Pacific Northwest / August 18, 2022

Which WA Hiking Pass Do You Need?

What Passes Are There?

There are several passes in Washington State; the question is, which one do you want?

I'll discuss the benefits, and differences between each pass, which passes offer discounts, and who gets them, so you know which pass benefits you and your family.

  • Discover Pass
  • Northwest Forest Pass
  • America The Beautiful Pass

Check out my Guide to Hiking in Washington State here

Discover Pass 

Annual Pass - $30
Day Pass - $10

The Discover Pass will get you into every state park in Washington. If you're looking to hike with kids or squeeze in a short hike after work, I suggest getting the Discover Pass simply because there are several state parks scattered throughout Washington, making it easy to jump on a trail in no time at all! They also offer some easier hikes, which are great for kids! There are also several free days where you can get into these parks free - get the list here

One Discover Pass is transferable between two vehicles: the license plates will be on the pass, but the pass can only be used on one vehicle at a time. You will hang the pass from your review mirror and can buy the day pass or season pass here.

Discounts:

  • The Discover Pass reduces or waives payments for camping, moorage, watercraft launch fees, and day use for limited-income senior citizens, disabled veterans, foster parents, and people with disabilities. You can get more information about the discounts here.

Northwest Forest Pass

Annual Pass - $30
Day Pass - $5

The Annual Northwest Forest Pass is valid for access to federal land in Washington and Oregon only. If you purchase America the Beautiful Pass, you will not need this pass as all of the parks are covered under the America the Beautiful Pass, but state parks are not covered, so be sure to get the Discover Pass.

Here is a list of where Northwest Forest Pass covers:

Get more info on Hiking Lake 22 here

America the Beautiful Pass

 
This pass covers admission to all national parks, national forests and grasslands, national monuments, and national wildlife refuges. If you want to visit either national park in Washington, Mount Rainier, or Olympic, you will need this pass - these parks have some of the more iconic trails in Washington, like the Wonderland Trail.
 
You can purchase these at national park entrances or online. Get the full list of recreation areas here.
 
Discounts: 

Check out My Guide to Mount Rainier National Park here

Conclusion

If you're looking to hike a lot, I suggest getting the Discover Pass and America the Beautiful Pass - this will give you access to all state land (Discover Pass) and federal land (America the Beautiful Pass).

If you think you'll hike 1-2 times a year, I would recommend getting day passes; this will be cheaper overall. A day pass for hiking on national forest lands is $5 and state lands is $10. It costs $25/car to enter Mount Rainier or Olympic National Parks, and that will get you in for a week. Sometimes you can purchase these at the trailhead, but I wouldn't rely on that; try to buy online before you go to secure your spot. You do not want to pay a fee for not having a pass; it's not cheap.

Don't forget to check out the fee-free days but remember, these days are much busier so plan ahead and get there early. Get the list of fee-free days here

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Laura