State parks celebrate birthday with free day

Access to trails and recreation sites in state parks will be free March 19 in recognition of the 104th birthday of Washington's parks.

It's the third of 12 “free days” in 2017, when visitors aren't required to display the Discover Pass or a permit for day-use visits to a state park. Two more are coming up next month – April 15 and April 22 (Earth Day).

Discover Passes cost $30 for year-round access to parks. Single day-use permits cost $10.

“I hope free days will inspire people to get outdoors and explore,” said State Parks Commission Chairman Mark Brown.