About the Pass

The Discover Pass offers you access to millions of acres of state recreation lands in Washington, including:

The Washington State Legislature and Governor created the Discover Pass in 2011 to offset steep reductions in general tax support for parks and other recreation lands and facilities operated by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Today, when you buy the Discover Pass, you are helping to keep the state’s wonderful outdoor recreation sites open and accessible to the public.

Annual and one-day passes:

  • The annual pass — $30. Good for one year from the date of purchase.
  • Day-use pass — $10. Good for the date marked on the pass.
Transaction fees may apply.

One pass, two vehicles: The annual Discover Pass is transferable between two vehicles. Simply write both plate numbers on the pass. The pass can only be used on one vehicle at a time. Do not duplicate the pass.

How to display the Discover Pass: The pass must be visible in the front windshield of a motor vehicle licensed for street use. For maximum visibility, hang the pass from the rearview mirror with the license plate numbers and expiration date facing the windshield. For vehicles without a windshield, the pass must be displayed in a prominent location on the vehicle.

 For motorcycles: 

  • On lands managed by DNR and WDFW, motorcycle riders may carry the pass with them.
  • At state parks: Use the fee envelope at the self-pay station and write the Discover Pass serial number on the envelope tab. Leave the tab on the motorcycle and place the fee envelope in the self-pay station box. For a day-use pass, insert $10 into the fee envelope and deposit it in the pay station. Leave the tab on the motorcycle. 

Penalties. The penalty for not having a Discover Pass is $99. The fine may be reduced to $59 if an individual provides proof of purchase of an annual Discover Pass to the court within 15 days after the notice of violation is written.

The Discover Pass is a motor vehicle permit only. You do not need the pass to access state recreation lands by boat or by non-motorized means (foot, horse, bicycle, etc.). Motor vehicles used to transport recreation equipment, such as vehicles pulling horse or boat trailers, must display the pass. However, the trailers being towed that are carrying the equipment do not need a Discover Pass. Boaters will still need to pay for such services as moorage and waste-pumping.

If you just want to drive through state recreation lands managed by DNR and WDFW and you do not leave your vehicle, you do not need a pass.

Some exemptions apply. Learn more.

Sno-Park Pass & Permit Information

Sno-Park permits are available for purchase online from Nov. 1 through April 30. Sno-park permits are non-refundable. Sno-Park permits are required to park at all Sno-Parks between Dec. 1 and March 31 for winter recreation activities.

A Sno-Park permit is always required to park at a Washington Sno-Park between Nov. 1 and April 31, including the 12 annual State Parks free days when no Discover Pass is required for parking at Washington state parks.

A Discover Pass is no longer required to accompany the daily or seasonal Sno-Park permit, even in Sno-Parks on Washington State Parks land.

In addition to the seasonal permit, a special groomed sticker is required to park at Crystal Springs, Easton Reload, Fields Spring, Hyak, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee, Pearrygin Lake and Mount Spokane. The special groomed sticker is not required with the daily Sno-Park permit, even on these properties.

Revenue generated by the special groomed sticker pays for more frequent trail grooming, lot clearing, sanitation and staffing at these high-use Sno-Parks.

Please note: You need a one day or annual Discover Pass when visiting these WA DNR winter trailheads: All Ahtanum State Forest locations (Whites Ridge, Ahtanum Meadows, Red Saddle) and Rattlesnake Trailhead. 

Purchase a Sno-Park Permit