Visit any of Washington's state parks at no charge on August 25

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission wants the public to know that Tuesday, August 25, is a state parks ‘free day.’ Day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks.

The ‘free day’ is in honor of the 99th birthday of the National Park Service, which was established on August 25, 1916. 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, the Washington departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife. The Discover Pass legislation provided that state parks could designate up to 12 ‘free days’ each year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by Fish & Wildlife and Natural Resources on these days.

‘Free days’ apply only to day-use visits with vehicles, not overnight stays or rented facilities.

Washington State Parks will have two more ‘free days’ in 2015: September 26 in recognition of National Public Lands Day and November 11, in honor of Veterans Day.

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.

Follow Washington State Parks:

• Website: http://www.parks.wa.gov

• Facebook: ww.facebook.com/

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• Twitter: @WAStatePks

Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://www.AdventureAwaits.com.

Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov.