Beacon Rock overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. Photo by U.S. Forest Service – Pacific Northwest.
Enjoy Washington’s best nature trails during free days at Washington parks. In 2026, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering outdoor enthusiasts 12 free days to get out and see the wild side of the Evergreen State.
Access to Washington State Parks typically requires a yearly Discover Pass, or a day use fee of $10. On select days in 2026, entrance fees are waived at Washington State Parks that usually charge a day-use fee.
Sno-Park permits are still required on free days at designated Sno-Parks during the winter season.
2026 Free Days at Washington State Parks
January 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
January 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
March 9 — Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday
March 19 — State Parks’ Birthday
April 22 — Earth Day
June 6 — Free Fishing Weekend
June 7 — Free Fishing Weekend
June 19 — Juneteenth
August 9 — Smokey Bear’s Birthday
September 26 — National Public Lands Day
October 10 — World Mental Health Day
November 11 — Veteran’s Day
Washington State Parks near Portland
Reed Island
Located east of Vancouver, the park is part of the Columbia River Water Trail and features an active heron colony on the southwest side of the island. Stop by for a picnic and bird watching on the waterfront.
Beacon Rock
When you drive through the Gorge, you can’t miss Beacon Rock. The rock is actually the core of an ancient volcano. Best of all, you can hike to the top of it. Beacon Rock State Park includes several trails for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use.
Paradise Point
With two miles of trails, a long sandy beach and a disc golf course, Paradise Point is a great place to visit year round. On misty mornings, the park takes on a wetland scene and makes for a picturesque stroll.
Battle Ground Lake
Who doesn’t want to spend a day at the lake? The 280-acre park offers hiking, biking and horse trails as well as an incredible spring-fed lake for swimmers and paddlers.
Doug’s Beach
Located along the Columbia River Gorge, this park is one of the premiere windsurfing sites. It is a great spot to watch these incredible athletes ride the waterway, sink your toes in the sand and take in a wonderful view of the Gorge.
Columbia Hills
This 3,637-acre park has features four sites with a range of outdoor experiences. Come for the rock climbing, swimming, hiking and sight-seeing at Horsethief Lake, Horsethief Butte, Crawford Oaks Trailhead and Dalles Mountain Ranch.
Maryhill
For more information about free days at Washington State Parks, visit the park website.
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Free Days at U.S. National Parks
Free Parking Days at Portland Metro Parks
Escape to Portland’s Best Urban Parks
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