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Free Entrance Day at Washington State Parks

Thursday January 1, 2026

Kick off the new year with free entrance to Washington State Parks and explore two scenic parks located in Mount Rainier gateway communities. On this designated free entrance day, visitors can enjoy full access to participating state parks without a Discover Pass.

The 2026 Discover Pass free days are:

• Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
• Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• March 9 — Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday
• March 19 — State Parks’ Birthday
• April 22 — Earth Day
• June 6 — Free Fishing Weekend
• June 7 — Free Fishing Weekend
• June 19 — Juneteenth
• Aug. 9 — Smokey Bear’s Birthday
• Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day
• Oct. 10 — World Mental Health Day
• Nov. 11 — Veteran’s Day

Explore Local State Parks Near Mount Rainier

Nisqually State Park
Located just outside Eatonville, Nisqually State Park offers wide open spaces, river access, and peaceful forested trails. The park is well suited for winter walks, birdwatching, and quiet reflection along the Nisqually River. This easy access and gentle terrain make it a great option for a relaxed start to the year.

Federation Forest State Park
Set along the White River near Greenwater, Federation Forest State Park features towering evergreens, moss covered trails, and river views that feel especially tranquil in winter. Short interpretive trails and picnic areas make this park ideal for stretching your legs, enjoying fresh air, and soaking in the forest atmosphere.

A Perfect Winter Reset

Free entrance day offers a simple way to reconnect with nature after the busy holiday season. Whether the goal is a short walk, a peaceful picnic, or a moment of quiet in the forest, these nearby state parks provide accessible outdoor experiences without the pressure of long drives or crowds.

Make It a Gateway Getaway

Pair a park visit with time in nearby gateway communities. Eatonville and Greenwater both offer convenient access to dining, scenic drives, and more. For those looking to slow down even more, extending the visit with an overnight stay nearby allows time to explore the area at an unhurried pace.

Enumclaw Wine & Chocolate Festival 2026 February 6–7, 2026 | Enumclaw Expo Center

Celebrate the finer side of winter in Enumclaw. The Wine & Chocolate Festival pairs regional wineries with local chocolatiers and artisans for two flavorful days inside the Enumclaw Expo Center.

Sample bold reds, crisp whites, and handcrafted confections. Browse local goods, enjoy live music, and settle into the relaxed rhythm of Enumclaw’s wine and chocolate weekend.

Event Highlights

• Tastings from premier Pacific Northwest wineries

• Decadent chocolate pairings and artisan treats

• Live entertainment throughout the weekend

• Shopping at 50+ artisan and craft vendors

• VIP Experience with Riedel glassware, private lounge access, and curated wine selections

Tickets & Details

• VIP Tickets: $80 (limited availability)

• General Admission: On sale December 1, 2025

• General Admission Tickets: will be $40.00 per person

• Designated Driver Tickets: $15 onsite (21+ only)

• All ticket sales are final. Official tickets are sold through the Enumclaw Expo Center website.

• Friday event hours are 4PM-9:30PM the live entertainment Friday night is Dueling Pianos on one of the two stages.
  Saturday hours are 2PM-9:30PM

Plan Your Stay

Enumclaw’s inns and lodges often sell out for this festival weekend. Book your lodging early near Mount Rainier and make it a cozy getaway in the foothills.

Learn More & Get Tickets →

Winter Carnival at White Pass Ski Area

Saturday February 28 & Sunday March 1, 2026

Each winter, the mountain comes alive during Winter Carnival. Over the course of two full days, visitors can enjoy snow play, night skiing, music, and family friendly activities. At the center of it all, a dedicated volunteer crew builds an impressive snow castle that sets the tone for the weekend.

Event Highlights

First, the snow castle opens to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday and from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. At the same time, tubing at the castle begins at 10:00 am both days, making it easy to jump right into the fun.

Meanwhile, the Kids Obstacle Course Race starts at 11:00 am on Saturday and Sunday and gives younger visitors a chance to stay active and engaged. Later in the day, night skiing runs from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Saturday and is included with a day ticket or season pass.

