Each year, Washington state DNR releases a unique schedule for twelve Discover Pass free days, where visitors to state lands have the usual parking fee waived for the duration of the day. Discover a few off-the-beaten-path trails around Yakima and beyond to add to your list in 2026.
January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Poo Poo Point – Issaquah
Step into the new year by setting foot on a local trail! While some trails around Snoqualmie and Blewett Pass are closed in the winter season due to snow or icy conditions, there are plenty of beautiful winter hikes in the Yakima Valley for you to explore on this Discover Pass free day.
Try Poo Poo Point, a moderately challenging seven-mile trail just outside of Issaquah, as part of West Tiger Mountain. With a steady incline and an overlook view on clear days, this trail is a great way to start the year, and well worth the drive.
January 19, 2026 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
A little later into January, don’t let the snow stop you from getting out to explore and enjoy the fresh air! If you’re looking to visit a Sno-Park during the winter season, be sure to update your Sno-Park permit– regardless of the Discover Pass free day, Sno-Park permits are still required at designated sites.
March 9, 2026 – Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – Nisqually
To celebrate the work of Nisqually environmental activist and treaty advocate Billy Frank Jr., take a day to explore the trails around the Nisqually River. By March, many of the surrounding hikes will be open for the season, but check weather reports and dress accordingly.
The five-mile boardwalk around the National Wildlife Refuge winds through most of the refuge, and although it does require a bit of a drive to visit, the shorebirds and observation tower along the trail make for a great day trip.
March 19, 2026 – State Parks’ Birthday
Yakima Sportsman State Park – Yakima
Washington state is home to over 140 state parks, several of which are close to home for Yakima Valley residents. The Yakima Sportsman State Park is a local option great for birdwatching, fishing, and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
Take a short stroll around the Juan A. Alvarez Living Classroom, a paved trail through the park’s wetlands that is home to nearly as many bird species as Washington has state parks.
April 22, 2026 – Earth Day
Yakima Skyline Trail – Yakima Canyon
By the end of April, many mountain trails are close to snow-free, opening up a world of possibilities for local hikers itching to try something with a bit more incline. On Earth Day this year, visit the Yakima Skyline Trail for a four-and-a-half-mile, 1,500-foot incline hike up to multiple stunning overlook options.
June 19, 2026 – Juneteenth
Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail – Yakima Canyon
The weather is warming up, so mid-June is the perfect time to check a few more adventurous trails off of your hiking bucket list. Drive the scenic route through Yakima Canyon to Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail, situated a few minutes outside of Ellensburg. The Ridge trail overlooks the Yakima River to one side and the town on the other. Sunscreen well and wear comfortable shoes before hitting this trail, though– the path is narrow and you’ll be in full sun once you leave the car.
August 9, 2026 – Smokey Bear’s Birthday
Smokey Bear reminds us to take care of our forests and the wildlife that inhabits them, so take this Discover Pass free day as a chance to spend a little extra time enjoying the wonders of the woods in any of your favorite trails. If you’re planning a weekend camping trip, though, take note that Discover Pass free days do not apply to overnight stays, so research and reserve your campsite accordingly.
September 26, 2026 – National Public Lands Day
Snow Mountain Ranch – Yakima
An interconnected system of over fourteen miles of trails, Snow Mountain Ranch is maintained by the Cowiche Conservancy and is home to a showstopping array of wildflowers and deciduous trees. No matter what time of year you visit, spend a day at Snow Mountain Ranch to explore the trails, with distances ranging from the 0.3-mile Balanced Rock Trail to the more strenuous seven-mile hike to the summit of Cowiche Mountain.
October 10, 2026 – World Mental Health Day
Leaves changing color, a breeze in the air, and a few more clear days before the weather changes for winter– what better time to take in the scenery from the Cleman Mountain trail? With a 2,000-foot elevation gain and a round-trip distance of six miles, this trail is only open seasonally (May through December) and offers unique views of basalt ridges and towering cliffs all the way to the summit.
November 11, 2026 – Veterans’ Day
As the last Discover Pass free day of 2026, take the chance to revisit one (or multiple) of your favorite trails from the year. Notice how the landscape changes throughout the seasons, and be aware of the wildflowers, tree varieties, birdsong, and wildlife native to the Yakima Valley. As always, remember to Leave No Trace when on the trail, stay safe, and have fun.
