When You Don't Need a Pass

There are times when you won’t need a Discover Pass to enjoy your public lands.

First, the Discover Pass is a parking pass. So if you're entering a park or state lands walking on foot, pedaling a bicycle, riding a horse, or any other way without a motor vehicle you don't need a Discover Pass.

There are other times you won't need a Discover Pass and at times it depends on which state lands you're visiting.

If you have a Washington State Park Disabled Veteran Pass

As of October 1, 2025, Disabled Veteran Passholders may use their pass in lieu of a Discover Pass to park on ALL state-managed lands.

For off-road vehicles (ORVs) towed in with another vehicle

ORVs do not need a Discover Pass as long as they are transported by another vehicle that remains parked at the recreation site and displays a valid Discover Pass. The ORV doesn't need a pass, but the vehicle used to haul it does. 

If you have a Vehicle Access Pass

If you have a Vehicle Access Pass, you won’t need a Discover Pass to park at WDFW-managed lands. This pass is issued with any annual hunting, trapping, or fishing licenses, excluding an annual razor clam or shellfish/seaweed license. A Vehicle Access Pass provides motor vehicle access to lands managed by WDFW and is transferable between two vehicles. You will still need a Discover Pass to access lands managed by DNR and Parks.

If you're at the park to volunteer

When working on approved volunteer projects, agency staff can provide you with a temporary parking pass.

If you’re camping at a state park

If you are a registered camper who has paid to stay overnight in a state park, you won’t need the Discover Pass. Your camping fees include day-use parking in the park where you’re staying. Simply display your camping registration on your dashboard. This is included for all campsites, towed-vehicles, vacation houses, retreat centers and roofed shelters.

You do need a Discover Pass if you decide to park at other state parks or state-managed lands while camping at another.

If you have any of State Parks’ discount passes

The agency has discount passes for disability, foster family and seniors with limited income. If you have one of these passes, you won’t need a Discover Pass in addition. You will still need a Discover Pass to access lands managed by WDFW or DNR.

If you have permanent disability placards or license plates

The Department of Licensing issues Washington state disability permits and license plates. Permanent disabled parking placard holders are exempt from needing the Discover Pass in state parks. You will still need a Discover Pass to access lands managed by WDFW or DNR.  

If you have the Natural Investment Permit 

The Natural Investment Permit allows you to launch your boat from a Parks boat launch. If you have this annual permit, you will not need a Discover Pass in a state park. You will need the Discover Pass for boat launches managed by DNR and WDFW, and you will need the Discover Pass if you are using a daily launch permit to launch your boat in a state park.

To park at Sno-Parks

The Discover Pass isn’t valid at Sno-Parks. A one-day or seasonal Sno-Park permit is required to park at Sno-Parks. Some locations also require a Special Groomed Trail Permit. 

You are a Chelan PUD customer

Chelan PUD customers can get a free day-use parking pass to use at Wenatchee Confluence, Lincoln Rock and Daroga state parks. Application information is available on the Chelan PUD website. The PUD pass may be used in place of a Discover Pass at these three parks, which are owned by Chelan PUD and operated by Parks.     

You drive or park on ocean beaches.

If you drive on or park on an ocean beach, you don’t need a Discover Pass. Please note, you DO need a Discover Pass if you’re parking in any of the state parks parking lots or parking areas near the beach.