The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced that Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 are the next state parks “free days” when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day visits at state parks. The free days are in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday.

The “free days” are in keeping with legislation that created the Discover Pass. The pass costs $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a one-day permit and is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 “free days” when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The free days apply only at state parks; the Discover Pass is still required on WDFW and DNR lands.

State Parks hopes the free days will encourage people to get out and discover a new park or revisit an old favorite and then consider supporting recreation on state lands by purchasing a Discover Pass. More information about the pass is here: www.discoverpass.wa.gov

The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, December through March, visitors to Sno-Parks will need Sno-Parks permits. For more information about winter recreation permit requirements, visit: washingtonstateparks.us/winter