Thanks to legislation passed this session, state parks will remain open throughout Washington this summer rather than being shuttered due to budget cuts.
But starting July 1, vehicles will need a Discover Pass in order to park at a state park. A Discover Pass is good for an entire year at all Washington state parks, as well as recreation lands managed by the state Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It costs $30 and must be displayed on your vehicle in order to avoid a $99 fine. The website http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/ lists locations where you can purchase a pass, as well as important information about which lands will require a Discover Pass.
But starting July 1, vehicles will need a Discover Pass in order to park at a state park. A Discover Pass is good for an entire year at all Washington state parks, as well as recreation lands managed by the state Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. It costs $30 and must be displayed on your vehicle in order to avoid a $99 fine. The website http://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/ lists locations where you can purchase a pass, as well as important information about which lands will require a Discover Pass.
While the Discover Pass is new for Washington state, neighboring states like Oregon, Idaho and California already have day-use fees for their state parks. All revenue collected from the Discover Pass goes to providing access to state-owned recreational lands. In addition, there will be 12 days each year when state parks will offer free entry for all.
(Photo courtesy of Washington State Parks)
