Washington outdoor passes explained

Does the first part of your outdoor adventure involve going online to figure out if you have the right recreation pass? Do you still hit the trail not completely sure you’ve got the right pass displayed the right way?

Whether you’re new to the Northwest’s nature scene, or you’re a PNW pro, you’re not alone if you still scratch your head about permits.

Washington’s outdoor pass system can be confusing, but we’re here to help.

Sunset view of the ocean with evergreen trees on the shore — The Discover Pass is your day pass for beautiful views like this one at Deception Pass State Park.

Washington’s primary passes

If you’re recreating in Washington, chances are you’ll need one of these four main passes:

Discover Pass

America the Beautiful Pass

National Park Annual Pass

Annual Northwest Forest Pass

Keep in mind: This is not an exhaustive list of all the passes and permits in Washington. Additionally, there are a few different rules for camping and a few permits or passes you’ll need for seasonal activities. However, this list is a great way to get started and will likely meet most of your needs.

So, let’s break it all down so you can support your public lands and explore Washington with confidence.

Two great-horned owls sit side by side on a tree branch and looking intensely and directly at the camera. — Great horned owls are among the birds living in our state parks, including Sun Lakes - Dry Falls. Photo: Ron Brokaw

Discover Pass

Use for: State lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW)

What it covers: Day-use parking

Cost: $10 (day pass), $30 (annual); Vendor fees may apply

Where to buy: Discover Passes are available at discoverpass.wa.gov, or from licensed vendors. Some state lands have pay stations where you can buy a pass when you get there.

How to display: Enter your license plate number (you can use this pass in up to two different vehicles) and then display the pass on the dash of your car or hang from the rearview mirror. If you ride a motorcycle, keep your Discover Pass with you so it doesn’t get lost. Instead, you’ll need to write down your number on a fee envelope from the ranger’s station or check in kiosk and put that on your dash.

Discounts

Washington State Parks offers discounted passes for foster families, disabled veterans, low-income seniors and individuals receiving disability benefits. A special off-season discount camping pass is available for seniors.

Free lifetime passes are available for veterans with some service-related disabilities. You must apply for these passes, and you’ll need to show ID when using your pass. These passes are only valid in Washington state parks, not on DNR or WDFW lands.

You can also check out a Discover Pass for free with your library card at most Washington libraries. Ask your librarian about the Check Out Washington program.

Camping on state lands

State Parks

You don’t need a Discover Pass to park when you’re camping in a state park. Your camping reservation/receipt is your “pass.”

For more information, find your chosen park’s webpage or contact our Information Center – we're here to help!

DNR

You will need a Discover Pass to camp on DNR lands. DNR has campgrounds and dispersed camping. Learn more.

WDFW

You will need a Discover Pass to camp on WDFW lands. Except where posted, dispersed camping is generally allowed on WDFW lands. Display your Discover Pass, and follow rules and regulations, including Leave No Trace.

Mount Rainier with sunset alpenglow from behind a ridge. — Entry to Mount Rainier National Park requires an individual national park pass or America the Beautiful pass. Photo: Meryl Lassen

America the Beautiful Pass

Use for: Federal lands, including national parks, national monuments and national forests

What it covers: Entrance and parking on all federal recreation lands managed by the National Park Service (NPS), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army of Corps of Engineers

Cost: $80 (annual)

Where to buy: Online, from a licensed vendor or at a national park entrance

The America the Beautiful pass is linked to a passholder, not a vehicle. You’ll show your pass and your ID when entering national parks.

Discounts

There are several discounts available to qualifying visitors:

Senior Annual Pass, for U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old, $20

Senior Lifetime Pass, for U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62+ years old, $80

Military Annual Pass for current U.S. military and dependents, free

Military Lifetime Pass Gold Star Family members and veterans, free

Access Pass for U.S. citizens and permanent residents with permanent disability, free

4th Grade Pass for U.S. 4th graders, free

Volunteer Pass for federal recreation site volunteers with 250 service hours, free

Learn more here.

A deer in the foreground with snow capped mountains in the background. — If you want to spend most of your time in one national park (like Olympic National Park, pictured here), the annual national park pass is for you. Photo: Meryl Lassen

National Park Annual Pass

Use for: One national park or park group

What it covers: Good for entry into a single park or park group for one year from the month of purchase; This is a great option if you like to make repeat visits to the same national park

Cost: Varies by park, park group; $55 for either Mt. Rainier National Park or Olympic National Park

Where to buy: Online on the national park’s webpage or at the national park’s entrance.

The National Park Annual Pass is linked to a passholder, not a vehicle. You’ll show your pass and your ID when entering national parks.

A scenic photo of a series of lakes in a bowl with some snow and blue sky. — Many backpacking destinations like these lakes off I-90 only require a Northwest Forest Pass. Photo: Meryl Lassen

Northwest Forest Pass

Use for: U.S. Forest Service lands in Washington and Oregon, but not at national parks or at USFS lands in other states.

What it covers: Parking at any USFS parking lot or trailhead in Oregon and Washington.

Cost: $30 (annual)

Where to buy: Online, from a licensed vendor or at a USFS office

A tent on a rock overlooking a turquoise lake. — Depending on where you want to camp on federal land, you may need a reservation or permit. Photo: Nathan Starr

Camping on federal lands

Sometimes, you’ll need a special permit or reservation to camp on federal lands. Dispersed camping, campgrounds, cabins and other overnight options on USFS lands, including some wilderness areas, may require reservations or backcountry permits. Use the NPS and USFS websites to find destinations and plan your trip.

Some areas limit the number of campers per night. These areas are usually for backpacking or dispersed camping and may have quotas or advance lotteries to distribute permits. This helps control how many people are camping in sensitive areas. These permits and lotteries are managed on recreation.gov. For details on backcountry permits, see this this blog from Washington Trails Association.

Trees and raccoon — This Hope Island raccoon hopes we were able to help you figure out which outdoor passes to get.

What passes are right for me?

Generally speaking, the passes you need depend on the adventures you want to take and how often you’ll take them.

If you want broad access to all federal and state lands – including all national parks and Washington’s state parks – a Discover Pass and America the Beautiful Pass might be right for you.

If you only plan on visiting your local state park but also love going to Mt. Rainier, you could consider a Discover Pass and an annual pass for Mt. Rainier National Park.

If you love hiking into the backcountry through Washington’s sprawling national forests, the Northwest Forest Pass might be all you need.

Whatever adventure you find yourself on, remember to have fun, be safe and leave no trace.