PACKWOOD, Wash. — One of six free admission days in U.S. national parks falls this Sunday.
Aug. 4 commemorates the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, which provided funding and expanded recreation opportunities in national parks. In celebration, that day is now entrance-fee free for park-goers.
There are more than 400 national parks across the U.S., with three in Washington state. Check out one of these popular spots on Sunday:
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is in the south Cascade mountain range about two hours south and east from Seattle.
The park has over 275 miles of maintained trails for hikers of all experience levels. Easy and enjoyable trails for families can be found in the Longmire Area, Paradise Area, Sunrise Area, Carbon River & Mowich Area or the Ohanapecosh Area.
Visitors are required to have timed entry reservations for the Paradise and Sunrise corridors of the park.
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park encompasses nearly one million acres of land and is host to several different ecosystems, including old-growth forests and over 70 miles of wild coastline.
Popular spots within the park include Hurricane Ridge, the Hoh Rain Forest, Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Valley, Kalaloch and Ruby Beach.
North Cascades
Sections of North Cascades National Park are closed due to fire activity. Be sure to check the status of the road and fire conditions before deciding to venture out to this park.
Fire closures are kept up to date here. Road conditions are available here. Check in with the Washington State Department of Transportation's website for the most up-to-date information on State Route 20.
