Public Lands Day: State And National Parks Free To Visit Sept. 25

OLYMPIA, WA — Washingtonians will get to enjoy state and federal recreational lands for free this Saturday, as part of the annual Public Lands Day. That means free admission at National Parks, like Mount Rainier, and waived access fees at Washington State Parks and lands managed by the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Since its inception in 1994, National Public Lands Day happens nationwide every year on the fourth Saturday in September. In 2019, Washington lawmakers approved a state-level celebration for the same timeframe.

Typically, visiting state and federal lands requires an annual pass or a day-use fee, but neither will be needed to pay a visit on Sept. 25. Visitors planning overnight trips will still need to pay camping fees.

This year's celebration arrives with impeccable timing, as Saturday is forecast to be sunny and clear around Western Washington before wet weather returns heading into the last week of September.

Those who miss out this time around will have another shot at a free visit in November when both Washington State Parks and National Parks will be free to visit for Veterans Day. Washington State Parks' final free day of the year is scheduled for Nov. 26, "Autumn Day."