If you love exploring the outdoors and want to visit more than 100 state parks in Washington, you need to buy Discover Pass. Discover Pass is a vehicle permit that allows you to access millions of acres of state recreation lands, including state parks, water-access points, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, trails, and more. In this article, we will explain how to buy Discover Pass online, by phone, or in person, and how to use it properly.

Discover Pass is a vehicle permit that costs $30 for an annual pass or $10 for a one-day pass. It is required for motorized vehicle access to state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). You can use one pass for two vehicles, but only one vehicle at a time.

Buying Discover Pass is not only a legal requirement, but also a way to support the maintenance and operation of state recreation lands. The revenue from Discover Pass helps fund the state park system, which receives no general tax support. It also helps preserve the natural and cultural resources of Washington for future generations. By buying Discover Pass, you are contributing to the conservation and enjoyment of the state’s diverse outdoor recreation opportunities.

The easiest way to buy Discover Pass is online through the official website: https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/. You can purchase an annual or a one-day pass using a credit card or a debit card. You will receive an email confirmation with a printable receipt that serves as your temporary pass until you receive your permanent pass in the mail. You can also print your pass at home or save it on your mobile device.

If you prefer to buy Discover Pass by phone, you can call the Washington State Parks Information Center at 1-866-320-9933. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on state holidays. You can pay with a credit card or a debit card over the phone. You will receive an email confirmation with a printable receipt that serves as your temporary pass until you receive your permanent pass in the mail.

If you want to buy Discover Pass in person, you have several options. You can buy it at any of the state parks that have staffed booths or automated pay stations. You can also buy it at any of the WDFW or DNR offices that sell recreational licenses. Additionally, you can buy it at any of the authorized vendors that sell fishing and hunting licenses, such as sporting goods stores, convenience stores, or gas stations. You can find a list of vendors here: https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/133/Where-to-Buy. You will receive your permanent pass right away when you buy it in person.

Once you have your permanent pass, you need to display it on the front windshield or dashboard of your vehicle when you visit any state recreation land. Make sure the pass number and expiration date are visible from outside the vehicle. If you have a temporary pass, you need to write your license plate number on it and display it on the front windshield or dashboard of your vehicle. If you have an electronic pass, you need to write your license plate number and expiration date on a piece of paper and display it on the front windshield or dashboard of your vehicle.

Buying Discover Pass gives you unlimited access to more than 100 state parks and hundreds of other state recreation lands throughout Washington. You can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, picnicking, and more. You can also explore the rich history and culture of Washington through its heritage sites and interpretive programs. Buying Discover Pass also helps support the state park system and its mission to provide outdoor recreation and education for all.