Happy New Year! January Newsletter From Washington State Parks

News from Washington State Parks and Recreation

Cross Country skier

A Newsletter from Washington State Parks | January 2015

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Free day-use visits to state parks in 2016

Lake Sylvia

Did you know that Washington State Parks offers 12 ‘Free Days’ each year when the Discover Pass is not required for day-use visits to state parks? We like to think these free days are a good way for people to visit a park they’ve never seen before or perhaps revisit an old favorite. There are nine more Discover Pass-free days in 2016. The next one is March 19, in honor of Washington State Parks’ 103rd birthday. View a list of our free days for 2016.

 

We sure hope you will consider supporting your Washington state parks by purchasing a Discover Pass!


Note: The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, December through March (or later, depending on snow conditions), visitors to Sno-Parks will need Sno-Park permits. Washington State Parks manages hundreds of Sno-Parks for snowmobile and non-motorized winter recreation on lands that we manage, as well as on lands managed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information about winter recreation permit requirements, visit: washingtonstateparks.us/winter


Seizing 2016: First Day Hikes in state parks

First Day Hike

The 2016 First Day Hikes at state parks were a brilliant success. Stunning weather and great conditions drew more than 1,300 intrepid trekkers into the frosty air for 39 hikes at 30 parks. Hikers, fat-tire bikers and folks on snowshoes covered more 3,000 miles. Now, that’s a great way to kick off the new year—and the new year’s resolutions—right!


Our sincere thanks to all the visitors, staff, volunteers, friends groups and sponsors who made the day remarkable. For photos and highlights from some of the First Day events, visit our Adventure Awaits blog.