Day visits free on Veterans Day and the day after Thanksgiving
OLYMPIA – Nov. 1, 2018 – Recreation and outdoor enthusiasts have two more opportunities to visit Washington’s state parks for free in 2018. On these free days, day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass for vehicle access.
The two free days are Sunday, Nov. 11 and Friday, Nov. 23.
Since the free days were first designated in 2011, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission established Nov. 11, Veterans Day, as one of its free days to honor those who served in the armed forces. Last year, the agency also set aside the day after Thanksgiving as a fall free day — to encourage people to get outside to visit a state park in autumn.
State Parks free days are in keeping with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day visit. The pass is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (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 free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.
Free days apply only to day-use access by vehicle, not overnight stays or rented facilities.
News media contacts:
Toni Droscher, Communications Office, (360) 902-8604
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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.
News release number: 18-069