Choosing the Right Hiking Pass
By Susan Elderkin, Washington Trails Association
What pass will you need this summer to park at your favorite trailhead?
If the recent passage of a new user fee for Washington state recreation lands has you scrambling to figure out which passes you’ll need this summer, you’re not alone.
Most hikers don’t consider which agency manages the place where they are planning to go for a weekend day hike. Federal land or state land? National forest or national park? National wildlife refuge or state wildlife area? Most people don’t know all of the land jurisdictions, and many don’t care.
Well, plan for a tutorial as you determine which recreation passes to purchase and which one you will need at the trailhead. The Washington Trails Association Web site has up-to-date information about all of the recreation passes. WTA’s Recreation Pass Info page explains the difference between an America the Beautiful Interagency Pass, a Northwest Forest Pass, the new Discover Pass and more, including what they cover and what they cost.
The Recreation Pass Info page has the facts. Now what if you have questions? What if you can’t decide which passes you’ll need and want some help? Then you’ll want to peruse our What Pass Do I Need Q & A.
Finally, how about that Discover Pass? It’s good news that state parks and recreation areas in Washington will remain open this year (without the Discover Pass many were likely to be shuttered). But it’s another pass to have to figure out, and it will be required starting July 1. We’ve attempted to demystify some of your questions in WTA’s Discover Pass F.A.Q. We don’t have all of the answers yet (like where to buy the passes), but as soon as the agency lets us know, we’ll be adding them to this page.
It is never fun to drive to a trailhead only to find out you don’t have the correct pass and there is nowhere close to buy one. If you do a little planning this spring, your hikes this summer will be all that much more enjoyable.
Susan Elderkin
Susan Elderkin is the Web editor at Washington Trails Association, www.wta.org, susan@wta.org.
