State land agencies announce 2025 Discover Pass free days

OLYMPIA — Washington state agencies announced Thursday that visitors will have 12 days in 2025 when they can access state-managed lands without purchasing a Discover Pass, including a new free day celebrating Smokey Bear's birthday.

The free days apply to all lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). The program includes major holidays such as New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Junior Day, and Veterans Day.

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz emphasized the connection between public land access and fire safety. "For decades Smokey Bear has emphasized the importance of fire safety to our communities with his central message: Only You Can Prevent Wildfires," Franz said. "As folks are enjoying Washington's public lands on Discover Pass free days next year, and especially on Smokey's birthday, I hope that they'll keep his mission in mind and recreate responsibly."

The 2025 schedule features dates of historical and cultural significance, including Billy Frank Junior's Birthday on March 9, honoring the Nisqually tribal member who championed Native American treaty rights and environmental protection. Juneteenth, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas in 1865, is also among the designated free days.

The 2025 Discover Pass free days are:

• Wed., Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day and First Day Hikes
• Mon., Jan. 20 - Martin Luther King Junior Day
• Sun., March 9 - Billy Frank Junior’s Birthday
• Wed., March 19 - State Parks’ 111th Birthday
• Tues., April 22 - Earth Day
• Sat., June 7 and Sun., June 8 - Free Fishing Weekend
• Thurs., June 19 - Juneteenth
• Sat., Aug. 9 - Smokey Bear’s Birthday
• Sat., Sept. 27 - National Public Lands Day
• Fri., Oct. 10 - World Mental Health Day
• Mon., Nov. 11 - Veterans Day 

Last year's First Day Hikes event, part of a national initiative by America's State Parks, drew more than 1,700 participants who covered 2,907.2 trail miles across Washington state parks.

The Discover Pass, established by legislation in 2011, typically costs between $30 and $35 for an annual pass or $10 to $11.50 for a single-day visit. While the free days waive the standard parking fee requirement, they do not apply to Sno-Parks, which require separate permits during the winter season from November through April.

The complete list of 2025 free days includes traditional observances like Earth Day and National Public Lands Day, as well as World Mental Health Day, which recognizes the documented health benefits of spending time in nature, including increased serotonin and dopamine levels and reduced blood pressure.

Officials note that the Discover Pass program continues to support conservation efforts and helps preserve public lands for future generations.