Explore Nature, Discover History.
“Stories of America’s diverse places and people are everywhere. Our stories are found across the landscapes of our nation, in more than 400 national parks, in National Heritage Areas, along historic trails and waterways, and in every neighborhood.”
Living in Southwest Washington, we have access to so many beautiful and historic places. Yes, there is an admission fee charged at some of them; but did you know there are also Free Admission Days to National Parks you can take advantage of?
Fort Vancouver Historic Site and The Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge will be offering free admission in 2014 on the following days:
January 20: Martin Luther King Jr Day
February 15-17: Presidents Day Weekend
April 19-20: National Park Week
August 25: National Park Service Birthday
September 27: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
If you’re wanting to take a short drive outside of Clark County, Johnston Ridge Observatory in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument will offer four fee-free days (they have a shorter visitor season due to weather) on May 18; June 7, June 14, and September 27, 2014. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is at the end of state Highway 504, about 50 miles east of Castle Rock.
Looking to explore some other parks outside of Clark County? Visit the US National Park Service and start planning your trip.
*Photo courtesy of local Clark County photographer Jon Kraft.