Officials are offering a trio of free days at state parks this month, but ask that people use lands close to home and have backup plans if the park they chose is overcrowded.
The first free day is Saturday, June 6, in recognition of National Trails Day,, followed by the second day, June 7, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (WDFW) Free Fishing Weekend.
A Discover Pass will not be required on WDFW or Washington State Park lands throughout the Free Fishing Weekend but will be required both days on lands managed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
The third free day, Saturday, June 13, celebrates National Get Outdoors Day.
On free days, visitors don’t need a Discover Pass for day-use visits by vehicle.
Though most state parks have reopened for day use, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission encourages visitors to minimize the spread of COVID-19 by recreating responsibly:
• Stay close to home
• Know what’s open before heading out
• Have a Plan B if a certain park is too crowded
• Keep a social distance of at least 6 feet between households at viewpoints, picnic shelters and restrooms
• Bring personal supplies such as soap, hand sanitizer, toilet paper and face coverings
• Pack out what is packed in
Remaining 2020 State Parks free days are as follows:
Tuesday, Aug. 25 — National Park Service Birthday
Saturday, Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day
Wednesday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
Friday, Nov. 27 – Autumn Day
In addition, State Parks plans to reschedule the two free days in April lost to COVID-19 related closures.
The free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass.
The pass costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day permit and is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, WDFW and DNR.
The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required for day-use visits to state parks. The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.
