Washington State Park Pass
The Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to all Washington state parks and recreation lands managed by WDNR and WDFW.
| Pass Type | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Discover Pass | $30 (online) / $35 (retail) | Valid for 1 year, covers all state parks |
| Day-Use Permit | $10 (online) / $11.50 (retail) | Single day at one location |
| Disabled Veteran | Free | With qualifying documentation |
| Foster Parent | Free | Valid for foster families |
Free Days: Washington offers 12 free Discover Pass days annually when no pass is required.
Parks by Region
Puget Sound & San Juan Islands
The most populated region offers stunning island and waterfront parks.
- Deception Pass State Park — Washington’s most visited park with dramatic bridge views and tidepools
- San Juan Island National Historical Park — Whale watching from Lime Kiln Point
- Fort Worden State Park — Historic military fort with beach access near Port Townsend
- Saltwater State Park — Urban beach park between Seattle and Tacoma
- Larrabee State Park — Washington’s first state park, with Chuckanut Mountain trails
Olympic Peninsula & Pacific Coast
Wild beaches, rainforests, and rugged coastline define this region.
- Cape Disappointment State Park — Lighthouse, Lewis & Clark history, and dramatic headlands
- Fort Flagler State Park — Secluded island fort with panoramic water views
- Sequim Bay State Park — In the rain shadow with sunny skies and kayaking
- Dosewallips State Park — River and Hood Canal access with mountain views
North Cascades & Mountain Parks
Alpine lakes, old-growth forests, and volcanic landscapes.
- Rasar State Park — Skagit River valley with eagle watching in winter
- Rockport State Park — Old-growth Douglas fir forest trails
- Lake Chelan State Park — Gateway to the Lake Chelan wilderness
- Pearrygin Lake State Park — Swimming and camping near Winthrop
Central & Eastern Washington
Sun-drenched canyons, basalt formations, and desert lakes.
- Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park — Dramatic ice age floods landscape with swimming
- Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park — Ancient petrified logs and Vantage Bridge views
- Palouse Falls State Park — Washington’s official waterfall, 198-foot drop
- Steamboat Rock State Park — Massive basalt mesa surrounded by Banks Lake
South Cascades & Columbia Gorge
Volcanic peaks, waterfalls, and river gorges.
- Beacon Rock State Park — Climb the second-largest freestanding monolith in the US
- Lewis and Clark State Park — Old-growth forest near Chehalis
- Seaquest State Park — Base camp for Mount St. Helens exploration
- Columbia Hills State Park — Petroglyphs and Horsethief Butte
Best Parks by Activity
Best for Hiking
- Deception Pass — 38+ miles of trails through forest and coastline
- Beacon Rock — 4,464-foot monolith trail with Columbia Gorge views
- Mount Spokane State Park — 100+ miles of alpine trails
Best for Camping
- Fort Worden — Historic buildings converted to vacation rentals
- Moran State Park (Orcas Island) — Mountain lakes and Mount Constitution summit
- Sun Lakes-Dry Falls — Desert canyon camping with swimming holes
Best for Water Sports
- Lake Chelan — Deep glacial lake with swimming and boating
- Pearrygin Lake — Warm-water swimming in the Methow Valley
- Steamboat Rock — Banks Lake kayaking and fishing
Best for Families
- Deception Pass — Easy beach walks and tidepooling
- Saltwater State Park — Urban beach with underwater dive park
- Sacajawea State Park — Lewis & Clark interpretive center and beach
When to Visit
| Season | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Wildflowers, waterfalls at peak flow, whale migration | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Warm weather, all parks open, best beach season | High |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fall colors, salmon runs, fewer crowds | Moderate |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Snow sports, eagle watching, storm watching on coast | Low |
FAQs
Do I need a Discover Pass for all state parks?
Yes, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to all state parks and WDNR/WDFW lands. It’s $30/year online or $10 for a single day.
Are Washington state parks open year-round?
Most parks are open year-round, though some facilities and campgrounds close seasonally. Day-use areas generally remain accessible.
Can I camp at Washington state parks?
Yes, many parks offer tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Reservations can be made through the state parks reservation system up to 9 months in advance.
Are dogs allowed in Washington state parks?
Dogs are welcome in most areas on a leash no longer than 8 feet. They are not allowed on designated swimming beaches.
Discover Washington’s 124 state parks — from rainforests to desert canyons and everything in between.
