Juneteenth Added to Park Free Days

Washington State Parks has added a fourth free day to next month's calendar, waiving vehicle access fees for all visitors on Juneteenth. The holiday originates from June 19, 1865, when the Emancipation Proclamation was delivered to Texas, announcing the abolition of slavery two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the executive order.

Earlier this year, Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation to make Juneteenth a paid state holiday, beginning in 2022. The free parks day takes effect this year, and officials said the designation is part of state agencies' commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as core values.

June 5, June 12 and 13 are also fee free days where no Discover Pass in needed.

National Trails Day is observed on the first Saturday in June and is designed to help people recognize all of the beautiful local, state and federal trails that exist. Check out the many areas at LSSP that are perfect for exercising on, for exploring , or just for getting out of the house.

June 12 is “National Get Outdoors Day”. State Parks, in coordination with WDFW, will once again offer a free day on Sunday, June 13, as part of WDFW’s Free Fishing Weekend. This day, combined with the June 12 free day for National Get Outdoors Day, will give visitors an entire weekend to explore state parks for free.

State Parks free days are in keeping with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day visit. The pass 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 directed State Parks to 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.