The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) offers two passes for those looking to explore the state's wild lands. The Discover Pass makes it easy to park at many state lands, including the state park system, WDFW lands, and Department of Natural Resources lands. The Vehicle Access Pass grants access only to WDFW lands, and is issued with certain hunting and fishing licenses.
Discover Pass
The Discover Pass gives you access to millions of acres of Washington state-managed recreation lands -- including state parks, water access areas, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, trails, and trailheads. A single Discover Pass is transferable between two vehicles.
How much does a Discover Pass Cost?
There are two types of Discover Pass available:
- Annual Discover Pass: $35 (Includes $5 processing fee if purchased online or at a license dealer)
- One-day Discover Pass: $11.50 (Includes $1.50 processing fee if purchased online or at a license dealer)
Passes are available for purchase online from the WDFW licensing system, in person at a license dealer, or by phone at 360-902-2464. Passes may also be purchased at State Parks headquarters and region offices, and at state parks when staff is available.
Check Out Washington
Passes are also available to check out for a week at a time at local libraries through Washington State Parks' Check Out Washington program. Visit the Discover Pass website for more information.
Where do I need a Discover Pass?
The pass is required on state recreation lands and water-access sites managed by Washington State Parks and the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). These lands include state parks, water-access points, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, DNR campgrounds, trails and trailheads, and all DNR-managed uplands (natural areas and trustlands, but not aquatic lands).
A Discover Pass is also required on WDFW lands -- including water access areas, wildlife areas, and campgrounds -- unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license (more information below).
A full list of exemptions is available at the Discover Pass website.
"Free Days"
There are several "free days" when a Discover Pass or Vehicle Access Pass is not required to visit a state park or lands managed by WDFW or the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Reference the Discover Pass website for more information.
Vehicle Access Pass for license holders
A Discover Pass is not always needed to access WDFW-managed lands. A Vehicle Access Pass is issued at no charge by WDFW with the purchase of any annual hunting, trapping, or fishing license, excluding an annual razor clam or shellfish/seaweed license. A Vehicle Access Pass allows you to park at WDFW wildlife and water access areas. A Vehicle Access Pass is transferable between two vehicles.