Two free days scheduled at state parks in April

By Stefanie Donahue

Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts rejoice – for two days in April, visitors can use Washington State Parks for free.

The Washington State Parks Commission made the announcement on March 22 and said the days were selected in celebration of Spring and Earth Day. As such, visitors won’t need to place a Discover Pass in their car to park at any state park during the day on Saturday, April 14 or Earth Day, Sunday, April 22.

A Discover Pass costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day permit and is required for day-use visitors who park on lands managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources. The Discover Pass only provides daytime access for visitors who are travelling by car.

“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,” according to the state park and recreation commission.

The free days only apply to state parks and not land managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or Department of Natural Resources.

In addition to the two days in April, Discover Passes are not required on Saturday, June 2 for National Trails Day; Saturday, June 9 for National Get Outdoors Day; Sunday, June 10 for Free Fishing Day; Saturday, August 25 for National Park Service Birthday; Saturday, September 22 for National Public Lands Day; and Sunday, November 11 for Veterans Day.

To learn more about the Discover Pass, visit discoverpass.wa.gov.