Sunday, June 19, 2011

Discover Pass - Now Available (really!)

Update Sept 2011: The pass is still PER VEHICLE and a license plate number written on the pass is required.

For I-90 Hikes, you can purchase the pass at the Issaquah REI off I-90 in Issaquah.



 The Discover pass itself is unlike the semi-sturdy Northwest Forest Pass -- its a paper printout that you can place into a paper mirror hanger.

The cost was $33 (pass) + a dealer fee of $5.

Where the pass is needed:
More details from discoverpass.wa.gov:

The Discover Pass allows you to enjoy nearly 7 million acres of Washington state-managed recreation lands – including campgrounds, parks, wildlife areas, trails, natural areas, wilderness areas and water access points.

Beginning July 1, 2011, you will need to display the Discover Pass on your vehicle when visiting state recreation lands managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fine for not displaying the pass is $99.

The Discover Pass may be purchased :
  • At local REI Stores (click here)
  • Online
  • In person from any of nearly 600 recreational license vendors where state fishing and hunting licenses are sold.
  • By phone. Call toll-free (866) 320-9933.
  • When you renew your vehicle license. Beginning in the fall of 2011, you will be able to purchase the Discover Pass through the state Department of Licensing vehicle registration and tab renewal process. 
I know the WTA was behind the Discover Pass to stop the threat of state park closings, but its a bit of a shame we can't keep the parks fee-free.