Residents across Whatcom County have a free outdoor opportunity this Saturday, September 26, as the Washington State Department of Natural Resources celebrates National Public Lands Day by waiving Discover Pass fees at state parks, DNR lands, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife areas.
The free access applies to all three state parks in Whatcom County: Birch Bay State Park, Larrabee State Park, and Peace Arch Historic State Park. No Discover Pass is required on Saturday, meaning visitors can park and enjoy these facilities at no cost for the day.
The Three Parks and What They Offer
Birch Bay State Park sits on the saltwater shore of Birch Bay in northwest Whatcom County, about 15 miles south of the Canadian border. The park covers more than 190 acres and includes a long sandy beach ideal for low-tide exploration, saltwater swimming, clamming in season, camping, and picnicking. The bay itself is a protected inlet that makes it calmer and warmer for swimming than the open coast, and it draws significant summer day-use traffic from Bellingham and the surrounding communities. Fall visits offer a different experience, with smaller crowds, dramatic light across the bay, and excellent birdwatching as migratory species begin moving through the Pacific Flyway.
Larrabee State Park, located on Chuckanut Drive south of Bellingham, is Washington's oldest state park, established in 1915. Its roughly 2,700 acres include rocky saltwater shoreline, freshwater lakes, and an extensive trail network that connects to the Chuckanut Mountain trail system. The park's Fragrance Lake trail is one of the most popular hikes in Whatcom County, leading to a quiet alpine lake above the saltwater views of Samish Bay. September is an excellent time to visit Larrabee, as the summer crowds have thinned and fall color begins appearing on the deciduous trees along the trails.
Peace Arch Historic State Park straddles the international border at the Blaine crossing, one of the busiest U.S.-Canada border crossings in the Pacific Northwest. The park centers on the Peace Arch monument, built in 1921 to celebrate 100 years of peace between the United States and Canada following the War of 1812. The park's manicured gardens and lawn areas make it a distinctive stop in Whatcom County, and its cross-border character means both American and Canadian visitors use the space. Fall is also when the park's rose gardens and perennial plantings are completing their season.
The Discover Pass and Free Days
The Discover Pass is Washington state's vehicle access permit for state recreation lands managed by DNR and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. An annual pass costs $45, while a single-day pass costs $10. Washington State Parks have their own fee system, but during the 12 annual free days, all three systems align to offer no-cost access simultaneously.
Saturday's free day is one of 12 annual Discover Pass free days, which are spread throughout the year and typically aligned with holidays or nationally recognized outdoor recreation days like National Public Lands Day. The National Public Lands Day designation comes from the National Environmental Education Foundation and encourages Americans to visit and volunteer on public lands each year on the fourth Saturday of September.
The Washington Department of Natural Resources manages millions of acres of public land across Washington state, including forests, natural areas, and recreation sites. In Whatcom County, DNR land includes portions of the Blanchard Mountain area near Alger and the Chuckanut Community Forest, both of which offer trail access for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Planning Your Saturday Visit
For residents who have been waiting for an excuse to finally visit one of Whatcom County's state parks, Saturday offers both free access and excellent fall weather conditions for outdoor recreation. Late September in Whatcom County typically brings clear mornings, temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s, and the first hints of fall color in the forests above Bellingham and along the Chuckanut corridor.
Visitors to Larrabee should be aware that parking at the main lot fills quickly on free days, particularly on clear weekends. Arriving early, before 9 a.m., is the best strategy for securing a parking spot without circling. The park is also accessible by bicycle from Bellingham via the Interurban Trail and Chuckanut Drive, making it a good option for those who want to avoid parking altogether.
Birch Bay State Park is accessible via Grandview Road off Birch Bay Drive and has a larger parking area that tends to accommodate more visitors. The Blaine area's Peace Arch park is open on both the U.S. and Canadian sides; those visiting from the American side can park in the designated lot off I-5 at the Blaine border crossing exit.
For a full list of Discover Pass free days and participating lands, visit the Discover Pass website. For more on outdoor recreation and park access around Bellingham and Whatcom County, earlier coverage of fall park volunteer opportunities highlights ways to get involved in maintaining these public lands beyond just visiting them.
