Three Free State Parks Days Scheduled In March, April

WASHINGTON — As Puget Sound prepares to welcome spring, residents will have a few upcoming chances to get out and enjoy state lands without paying a fee or grabbing a Discover Pass. State law allows Washington State Parks to designate up to 12 free days per year, and a trio of them are on the horizon.

The first of the group arrives Wednesday, March 9, designated to honor the memory of Billy Frank Jr., who was posthumously awarded the Presidental Medal of Freedom in 2015.

"Billy Frank Jr.'s birthday replaced the previously recognized springtime day (first Saturday in April)," parks officials wrote earlier this month. "Billy Frank Jr. (1931-2014) was an environmental activist and former chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. His lifelong dedication to protecting endangered salmon and restoring justice for the Nisqually Tribe helped shape Washingon's environmental laws and expanded treaty rights for Native Americans nationwide."

As luck would have it, Wednesday is forecast to be sunny and clear before the next round of rain makes its way across Western Washington. The next free day after Wednesday arrives March 19, the Saturday before the spring equinox, followed by April 22, in honor of Earth Day.

Free days allow visitors to make day visits to any state park or recreational lands managed by the state's Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife, without paying for the $30 annual pass or a $10 daily permit. Overnight trips and camping fees still apply.

Seven free parks days are on the docket after April, including three scheduled in June alone. Here's what the rest of the calendar looks like:

• Saturday, June 11 – National Get Outdoors Day
• Sunday, June 12 – Free Fishing Weekend
• Sunday, June 19 - Juneteenth
• 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

Residents can find ideas and plan a trip on the Washington State Parks website.