating. 

 Make it better - Steward the land and create a welcoming environment for all who share our outdoor public spaces.