State Parks announces free day dates for 2018
Agency sets aside 12 days for free day-use visits to state parks
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Last updated 9/27/2017 at 10:27am
OLYMPIA – Sept. 25, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will again offer 12 free days next year, in which day-use visitors won’t need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle.
The “free days” for 2018 are in keeping with 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.
“Free days are a great way for people to discover or rediscover Washington’s diverse and scenic state parks,” said State Parks Director Don Hoch. “Once people visit a park, we hope they will be inspired to help support their state park system by buying a pass.”
New for 2018: In coordination with WDFW, State Parks will offer a free day on Sunday, June 10, as part of WDFW’s Free Fishing Weekend. This day, combined with the June 9 free day for National Get Outdoors Day, will give visitors an entire weekend to explore state parks for free.
The 2018 State Parks free days are:
Monday, Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
Monday, Jan. 15 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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
For more information about the Discover Pass, visit: http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
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:
parks.state.wa.us
washingtonstateparks.us
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateParks
Twitter: @WAStatePks
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/WashingtonStateParks
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at 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 http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission,
1111 Israel Road S.W.,
P.O. Box 42650,
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
parks.state.wa.usWashingtonStateParks
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.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
parks.state.wa.us
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