State parks free day set for Sept. 24

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission will offer a free day Saturday, Sept. 24, in recognition of National Public Lands Day. Park visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks.

State Parks free days are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass, a $30 annual or $10 one-day permit required on lands managed by Washington State Parks and the Washington departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days each year when the pass would not be required. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.

Free days apply only to day-use access by vehicle, not overnight stays or rented facilities.

Washington State Parks will have one more free day in 2016: Friday, Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day.