Discover Pass fee increase considered by WA legislature

OLYMPIA — Washington State Senate Bill 5390, which proposes to increase the cost of the Discover Pass and day-use permits, was the subject of discussion during a recent hearing before the House Committee on Appropriations. The bill aims to update fees that have remained unchanged since their implementation in 2011 and address a growing budget deficit in state recreational programs. 

The bill passed the Senate with a 29-20 vote. Senate Democrats voted in favor, with the exception of Sen. Adrian Cortes, D-Battle Ground. All Republican senators voted no. 

The Discover Pass, established by the Washington State Legislature and governor in 2011, is required to access to Washington's state recreation lands. It includes entry to over 100 developed state parks, 350-plus primitive recreation sites, nearly 700 water-access points, approximately 2,000 miles of trails, and more than 110 natural and wildlife areas. The pass was created to mitigate reduced tax support for state parks and facilities managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources. 

The charge for a Discover Pass now is $30, while a day-use permit costs $10. If passed, the new legislation would raise the fee for the Discover Pass to $45 and the daily permit fee to $15. Proponents of the bill argue that such adjustments are necessary to keep pace with inflation and ensure the sustainability of state parks and recreational facilities. 

At a House hearing, James King of Citizens for Parks and Recreation highlighted what he said was the necessity of raising fees. 

"This adjustment is essential for accounting for inflation since 2011 and ensuring our parks can continue to provide quality outdoor experiences," he said. "We expect to see an increase in revenue which will bolster the essential services our parks provide." 

As noted in the hearing, 84% of the revenue generated from the pass goes to the state parks account, with 8% allocated to both WDFW and DNR. However, the bill also proposes to increase the revenue threshold for equitable funding distribution from $71 million to $100 million, a move that has drawn criticism. 

Opponents of the bill express concern that raising this threshold would disproportionately affect the funding available to WDFW and DNR.  

“We support increasing the Discover Pass fee from $30 to $45, but we urge a more balanced revenue distribution. The bill’s current version shortchanges DNR and DFW by raising the threshold for equitable funding,” Kelly Jung, president of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club said. 

John Floberg, representing the Washington State Parks Foundation, echoed these sentiments and urged legislators to reconsider the threshold increase.  

"Moving the threshold goalposts puts equitable distribution definitely out of reach for all users. This will result in a 50% cost increase but a reduction in service for users on DNR lands," Floberg said. 

The fiscal analysis accompanying SB 5390 estimates an increase in revenue of approximately $15 million in the 2025-2027 biennium, with state parks expected to receive the majority share of that figure. However, the projected increase is overshadowed by the ongoing financial strain on these agencies. 

During the public testimony, Melissa Palmer, representing Friends of Shafer Lake State Park, communicated her concerns on the legislation.  

"The Discover Pass is a core component of the funding for the entire agency versus our sister agencies and the program that they have. We cannot afford to go backward," she said. "This adjustment would prevent us from slipping back into the financial crisis we faced in 2009.” 

Jeff Chapman, representing Back Country Horsemen of Washington, expressed his worry that the proposed changes "violate the original spirit of the agreement" set forth when the Discover Pass was established.  

Chapman requested a reconsideration of the distribution model that would ensure more balanced funding across all agencies responsible for managing state recreational lands. 

Despite the challenges presented by the bill, supporters emphasized its potential to sustain Washington state's recreation areas.  

"The Discover Pass has become a mainstay for maintaining our hundreds of recreation sites," said State Parks Legislative Director Brian Considine. "This is not just about one particular program; it’s about sustaining the entire state park system." 

The fate of SB 5390 and its potential impact on Washington’s recreational access remains uncertain. The bill was heard in the House on April 3.