Started July 1st, 2011, the Discover Pass took effect. The annual $30 pass ($10 day pass) is a fee for motor vehicle access to recreation lands and water-access sites managed by Washington State Parks and Recreation, WDFW and DNR. The areas affected include state parks, boat launches, campgrounds and some other stuff boaters don’t need to worry about.
Most boaters are exempt from all this. Moorage and buoy fees, registered campers and certain types of fishing licenses are all exempt. The pass (at this time) is required for land base vehicles.
The sticky part is boat launches. If you’re a registered camper and the site has a boat launch, you’re exempt however boat launch fees do apply if applicable. If you are there for just the day and not camping or there is no camping available, you will be required to have the pass in addition to any launch fees. Be sure to look for signs as most launch areas should be posted. There is a $99 fine for no pass posted on the towing vehicle if required.
Remember, this is for State Parks only. This does not affect County and City Parks and Boat Launches. So areas like Dockton in Quartermaster Harbor would not be affected, it’s a King County Park. Coulon Park in Renton is run by the city of Renton. Redondo or Alki boat launch would not be affected as they are run by their respective cities as well. Check your favorite launch site for more information.
Visit Discover Pass website for more informaiton.