State Lands in Washington Offer Final Free Days of 2021

Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will offer free entrance to state recreation lands on Thursday, Nov. 11 and Friday, Nov. 26. On these days, visitors to Washington state lands will not need a Discover Pass to park. Discover Pass free days apply to all visitor parking on DNR and WDFW lands and in day-use areas at Washington state parks.

November 11 honors Veterans Day, which is also a state and federal holiday. Friday, Nov. 26 is the day after Thanksgiving. The November dates are the final free days in 2021. The full list of designated free days for 2022 will be announced next month.

About the Discover Pass: State lands free days align with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 to $35 annually, or $10 to $11.50 for a one-day visit, depending on point of purchase. The pass is required for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, WDFW and DNR. The Discover Pass legislation directed State Parks to designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state parks.

The Discover Pass provides daytime access to state parks and day and overnight access to DNR and WDFW lands. When staying overnight at a state park, visitors are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations and day access is included in the overnight camping fee.

The three-state lands agencies urge visitors to stay safe and recreate responsibly:

Plan ahead - Prepare for your visit. Carry warm clothes and cold weather emergency supplies with you and in your vehicle.
Have a ‘Plan B’ - Have an alternate plan if your destination is crowded or closed, or if road conditions are dangerous.
Leave no trace - Pack out what you pack in. Bring your own health and hygiene supplies.
Respect others - Respect the land, people and communities where you are recreating.
Make it better - Steward the land and create a welcoming environment for all who share our outdoor public spaces.

About Washington State Park
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

About Washington Department of Natural Resources
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources manages nearly 1,300 miles of trails and 160-plus recreation sites in 3 million acres of working forest state trust lands. DNR trust lands keep forests development-free, provide clean water and generate revenue for public services and school construction.

About Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
By actively managing lands, restoring habitats, and preserving wild places, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildife serves as stewards for Washington’s natural places, protecting the state’s land and water for its human and wildlife populations.

We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.