Outdoor adventure begins at your local library with Check Out Washington

Washingtonians can explore the outdoors when they check out a special Discover Pass from their local library

OLYMPIA – Aug. 12, 2025 – Your library card is also your key to checking out adventure on state-managed recreation lands, thanks to the Check Out Washington program.

Last year, Check Out Washington Discover Passes were borrowed from libraries across Washington more than 9,000 times.  

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Parks Foundation and WSECU are proud to come together again this year and provide 500 Discover Passes to 176 libraries in 15 library systems around the state.

Library card holders can check out these free, special-edition Discover Passes for a week at a time. The pass provides day-use parking on lands managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Some libraries also have Adventure Packs available for check out with the passes. These shoulder bags are loaded with a set of three laminated pocket guides about Washington trees, wildlife and birds and a pair of high-quality binoculars.

“Spending time outside does so much good for our physical and mental health," said State Parks Director Diana Dupuis. “But we know cost can be a barrier to accessing nature. This program helps remove that barrier, allowing more people to experience our parks – some for the first time. It’s exciting to know so many people are using this program to find refuge, build connections and make memories in nature. I’m grateful for this partnership and that we’re able to continue providing these opportunities.” 

Some libraries also have Adventure Packs available for check out with the passes. These shoulder bags are loaded with a set of three laminated pocket guides about Washington trees, wildlife and birds and a pair of high-quality binoculars.

You can get an Adventure Pack with your Discover Pass at the following libraries:

• Bellingham Public Library
• Ellensburg Public Library
• Fairchild
• Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries
• JBLM Libraries
• King County Library System 
• North Central Regional Library  
• Pierce County Library System
• Spokane County Library District 
• Spokane Public Library
• Tacoma Public Library 
• Timberland Regional Library 
• Whatcom County Library
• Washington Talking Book & Braille
• Yakima Valley Libraries

To find a participating library near you, visit the Check Out Washington website, or contact your local library for more information.  

“We're excited to partner with State Parks, WSECU and libraries across the state to keep Washington's amazing parks accessible to everyone,” said John Floberg, Washington State Parks Foundation Executive Director. “Check Out Washington removes financial barriers by providing free passes and Adventure Packs to families who need them most. As costs go up, programs like this ensure no family gets left behind when it comes to enjoying our beautiful state parks.” 

The Check Out Washington program continues to increase access to public lands for individuals and families who might not have resources to buy a Discover Pass. It’s a chance for people new to the outdoors to get to know their state parks and recreation lands.

The program originally launched in 2019 as a partnership between State Parks and the Washington State Library with seed money and program development from the Foundation. In 2022 the program expanded to include all libraries in the state, and the State Legislature began to fund two passes per participating library. That year, the Foundation purchased binoculars for the Adventure Packs and secured a sponsorship from WSECU for the program. 

“WSECU continues to invest in Check Out Washington because we want everyone to be able to create memorable visits to our incredible state parks,” said Ann Flannigan, WSECU’s Vice President of Public Relations. “The extras in the Adventure Packs, such as binoculars and guides, help enhance the experience. And, of course, it’s all available for free to check out at a participating library.”

In 2023, WSECU increased its sponsorship to reach 500 passes and Adventure Packs. The increased funding helped the program concentrate resources in communities with the greatest barriers to outdoor recreation, which corresponded to some of the highest health disparities in the state. 

Program materials have since been translated into Spanish, Somali and Mandarin. 

View the Check Out Washington media toolkit here.

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About Washington State Parks

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.

About Washington State Parks Foundation

Washington State Parks Foundation is a statewide, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving, protecting and advocating for Washington’s spectacular state parks. The mission of the Washington State Parks Foundation is to ensure a vibrant and inclusive Washington State Parks system for generations to enjoy. We engage, expand, and sustain a broad base of supporters who give to, advocate for and treasure Washington’s 124 state parks.

About WSECU

WSECU is a not-for-profit credit union open to all Washington residents with a special emphasis on serving those who embrace the values of giving, sharing and supporting their communities. WSECU has 320,000 members, 25 branches, and $5 billion in assets. It commits 4 percent of its annual net income to invest back into the communities it serves through partnerships with education and other nonprofit institutions.