Washington State Parks Free Day & First Day Hikes Day
First Day Hikes & New Year's Day
January 1 | Washington State Park Free Day
Free days at Washington State Parks = No Discover Pass required
2026 Washington State Parks Free Days
- January 1 – New Year’s Day and First Day Hikes
- January 19 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- March 9 - Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday
- March 19 – Washington State Parks’ 111th Birthday
- April 22 – Earth Day
- June 6 & 7 – Free Fishing Weekend
- June 19 - Juneteenth
- August 9 - Smokey Bear's Birthday
- September 26 – National Public Lands Day
- October 10 – World Mental Health Day
- November 11 – Veterans Day
Visit Washington state parks for free. The Discover Pass is not required to visit state parks on free days. https://discoverpass.wa.gov/about-pass/free-ways-visit/free-parking-days
WTA encourages hikers to purchase a Discover Pass. Revenue from this pass helps fund vital services at trailheads, recreational facilities and parks across the state. Fee-free days, however, are a great way to introduce new people to public lands and trails and provides opportunities for those who cannot afford to purchase a pass.
Please note, free days apply only to day use (not overnight stays or rented facilities), A Discover Pass will still be required on these days to access lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
