Next state land free days are March 9, March 19 & April 22

OLYMPIA – March 3, 2022 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites visitors to enjoy a state park on Wednesday, March 9 in honor of Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, on Saturday, March 19 in recognition of Washington State Parks’ birthday and on Friday, April 22 in celebration of Earth Day. Visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day-use visits to a Washington state park or on lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) on these dates. 

Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday replaced the previously recognized springtime day (first Saturday in April). Billy Frank Jr. (1931-2014) was an environmental activist and former chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. His lifelong dedication to protecting endangered salmon and restoring justice for the Nisqually Tribe helped shape Washington’s environmental laws and expanded treaty rights for Native Americans nationwide. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. 

The free days align with legislation that created the Discover Pass. Discover Passes cost $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a one-day permit. The pass is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, WDFW and DNR. The Discover Pass legislation indicated that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state recreation lands. 

The remaining 2022 State Parks free days are as follows:

 Saturday, June 11 – National Get Outdoors Day

 Sunday, June 12 – Free Fishing Weekend

 Sunday, June 19 - Juneteenth 

 Saturday, Sept. 24 – National Public Lands Day

 Monday, Oct. 10 – World Mental Health Day

 Friday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day

 Friday, Nov. 25 – Native American Heritage Day

The Discover Pass provides daytime access to state parks. Overnight visitors in state parks are charged fees for camping and overnight accommodations. Day access is included in the overnight fee. For information about the Discover Pass, visit www.DiscoverPass.wa.gov.