3 Free State Parks Days Scheduled For June

OLYMPIA, WA — Washingtonians will have a few chances to get out and enjoy nature free of charge this month, with a trio of upcoming free days scheduled on state lands. During the designated days, lands that typically require a fee or a Discovery Pass to access will be open to all, including all Washington State Parks and recreational areas managed by the state's Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Outside of the free days, vehicle owners are required to pay for an annual Discovery Pass or a $10 daily permit. The waived fees apply only to daytime access, and those heading out to camp will still need to pay accompanying fees for overnight stays.

June boasts the most free days of the year, including Juneteenth, which state officials added to the list after it became a federal holiday in 2021.

Here are the three free days on state lands in June:

• June 11: National Get Outdoors Day
• June 12: Free Fishing Day
• June 19: Juneteenth

After June, just four free days remain on the 2022 calendar, and all occur after summer is over:

• Saturday, Sept. 24 – National Public Lands Day
• Monday, Oct. 10 – World Mental Health Day
• Friday, Nov. 11 – Veterans Day
• Friday, Nov. 25 – Native American Heritage Day

Learn more about planning a trip to one of Washington's many state parks online.