Sno-Park permits needed soon on vehicles

OUTPAY – Mount Spokane State Park will soon make the transition from requiring Discover Passes on vehicles to Sno-Park permits.

Currently, vehicles must have a Discover Pass, which was authorized by the Washington Legislature to support the State Parks System and other state lands. The pass costs $30 a year.

Starting Dec. 1, vehicles accessing the cross-country skiing and snowshoer parking areas at Mount Spokane will be required to have Washington Sno-Park permits. The permits can be purchased from a variety of vendors such as Fitness Fanatics, Mountain Gear and REI, as well as online.

Sno-Park permits also must be on vehicles parking at other plowed winter recreation sites, such as Sherman Pass.

Park manager Steve Christensen said the Sno-Park program is a separate account in state recreation budgeting.

Season Sno-Park permits cost $40 for permits valid at most Sno-Park sites, including the hairpin turn snowshoer parking area at Mount Spokane.

However, a $40 “grooming sticker” must be added to the Sno-Park permit for vehicle access to the Selkirk Lodge parking area servicing the groomed cross-country trail system.

A single day Sno-Park permit is available for $20, but the Legislature left the state parks rangers with a strange rule to enforce. Those who purchase a one-day Sno-Park permit will also need a daily or annual Discover Pass in their vehicle to park at a Sno-Park area.

Customers parking at the Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park do not need a vehicle pass – but only when the resort is open and operating. The ski area has not announced an opening date.

Fourth-graders get pass

for Christmas tree

OUTCUT – Fourth-graders can get a free permit to cut a Christmas tree on Forest Service lands.

The federal Every Kid in a Park program encourages children to visit national parks, forests and public lands. Fourth graders can print out a paper voucher at everykidinapark.gov and take it to an area national forest office for a free permit.

Office locations and hours for the Colville National Forest are available at fs.usda.gov/colville. For the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, visit fs.usda.gov/ipnf.

For families without fourth-graders, tree permits are $5 each.

People cutting trees should be prepared for snow at high elevations, including dressing appropriately for the outing and packing emergency supplies.