Ready to soak up Washington’s natural beauty without spending a dime? In 2026, there are 12 days when you can visit Washington state parks for free — no Discover Pass needed — plus ten national park free days, when entrance fees are waived at parks like Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades. Whether you’re planning a scenic day hike, a family adventure, or just want to wander among the trees, these are the perfect dates to mark on your calendar.
A Discover Pass costs $50 annually, or $11.50 for a one-day visit, depending on when the pass is purchased. Normally, this 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. But on these special dates, the Discover Pass is not required to enter.
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
2026 Free Washington State Park Days (No Discover Pass Required)
- Thursday, January 1: New Year’s Day and First Day Hikes
- Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King Junior Day
- Monday, March 9: Billy Frank Junior’s Birthday
- Thursday, March 19: State Parks’ 112th Birthday
- Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day
- Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7: Free Fishing Weekend
- Friday, June 19: Juneteenth
- Sunday, August 9: Smokey Bear’s Birthday
- Saturday, Sept. 26: National Public Lands Day
- Saturday, October 10: World Mental Health Day
- Wednesday, 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.
2026 Free National Park Days
In 2026, all national parks that normally charge admission, including the three national parks in Washington state, will offer free entrance days.
New for 2026: Free entrance on these days will be for US citizens and residents only. Nonresidents will pay the regular entrance fee and any applicable nonresident fees. Get an annual pass here.
- February 16: Presidents’ Day (Washington’s birthday)
- May 25: Memorial Day
- June 14: Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday
- July 3–5: Independence Day weekend
- August 25: 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- September 17: Constitution Day
- October 27: Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- November 11: Veterans Day
