Editor’s note: Due to a substantial staffing crisis and cuts in government funding, state and national parks may be closed. Before heading out to your favorite outdoorsy spot check the park website for the latest information about closures.
Ready to soak up Washington’s natural beauty without spending a dime? In 2025, there are 12 days when you can visit Washington state parks for free — no Discover Pass needed — plus six 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 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 to visit here.
2025 Free State Park Days
- 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, 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.
2025 Free National Park Days
In 2025, all national parks that normally charge admission, including the three national parks in Washingon state, will offer free entrance days to everyone on the six following dates. You’ll see that some State Park Free Days overlap.
- 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
A Discover Pass costs $30-$35 annually, or $10-$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. But on these special dates, the Discover Pass is not required to enter.
