By Kacee Saturay, Donor Stewardship and Social Media Manager
Updated for 2026 in November 2025
Each year, the National Park Service (NPS) announces its fee-free days for the upcoming year. But what exactly does “fee-free” mean? For a handful of days each year, the NPS offers free entrance to national park sites that charge admission. With over 400 sites – including national parks, historic monuments, recreation areas, and more – admission is free for everyone.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor at a park or a seasoned park fan, these fee-free days are a great way to celebrate and spend time in the parks. Note that the waived fees do not cover amenity or user fees for activities such as camping, boat launches, transportation, or special tours, so be sure to plan ahead for those activities.
One of my favorite things to tell first-time visitors of Washington’s national parks is that North Cascades National Park is one of the few sites nationwide that do not charge an entrance fee year-round! How lucky are we in Washington?
Keep In Mind: According to the National Park Service, “beginning in 2026, fee-free days at national parks will only be for U.S. residents. Non-U.S. residents will have to pay the entrance fee and nonresident fee as normal.” Learn more at www.nps.gov/aboutus/nonresident-fees.htm.
Each year, we will update this list to reflect the dates announced by the NPS and share what each day means, why NPS prioritizes it, and tips and tricks for your park visit, so you can make the most of these days.
📆 Monday, February 16, 2026 – President’s Day
Presidents’ Day honors the leadership of past U.S. presidents and is a great time to reflect on their legacy in conservation.
After all, it was President Theodore Roosevelt who helped establish five national parks and signed the Antiquities Act into law.
Pro tip: Visit Olympic National Park to explore one of Roosevelt’s own conservation triumphs, and learn about the peninsula’s endemic elk named in his honor in our blog.
📆 Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day
As the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day is also a time to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Many families head outdoors for reflection, remembrance, and connection.
Pro tip: Be prepared. Parks can be especially busy, so arrive early and consider weekday alternatives if your schedule allows.
📆 Sunday, June 14 – Flag Day/President Trump’s Birthday
This newly added fee-free day marks Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777, and President Donald J. Trump’s birthday.
Whether you choose to celebrate the flag’s symbolism or reflect on recent history, it’s a day to get outside and enjoy the freedoms public lands represent. And here in Washington State, there are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Pro tip: In June, you may still encounter winter-like spring conditions in the mountains. Check out our spring park activities guide for ideas of things to do.
📆 Friday–Sunday, July 3–5 – Independence Day Weekend
Celebrate America’s birthday with three full days of waived entrance fees. This extended weekend invites everyone to experience the vastness and beauty of our public lands.
Pro tip: Watch sunset from a high alpine ridge in Mount Rainier or North Cascades National Parks, or cool off by the coast in Olympic National Park — just be sure to plan ahead for parking and crowds.
📆 Tuesday, August 25 – 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
Founded in 1916, the National Park Service turns 110 this year!
Celebrate more than a century of stewardship, protection, and public service by visiting your favorite park — or discovering a new one.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got a guide for that.
Pro tip: WNPF proudly supports projects across all three Washington national parks that strengthen this legacy. Explore our impact.
📆 Thursday, September 17 – Constitution Day
Constitution Day commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. It’s a chance to reflect on the democratic ideals that include public access to natural and cultural treasures.
Pro tip: Interpretive rangers often highlight civic themes and American history. Be sure to check park listings for special events.
📆 Tuesday, October 27 – Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday
Known as the “Conservation President,” Roosevelt was instrumental in the early protection of public lands, including those here in our backyard.
Honor his legacy by getting outside and seeing firsthand the landscapes that inspired a movement, from the rocky peaks of the Cascades to the rocky coast of the OIympic Peninsula, and join us in celebrating these wild spaces.
Did you know? Roosevelt helped protect over 230 million acres of public land — many of which are now part of the NPS, including Olympic National Park here in Washington State.
📆 Wednesday, November 11, 2026 – Veterans Day
National parks are tactile reminders and examples of the values, ideals, and freedoms that are fought for by members of the United States military. Veterans Day is a great time to see public lands and is also the final fee-free day of the year.
Pro tip: Veterans and Gold Star Families are eligible for free lifetime entry to national parks. Visit this page for steps on how to attain the Military Pass.
Get inspired: WNPF Creative Partner and veteran, Nate Brown, ventured out for an ambitious objective called the Olympic Mountain Project, in which he climbed 30 iconic peaks in Olympic National Park. Watch his virtual field trip on what it takes to climb these peaks, all while supporting critical projects in the national park.
🌲 Support the Parks You Love
Love the idea of free access? Consider paying it forward. Donating the cost of an entrance fee helps fund education, climate science, trail work, and more.
Donate to Washington’s national parks today.
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner of Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. With your help, we raise private support to preserve and protect Washington’s national parks, funding scientific research, youth and family experiences, and projects that will keep these parks strong and vital now and forever, for everyone.
Cover photo by Kacee Saturay. This blog was originally posted in 2022 and updated annually in November/December.