Discover Pass now required

Washington’s new Discover Pass, required on vehicles accessing most state lands, might impact some sportsmen even though they get a parking permit when they buy their hunting and fishing licenses.

The Discover Pass, created by the 2011 Washington Legislature, is generally required for vehicle access to state lands, including state parks, campgrounds, boat launches, trailheads and wildlife areas.

An annual pass costs $35 (or $30 if purchased at a state park). One-day passes are $11.50 online, by phone or from retail hunting license vendors.

However, some exceptions apply.

Sportsmen who buy annual fishing and hunting licenses automatically get a Vehicle Access Pass that allows a rig to be parked on land and water sites managed by the state Fish and Wildlife Department.

This pass will suffice for hunters in most cases.

However, hunters who use state park facilities or developed sites managed by the Department of Natural Resources will need the Discover Pass.

Originally, state officials said the Discover Pass would be required for access to all DNR lands. But that has been modified recently to include only “developed” DNR sites and recreation areas, such as around Chopaka Lake in Okanogan County, Williams Lake Campground in Stevens County and Skookum Creek Campground in Pend Oreille County.

The Discover Pass cannot be transferred to more than one vehicle.

Details are online: wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/discoverpass