As evening approaches on Saturday, the atmosphere shifts with a Torchlight Parade followed by fireworks beginning at 7:00 pm. Throughout the weekend, music and a family friendly dance party keep energy high across the mountain. In addition, Sno Go demos are available all weekend for those curious to try something new.

Tips for a Smooth Weekend

Because parking fills quickly on Saturday between 9:45 am and 1:30 pm, arriving early can make the day easier. If smaller crowds sound more appealing, Sunday typically offers a more relaxed experience.

Night skiing takes place on Saturday only, so planning ahead helps maximize time on the slopes. Day tickets and unrestricted season passes both include evening access.

When it comes to food, the Cafe, Bistro, Espresso, and High Camp all remain open. Even so, packing extra snacks is a smart move since kids tend to burn through energy quickly while playing in the snow.

Finally, families can help keep the event enjoyable for everyone by preparing kids for lines at the castle and encouraging patience, kindness, and respect for the snow sculptures.

Event Schedule

Saturday February 28

10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Snow Castle open for tubing

10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Face painting and cotton candy available

11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Obstacle Course with sign up at the top of the course

12:45 pm
Obstacle Course awards at the castle

2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Night skiing

4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
DJ and dance party

5:00 pm
Snow Castle closes

7:00 pm
Torchlight Parade followed by fireworks

Sunday March 1

10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Snow Castle open for tubing

10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Face painting and cotton candy available

11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Obstacle Course with sign up at the top of the course

12:45 pm
Obstacle Course awards at the castle

3:00 pm
Snow Castle closes for tubing

Make a Weekend of It

Since Winter Carnival draws visitors from across the region, staying overnight often makes the experience more relaxed. Lodging in nearby Packwood keeps the drive short, allows for slower mornings, and creates space to enjoy the mountain atmosphere beyond a single day. Planning a stay ahead of time can turn a busy weekend into a well-paced winter getaway.

Free Entrance Day at Washington State Parks

Thursday January 1, 2026

Kick off the new year with free entrance to Washington State Parks and explore two scenic parks located in Mount Rainier gateway communities. On this designated free entrance day, visitors can enjoy full access to participating state parks without a Discover Pass.

The 2026 Discover Pass free days are:

• Jan. 1 — First Day Hikes; New Year’s Day
• Jan. 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• March 9 — Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday
• March 19 — State Parks’ Birthday
• April 22 — Earth Day
• June 6 — Free Fishing Weekend
• June 7 — Free Fishing Weekend
• June 19 — Juneteenth
• Aug. 9 — Smokey Bear’s Birthday
• Sept. 26 — National Public Lands Day
• Oct. 10 — World Mental Health Day
• Nov. 11 — Veteran’s Day

Explore Local State Parks Near Mount Rainier

Nisqually State Park
Located just outside Eatonville, Nisqually State Park offers wide open spaces, river access, and peaceful forested trails. The park is well suited for winter walks, birdwatching, and quiet reflection along the Nisqually River. This easy access and gentle terrain make it a great option for a relaxed start to the year.

Federation Forest State Park
Set along the White River near Greenwater, Federation Forest State Park features towering evergreens, moss covered trails, and river views that feel especially tranquil in winter. Short interpretive trails and picnic areas make this park ideal for stretching your legs, enjoying fresh air, and soaking in the forest atmosphere.

A Perfect Winter Reset

Free entrance day offers a simple way to reconnect with nature after the busy holiday season. Whether the goal is a short walk, a peaceful picnic, or a moment of quiet in the forest, these nearby state parks provide accessible outdoor experiences without the pressure of long drives or crowds.

Make It a Gateway Getaway

Pair a park visit with time in nearby gateway communities. Eatonville and Greenwater both offer convenient access to dining, scenic drives, and more. For those looking to slow down even more, extending the visit with an overnight stay nearby allows time to explore the area at an unhurried pace.