No Discover Pass needed for day-use visits on these days
OLYMPIA – Jan. 7, 2016 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announces that Sunday, Jan. 17 and Monday, Jan. 18 are the next state parks “free days” when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day visits at state parks. The free days are in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.
The “free days” are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass. The pass costs $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a one-day permit and is required for vehicle access to 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 on WDFW and DNR lands.
In 2016, State Parks offers 12 free days, the first of which was on Jan. 1. The other free days for 2016 are:
- March 19 – (Saturday) Washington State Parks’ 103rd birthday
- March 26 – (Saturday) A springtime free Saturday
- April 22 – (Friday) Earth Day
- May 8 – (Sunday) A springtime free Sunday
- June 4 – (Saturday) National Trails Day
- June 11 – (Saturday) National Get Outdoors Day
- Aug. 25 – (Thursday) National Park Service 100th birthday
- Sept. 24 – (Saturday) National Public Lands Day
- Nov. 11 – (Friday) Veterans Day
State Parks hopes the free days will encourage people to get out and discover a new park or revisit an old favorite and then consider supporting recreation on state lands by purchasing a Discover Pass. More information about the pass is here: www.discoverpass.wa.gov
Note: The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, December through March, visitors to Sno-Parks will need Sno-Parks permits. For more information about winter recreation permit requirements, visit: washingtonstateparks.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.
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.
Media contacts:
Virginia Painter, (360) 902-8562
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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