Visit a Washington state park for free Sept. 22

OLYMPIA - Saturday, Sept. 22, marks the 25th anniversary of National Public Lands Day. Washington State Parks invites the public to visit a state park for free on this day. No Discover Pass will be required for day visits.

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) is coordinated by the National Environmental Education Foundation.

State Parks free days are in keeping with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day visit. The pass is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Discover Pass legislation directed State Parks to designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.

Two more State Parks free days are available in 2018:
• Sunday, Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
• Friday, Nov. 23 — Autumn free day
For more information about NPLD, visit neefusa.org/npld. The public is encouraged to follow and participate in the environmental stewardship conversation on social media using the hashtag #NPLD.
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.