Washington Will Waive State Land Fees September 26
The Department of Natural Resources will offer free access to state lands to celebrate National Public Lands Day.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in National Parks
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Washington residents can enjoy free access to state lands on September 26, 2026. This fee waiver coincides with the celebration of National Public Lands Day.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to encourage outdoor recreation by removing the financial barrier for public land exploration. It honors the role of state lands in the local community.
A standard Discover Pass for state lands costs $45 annually, while a single-day pass is priced at $10. Three state parks in Whatcom County, including Birch Bay, Larrabee, and Peace Arch Historic State Park, are participating in this waiver.
The players
Washington Department of Natural Resources
This state agency is responsible for managing public lands and providing recreational opportunities for residents.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
This agency collaborates on land management and oversees resources that fall under the Discover Pass requirement.
The details
On September 26, the Washington Department of Natural Resources will lift access fees for all state lands that typically require a Discover Pass. This waiver encompasses parks and properties managed by the state and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Timeline
Free access to state lands is available on September 26, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The free access day serves as a temporary exception to the state's ongoing Discover Pass system. By offering 12 free days annually, the state attempts to balance revenue generation with broad public accessibility to recreational areas across varying travel seasons.
Visitors can access these parks without purchasing a $10 daily pass for this specific date. Plan to arrive early, as these free access days often result in higher-than-average traffic at popular locations like Larrabee State Park.
The takeaway
Utilizing these state-sponsored free days is a cost-effective way to experience Washington's diverse landscape. Residents should check specific park hours before heading out to ensure their chosen destination is open for the day.
Further reading
Learn more about local outdoor recreation opportunities on the National Parks page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Bellingham Now -.
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Should state parks and public lands provide more free access days for the community?
