Discover Pass Free Day - Billy Frank Jr.'s Birthday
MARCH 9, 2024
Billy Frank Jr.'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)
Billy Frank Jr. (1931-2014) was an environmental activist and former chair of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. His lifelong dedication to protecting endangered salmon and restoring justice for the Nisqually Tribe helped shape Washington’s environmental laws and expanded treaty rights for Native Americans nationwide. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015.
"Billy Frank Jr. Day is a day to be outside giving back to Mother Earth," said Frank's son, Nisqually Chairman Willie Frank III. "I do believe my dad wouldn't want us to take the day off. He would want us to be out replanting trees or cleaning up the riverbanks. This is a day for the state of Washington to feel a little bit of Billy Magic."
In 2024, the Discover Pass free days are:
- Monday, January 1 – New Year's Day and First Day Hikes
- Monday, January 15 – Martin Luther King Day
- Saturday, March 9 – Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday
- Tuesday, March 19 – Washington State Parks’ birthday
- Monday, April 22 – Earth Day
- Saturday, June 8 – National Get Outdoors Day
- Sunday, June 9 – Free Fishing Weekend
- Wednesday, June 19 – Juneteenth
- Saturday, September 28 – National Public Lands Day
- Thursday, October 10 – World Mental Health Day
- Monday, November 11 – Veterans Day
- Friday, November 29 – Autumn 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
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.
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, visit parks.state.wa.us/winter
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, visit parks.state.wa.us/winter
March 9, 2024 (All day)
