The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will offer two free days in January, when visitors to state parks will not need a Discover Pass for day-use visits.

The first free day is New Year’s Day (Wednesday, Jan. 1), giving visitors the opportunity to take part in a First Day Hike, a nationwide initiative that aims to get people outdoors.

This year, more than 40 hikes are planned at dozens of state parks all over Washington state.

The second free day is Monday, Jan. 20, in honor of the holiday celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

Thursday, March 19 — State Parks’ 107th Birthday

Saturday, April 11 — Springtime free day

Wednesday, April 22 — Earth Day

Saturday, June 6 — National Trails Day

Sunday, June 7 — Free Fishing Day

Saturday, June 13 — National Get Outdoors Day

Tuesday, Aug. 25 — National Park Service Birthday

Saturday, Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day

Wednesday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day

Friday, Nov. 27 — Autumn free day

State Parks free days are in keeping with the 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Department of Fish and 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.

For more information about winter recreation permit requirements, visit www.parks.state.wa.us/winter.