Discover the best Washington State Parks on these free days

Jack Belcher

The Washington State Discover Pass allows vehicle access to millions of acres of state recreation land. While the pass is priced at $35 for a year of access, there are 12 dates in 2023 where the pass is not required. Vehicle access is free:

▪ Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day.

▪ Jan. 16 — Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

▪ 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.

So when to go has become clear, but with only 12 opportunities and over a hundred parks, how can one decide which parks to go to?

The North Head Lighthouse and Cape Disappointment State Park are part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.
The North Head Lighthouse and Cape Disappointment State Park are part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park.

Cape Disappointment

Don’t let the name though you, this is one of the highest-rated parks in Washington. It’s located in what is literally the most southwestern spot in Washington, on the Long Beach Peninsula. The park offers hiking, camping and a boat launch. There is also a view of the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of the Columbia River.

Deception Pass bridge connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in Puget Sound. Deception Pass State Park turns 100 in 2022. Washington State Parks turned an old military reserve, long the traditional land of the Samish and Swinomish tribes, into a popular state park.
Deception Pass bridge connects Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in Puget Sound. Deception Pass State Park turns 100 in 2022. Washington State Parks turned an old military reserve, long the traditional land of the Samish and Swinomish tribes, into a popular state park.

Deception Pass State Park

Although the park boast miles of hiking, biking and horse trails, the real draw is the water. Boating, fishing, swimming kayaking and even crabbing are all accessible through this park. The park spreads over two islands, Fidalgo and Whidbey, totaling 3,854 acres. It is the most visited state park in Washington, according to Washington State Parks.

Hikers use snowshows in the winter at Lake Wenatchee State Park.
Hikers use snowshows in the winter at Lake Wenatchee State Park.

Lake Wenatchee State Park

The scenic view of the water and the mountains is all well and good, but the activities are what really bring this state park into the top 5. Kayaks, horses and biking are what draw people to the lake. In the winter, the park remains open for cross-country skiing. Just about every lake-based activity is available at the park, from swimming to windsurfing.

Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island has a lighthouse and an orca museum.
Lime Kiln Point State Park on San Juan Island has a lighthouse and an orca museum.

Lime Kiln Point State Park

Also known as “Whale Watch Park,” is best known for being one of the best land-based spots to watch whales. Located way over on the edge of the San Juan Islands, Lime Kiln State Park is at the top of a “rocky bluff.” While there isn’t much else to do at the park other than nature watching, it has some of the best in the world, according to Washington State Parks.

Falls drops into a deep gorge left from ice age floods at Palouse Falls State Park in Eastern Washington.
Falls drops into a deep gorge left from ice age floods at Palouse Falls State Park in Eastern Washington.

Palouse Falls State Park

As the name suggests, the main attraction here is the waterfall, which with its 200-foot drop, doesn’t disappoint. With a viewpoint across the river gorge, park patrons have an excellent view of the falls. Currently, camping is restricted and overnight parking is unavailable.

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