Politics & Government
Pass Soon Will Be Required to Access State Parks and Rec Areas
Starting July 1, visitors can purchase a day pass or an annual pass that grants them access to nearly 7 million acres of state lands.
As of July 1, access to Washington state parks and recreation areas will cost $10 for a day pass or $30 for an annual Discover Pass that must be displayed on your vehicle.
The pass covers nearly 7 million acres of recreation lands managed by the state Parks and Recreation Commission, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The Discover Pass is available to purchase online, through recreational license vendors such as Big 5, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Fred Meyer or Wal-Mart, or by calling 1-866-320-9933.
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Failure to display the pass at a park can result in a $99 fine.
Those interested in doing 24 hours of agency approved volunteer work in state recreation areas can earn a free Discover Pass.
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The Discover Pass covers lands in Washington that include more than 100 state parks, 700 water-access points, 2,000 miles of designated water and land recreation trails and more than 30 wildlife areas.
However, it is not necessary to purchase a pass to camp in a Washington state park, hunt or fish on DFW managed lands, operate an off-road vehicle, use a state park boat launch or if you are a Sno-Park seasonal permit holder.
Disabled veterans and other state parks pass holders do not need the pass for access to state parks, but do need to purchase it for access to DFW and DNR lands.
For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.