Who’s who of public lands

State parks, national parks, national forests — there are so many places to recreate in Washington and that’s kind of why we love it here. While we’re all united by our love of the outdoors, each of these places are unique in jurisdiction and management. Before your next adventure, know where you’re going so you know what pass you need and who to reach out to if you need support.

State Parks – that’s us!

Full name: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Managed by the State of Washington
125 parks reaching every corner of the state
Pass to visit: Discover Pass
Learn more

Other state-managed lands – our partners

Full name: Washington Department of Natural Resources
Managed by the State of Washington
More than 160 recreation sites and 1,200 miles of trail
Pass to visit: Discover Pass
Learn more

Full name: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Managed by the State of Washington
Dozens of wildlife areas and hundreds of water access areas around the state, offering fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and other recreational opportunities
Pass to visit: Discover Pass
Learn more

National Parks

Managed by the U.S. National Park Service within the Department of the Interior, federal agencies
Three in Washington: Mt. Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic
Pass to visit: America the Beautiful, National Park Annual Pass
Learn more

National Forests

Managed by the U.S. Forest Service within the Department of Agriculture, federal agencies
Seven in Washington: Colville, Gifford Pinchot, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Olympic, Okanogan-Wenatchee and Umatilla
Pass to visit: Northwest Forest Pass or American the Beautiful for trailheads that require a parking pass
Learn more

National Monuments

Managed by several federal agencies, including the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Military
Three in Washington: Hanford Reach, Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, San Juan Islands
Pass to visit: Passes vary depending on where you’re going and what you’re planning to do. Check with the location you plan to visit before heading out.