How to Visit Washington State Parks for Free in 2026
Get your hiking boots and snowshoes ready! You can enjoy Washington state parks for FREE in 2026. Washington’s stunning beauty and diverse landscapes are easier to enjoy than ever.
On 12 designated days in 2026, you can visit state parks for free. This means you won’t need a Discover Pass. Each free day commemorates an important person or holiday, and there’s no better way to celebrate than in state parks.
Thursday, January 1 — New Year’s Day / First Day Hikes
Monday, January 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, March 9 — Billy Frank Junior’s Birthday
Thursday, March 19 — State Parks’ 113th Birthday
Wednesday, April 22 — Earth Day
Saturday June 6 — Free Fishing Weekend
Sunday, June 7 — Free Fishing Weekend
Friday, June 19 — Juneteenth
Sunday, August 9 — Smokey Bear’s Birthday
Saturday, September 26 — National Public Lands Day
Saturday, October 10 — World Mental Health Day
Wednesday, November 11 — Veteran’s Day
If you can’t make the free park days, don’t worry. You can use state parks for free on the other 353 days in 2026 by checking out a Discover Pass from your local library.
Through an amazing program called Check Out WA, you can borrow a Discover Pass for up to a week at a time from libraries throughout Washington! This vehicle pass allows you to park on state recreation lands. Take the opportunity to experience the joy of nature free of charge.
Some libraries even have a special Adventure Packs provided by the Foundation with support from WSECU, which contains a Discover Pass, a pair of binoculars, and fun nature guides to use on your trip.
Contact your local library to see what is available to you!
