Discover Pass Free Day - Smokey Bear’s Birthday
August 9, 2025
Smokey Bear’s Birthday is one of the 12 days a year when a Discover Pass is not required to park on any land managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks), or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)
In 2025, the Discover Pass free days are:
- Wednesday, January 1 – New Year's Day and First Day Hikes
- Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King Day
- Sunday, March 9 – Billy Frank Jr’s birthday
- Wednesday, March 19 – Washington State Parks’ birthday
- Tuesday, April 22 – Earth Day
- Saturday, June 7 – Free Fishing Weekend (day 1)
- Sunday, June 8 – Free Fishing Weekend (day 2))
- Thursday, June 19 – Juneteenth
- Saturday, August 9 – Smokey Bear's Birthday
- Saturday, September 27 – National Public Lands Day
- Friday, October 10 – World Mental Health Day
- Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day
VOLUNTEER
Would you like to earn a complimentary Discover Pass? You can do that by volunteering on public lands. Learn more about how to earn a free Discover Pass by volunteering with DNR
ABOUT THE DISCOVER PASS
State lands free days align with 2011 legislation that created the Discover Pass, which costs $30 to $35 annually, or $10 to $11.50 for a one-day visit, depending on point of purchase. The pass is required to be displayed in your window for vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, WDFW and DNR. The Discover Pass legislation directed State Parks to designate up to 12 free days when the pass would not be required to visit state parks.
NOTE
The free days do not apply to Sno-Parks. During the winter season, November through April, visitors to Sno-Parks will need Sno-Park permits that are available for purchase online or from vendors throughout the state. For more information about winter recreation permit requirements.
August 9, 2025
