The annual fee for the Discover Pass, which grants access to state parks, increases Oct. 1.
The annual Discover Pass fee will increase from $30 to $45 beginning Oct. 1, according to a news release.
The Discover Pass provides one year of unlimited entry to all Washington state lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Department of Natural Resources.
The pass grants access to:
• More than 100 state parks
• 350 recreation sites
• 700 water access spots
• More than 90 Natural Areas and Natural Resource Conservation Areas
• 33 wildlife areas
The annual Discover Pass can be transferred between two vehicles and purchased online, by phone, through recreational license vendors, or at state parks when staff is available. Many state parks also have automated pay stations for day and annual passes. Discover Passes can also be checked out for free from NCW Libraries with a library card.
The fee increase, the first since the Discover Pass was implemented in 2011, was approved by the state Legislature in April and signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson in May.
The bill also made changes to the Lifetime Disabled Veteran Pass. The LDV will now provide access to Department of Natural Resources and Department of Fish and Wildlife lands in addition to state parks. Beginning Oct. 1, State Parks will collect camping reservation transaction and change fees for LDV users.
According to a news release, 71% of State Parks’ operating budget comes from Discover Pass sales and earned revenue. These funds support recreation and conservation efforts, including keeping bathrooms clean, maintaining trails, caring for forest health, and protecting seashores.
