12 FREE days in the State Parks in 2025
A Discover Pass is required to access the more than 100 state parks in Washington, except on the 12 days below, which have been designated FREE entrance days in 2025. A couple of things to keep in mind: The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks, for which a separate Sno-Park permit is needed. Also, lands managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are not free on those days.
Find a state park by going HERE.
2025 Discover Pass free days are:
Wednesday, January 1 – New Year’s Day and First Day Hikes
Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King Junior Day
Sunday, March 9 – Billy Frank Junior’s Birthday
Wednesday, March 19 – State Parks’ 112th Birthday
Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day
Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8 – Free Fishing Weekend
Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth
Saturday, August 9 – Smokey Bear’s Birthday (New this year is a free day celebrating Smokey Bear’s birthday)
Saturday, Sept. 27 – National Public Lands Day
Friday, October 10 – World Mental Health Day
Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day
Washington State Parks has launched an online store from which you can order guidebooks, passes, art prints, and other State Parks merchandise.
6 FREE days in the National Parks in 2025
In 2025, all national parks that charge admission, including the three national parks located in Washingon state, will offer free entrance days to everyone on the following dates (with some state park free dates overlapping).
January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
April 19: First day of National Park Week
June 19: Juneteenth National Independence Day
August 4: Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
September 27: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
The Discover Pass costs $30-$35 annually, or $10 to $11.50 for a one-day visit depending on when the pass is purchased. Normally, the pass is required to park on state lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. On these special dates, the Discover Pass is not required to enter.
[Read More: Deception Pass: What to do with kids in Washington’s most-visited state park]
