You can enjoy Washington State Parks for free on March 9 and other dates in 2023

If you're looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy nature this week, there will be free admission to Washington State Parks on Thursday, March 9. 

March 9 is Billy Frank Jr.'s birthday. He was a Nisqually tribal member and an environmental and treaty rights activist

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

Usually, there is a fee to access the parks or trails. A one-time payment of $30 plus fees gets you free access to the parks for a year with the Discover Pass. A one-day Discover Pass is $10. 

These are the free entry days for the rest of the year: 

  • March 9 —  Billy Frank Junior's Birthday
  • March 19 — State Parks’ 110th Birthday
  • April 22  — Earth Day
  • June 10 — National Get Outdoors Day
  • June 11 — Free Fishing Day
  • June 19 — Juneteenth
  • Sept. 23 — National Public Lands Day
  • Oct. 10 -- World Mental Health Day
  • Nov. 11 — Veterans Day
  • Nov. 25 — Autumn Day

Click here to learn more about fees and which parks have automated pay stations.