Submitted by Washington State Parks

To celebrate the National Park System’s 101st birthday, the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is offering free entrance to state parks on Friday, Aug. 25. Day-use visitors will not need a Discover Pass to visit state parks by vehicle, including Lopez Islands’ Spencer Spit State Park.

Legislation in 2011 provided that State Parks could designate up to 12 free days when the Discover Pass would not be required to visit state parks during the day. Discover Passes costs $30 annually or $10 for a one-day permit.

The next free days are:

Sept. 30 (Saturday) — National Public Lands Day

Nov. 11 (Saturday) — Veterans Day

Nov. 24 (Friday) — Autumn free day

Overnight visitors in state parks are charged fees for camping and other overnight accommodations; day access is included in the overnight fee. For information about Discover Pass, visit www.DiscoverPass.wa.gov.