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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Washington State Parks offer free-entry days in June

Hikers walk past wildflowers at Fields Spring State Park south of Anatone, Washington. (Pam Rogers)
Hikers walk past wildflowers at Fields Spring State Park south of Anatone, Washington. (Pam Rogers)

STATE LANDS -- Two “free days” are being offered at Washington State Parks in June. In other words, a Discover Pass will not be required on vehicles for entry.

On Saturday, June 4, in recognition of National Trails Day, and Saturday, June 11, for National Get Outdoors Day, visitors will not need to display a Discover Pass for day-use visits to state parks.

The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on lands managed by the state  Department of Natural Resources and a  Discover Pass or vehicle access pass that comes with a fishing or hunting license is still required on Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife lands and water access sites.

The remaining 2016 State Parks free days are:

  • Aug. 25 – (Thursday) National Park Service’s 100th  birthday
  • Sept. 24 – (Saturday) National Public Lands Day
  • Nov. 11 – (Friday) Veterans Day

The Discover Pass provides daytime access to parks. Overnight visitors in state parks are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations, and day access is included in the overnight fee.

Info:  DiscoverPass.wa.gov.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

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