Free Washington State Parks day is Sept. 30

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites people to celebrate National Public Lands Day with a free visit to Washington’s state parks on Sept. 30.

Visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks on that day.

Public lands offer a great opportunity for residents to go outside and stay active. Research shows getting young people and families to spend more time outdoors is a critical step toward preventing childhood obesity, diabetes and depression.

The National Environmental Education Foundation coordinates National Public Lands Day, which is celebrating its 24th year.

For more information about National Public Lands Day, visit NEEFusa.org/NPLD. The public is encouraged to follow and participate in the environmental stewardship conversation on social media using the hashtags #NPLD and #WhyICare.

Free state parks 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 and the Washington departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife.

According to the Discover Pass legislation provided, State Parks can designate up to 12 free days each year.

Free days apply only to day-use access by vehicle, not overnight stays or rented facilities. The pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.

Washington State Parks will have two more free days in 2017, Nov. 11 and Nov. 24.

Sept. 30 is also Bike Your Park Day, and four state parks are offering ranger-led, two-wheeled tours on this day. For more information visit http://parks.state.wa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=335.