The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has announced that Jan. 15-16 are the next state parks free days when visitors are not required to display the Discover Pass for day visits at state parks. The free days are to honor the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

The “free days” for 2017 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 (DNR) and Fish & Wildlife (WDFW). The Discover Pass legislation provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days each year when the pass would not be required to visit state parks. The Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by WDFW and DNR on these days.

State Parks hopes the free days will encourage people to get out and discover a new park or revisit an old favorite and then consider supporting recreation on state lands by purchasing a Discover Pass. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.