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The Discover Pass helps support and sustain Washington's beautiful public lands. Learn more about the ways purchasing a Discover Pass preserves our state's outdoor legacy.
The Washington State Legislature and Governor created the Discover Pass in 2011 to replace tax revenue no longer available for public lands. The Discover Pass is the main source of funding for Washington State Parks and provides important resources for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources.
When you purchase a Discover Pass, you aren't just buying a parking pass — you’re helping care for public lands. 100% of Discover Pass revenue directly supports trail upkeep, facility improvements and habitat protection.
Your fees allow us to preserve historical sites, maintain trails and campgrounds, look after forest health, remove invasive species and protect endangered ones, and work to make the outdoors welcoming for everyone.
You’re making a difference.
Conservation and stewardship
Your pass purchase helps Washington’s public lands management agencies protect rare plants and wildlife as well as the last of the state’s lowland old growth forests. Ecosystems across the state provide habitat for rare plants or animals and support fragile ecosystems that are in danger of being lost forever.
Climate resilience and sustainability
Your purchase helps us address the impact of environmental changes like coastal flooding, erosion, increasing droughts and wildfires. We're working to reduce our carbon footprint and prepare our lands for these changes — ensuring access to them now and into the future.
Supporting local communities
Visitors travelling to visit state lands support businesses like restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations along the way. Our lands draw people from various areas to contribute to local economies during their journey. State land agencies have dedicated staff that are essential to the preservation and maintenance of Washington’s natural spaces. Our employees are connected to and rooted in their local communities.
Public access and equity
Buying a Discover Pass helps make sure everyone has access to the outdoors today and for generations to come. The Everyone Outdoors program provides local groups who face barriers to outdoor access the opportunity to apply and receive free annual Discover Passes. The Check Out Washington program places physical passes at public libraries around in the state that can be checked out for free. There are also passes for foster families and disabled veterans.