The lowdown on the Discover Pass
Published 12:45 pm Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The state of Washington threw a curveball at hikers, campers, hunters and fishermen recently when State Bill 5622, or the Discover Pass, was enacted.
For those who enjoy the outdoors the bill isn’t a bad thing. In fact its passage most likely kept many state recreational areas from being shut
tered. But it is one more thing you’ll have to shell out some bucks for in order to enjoy the fresh air and wonderful views our state lands offer.
The new bill establishes a vehicle access pass called the “Discover Pass” that will be needed, starting July 1, to park at Washington State Parks, Department of Natural Resource lands and Department of Fish and Wildlife lands.
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Here’s a quick rundown on the finer points of the Discover Pass for hikers. For the hunter and fishermen outlook, visit Wayne Kruse’s blog post about it here.
Where
The Discover Pass must be present in the front window of your vehicle to park at any Washington State Park. For a list of Washington State Parks, visit here.
Cost
The Discover Pass costs $30 per vehicle per year or $10 per vehicle for a day-use pass. The annual pass is good for one year from purchase date. You can buy the pass at any sporting goods or retail store that sells hunting and fishing licenses, online through Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online recreational licensing system, or, beginning in fall of 2011, when you renew your vehicle license through the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Penalty
Not having a pass would be considered a wildlife infraction, which carries a $99 fine. If you purchase a pass within 10 days of receiving a citation, the fine would be lowered to $59.
Exemptions
You won’t need a pass if you are: camping in a Washington state park, a Sno-Park seasonal permit holders, an Off-Road Vehicle (ORVs), a disabled veteran or other State Parks pass holder, launching your boat from a state park boat launch sites. Volunteers who work 24 hours or more on agency-approved projects are eligible for a complimentary Discover Pass. For more information on exemptions, visit here.
