Washington has over 140 state parks, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, and boat launches up and down the coast. To park at any of them, you need a Washington State Discover Pass. This guide covers the price, where to buy it, 2026 free days, and everything else you need to know before your next trip.
Quick Reference
Price: $45 per year or $10 per day (as of October 1, 2025)
What You Get: Access to 100+ state parks, 700 water access points, 2,000 miles of trails, and 350+ campgrounds
Where to Buy: Online here, REI, or 600+ license vendors statewide
Free Days 2026: Jan 1, Jan 19, Mar 9, Mar 19, Apr 22, Jun 6 to 7, Jun 19, Aug 9, Sep 26, Oct 10, Nov 11
What Is the Washington State Discover Pass?
The Discover Pass is required for motor vehicle access to recreation lands managed by three Washington state agencies: Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
As of October 1, 2025, the pass costs $45 per year or $10 for a single day. It is valid for one year from the date of purchase (not a calendar year), and it is transferable between two vehicles though it can only be used on one at a time.
Is the Discover Pass Worth It?
Use this quick breakdown to figure out the right option for your trips this year.
| Your Usage | Best Option | What You Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 visits per year | Day passes ($10 each) | $10 to $40 total |
| 5 or more visits per year | Annual pass ($45) | Pass pays for itself at visit 5 |
| Every weekend | Annual pass | Save $475+ vs. day passes |
Planning 5 or more visits this year? The annual pass pays for itself.
Where to Buy the Discover Pass
The easiest way is online. You get a digital pass emailed to you instantly and can print or display it right away.
You can also pick one up in person:
- REI and most sporting goods stores
- 600+ license vendors across the state
- Any Washington State Parks office
- Add it when renewing your vehicle registration
- Order by phone: 866-320-9933
When you buy through our link, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep creating free Washington adventure guides.
Free Days in 2026
Washington offers several free days each year when no pass is required for day use. These do not apply to overnight camping.
2026 Free Days:
- Thursday, Jan. 1: New Year’s Day and First Day Hikes
- Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Monday, Mar. 9: Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday
- Thursday, Mar. 19: State Parks 113th Birthday
- Wednesday, Apr. 22: Earth Day
- Saturday to Sunday, Jun. 6 to 7: Free Fishing Weekend
- Friday, Jun. 19: Juneteenth
- Sunday, Aug. 9: Smokey Bear’s Birthday
- Saturday, Sep. 26: National Public Lands Day
- Saturday, Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day
- Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Free days are great for sampling state parks. But if you are planning more than a few visits, the annual pass at $45 is a much better deal.
Can You Get a Free Discover Pass?
Yes, through two programs.
Volunteer and Earn a Pass
If you volunteer with state agencies like DNR or WDFW, you may qualify for a free annual Discover Pass. It is a good way to give back to Washington’s public lands while getting year round access at no cost. Learn more at discoverpass.wa.gov.
Borrow One From Your Library
Many Washington public libraries let you check out a Discover Pass with your library card. It is a great option if you only need it for a weekend trip or want to try it before committing to the annual pass. Check with your local branch for availability.
6 Things to Know Before You Use It
- Display it on your windshield. Hang the pass from your rearview mirror or place it on the dashboard. It must be visible from outside your vehicle.
- It covers two vehicles. Write both license plate numbers on the pass. It can only be used on one vehicle at a time.
- It runs one year from purchase. Not a calendar year. It starts the day you buy it.
- Vehicles with trailers need a pass. If you are towing a boat trailer, horse trailer, or any recreation gear, the towing vehicle must display a valid pass.
- Walking, biking, and paddling in are free. The Discover Pass is for motor vehicles only. If you access state lands on foot, bike, horse, or by boat, no pass is required.
- It does not cover Sno-Parks or federal lands. Winter Sno-Parks require a separate permit. National Parks, National Forests, and BLM land require either park-specific fees or an America the Beautiful Pass.
Fine for no pass: $99 (sometimes reduced to $59 if you show proof of purchase within 15 days)
Great Places to Use Your Discover Pass
A few standouts worth building a trip around:
Deception Pass State Park
Dramatic suspension bridges, tide pools, and sweeping views of the Salish Sea. One of the most visited parks in the state for good reason.
Flaming Geyser State Park
Natural methane seeps, easy trails, and a wide spot on the Green River that kids love for wading.
Riverside State Park
Spokane’s backyard wilderness. Trails wind through basalt formations along the Spokane River, with options for horseback riding and OHV use.
Fort Worden State Park
A historic Army post turned arts campus on the north tip of the Olympic Peninsula. Beach access, a lighthouse, and a marine science center.
Twin Falls at Olallie State Park
One of the best waterfall hikes in the state, just 45 minutes east of Seattle. Accessible, dramatic, and worth every trip.
Seaquest State Park
The closest campground to Mount St. Helens. Perfect basecamp for the Johnston Ridge Observatory and Ape Cave.
Dash Point State Park
Sandy beaches, old growth forest, and easy camping close to Tacoma and Federal Way.
Patterson Lake
A quiet Eastern Washington gem near Twisp. Calm water, kayaking, fishing, and almost no crowds.
Other Passes Worth Knowing About
The Discover Pass covers Washington State managed lands only. If you are also visiting federal lands, here is what you will need.
America the Beautiful Pass ($79.99 per year)
This federal pass covers entrance fees at all U.S. national parks and federal recreation areas. In Washington, that includes Olympic, Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and San Juan Island. One pass covers the pass holder plus all passengers in a single vehicle for a full year. If you visit more than two national parks annually, it pays for itself.
Northwest Forest Pass ($30 per year)
Required for trailhead parking at many sites in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Olympic National Forests. If you hike on national forest land in Washington, you need this one. Day passes are available for $5 at most trailheads, but the annual pass is the better deal if you go more than a handful of times.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Washington Discover Pass cost?
As of October 1, 2025, the annual Discover Pass costs $45. A single day pass costs $10. The price increased on October 1, 2025, up from $35 for the annual pass.
Can I use one Discover Pass on two cars?
Yes. The Discover Pass is transferable between two vehicles. Write both license plate numbers on the pass. It can only be used on one vehicle at a time, not both simultaneously.
Does the Discover Pass work at Olympic National Park?
No. The Discover Pass covers Washington State managed lands only. National Parks like Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades require a separate America the Beautiful Pass or individual park entrance fee.
How long is the Discover Pass valid?
One year from the date of purchase. It is not tied to a calendar year, so if you buy in April, it runs through April of the following year.
What is the fine for not having a Discover Pass?
The standard fine is $99. In some cases it can be reduced to $59 if you show valid proof of purchase within 15 days.
Can I get a refund on a Discover Pass?
Generally, no. Discover Passes are nonrefundable. Make sure you are ready to use it before purchasing.
Do I need a pass if I walk or bike in?
No. The Discover Pass is for motor vehicles only. If you access state lands on foot, by bike, by horse, or by non-motorized boat, no pass is required.
Where can I find a list of Discover Pass free days in 2026?
See the full list in the Free Days section above. Washington typically designates around 10 to 11 free days per year, including New Years Day, Earth Day, Free Fishing Weekend, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
Ready to Explore Washington?
The Discover Pass is your year round key to over 100 state parks, 700 water access points, and thousands of miles of trails across the state. Buy once, explore all year.
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Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.