Washington State Parks and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources have made changes in what passes are required to visit state winter recreation areas.
The changes affect whether a Sno-Park permit or a Discover Pass will be required to access state-managed winter recreation areas and Sno-Parks.
Visitors who have a current seasonal Sno-Park permit will not need to purchase a Discover Pass to visit a designated Sno-Park area between Nov. 1-March 31 for winter recreation activities.
A seasonal Sno-Park permit is $40. A one-day Sno-Park permit is $20. Some nonmotorized Sno-Parks require a Special Groomed Trail sticker for an additional $40.
An annual Discover Pass costs $30 and a day-use pass is $10. Transaction fees apply when purchased from a retail provider.
The Department of Natural Resources manages several winter recreation trailheads that are no longer part of the Sno-Park system, which is managed by State Parks. For these areas, visitors will need an annual or day-use Discover Pass at the following:
• Ahtanum Winter Recreation Areas in Yakima County
• Lily Lake in Chelan County
• Rattlesnake in Yakima County
• Manastash in Kittitas County (Visitors should note Manastash is not open this season due to storm damage from last spring.
In addition, those who purchase a one-day Sno-Park permit will also need an annual or one-day Discover Pass to visit the following locations:
• Crystal Springs Sno-Park
• Hyak Sno-Park
• Easton Reload Sno-Park
• Lake Easton State Park
• Lake Wenatchee State Park
• Fields Spring State Park
• Mount Spokane State Park
• Mount Tahoma Trail System (managed by DNR)
“We felt the opportunity for the public to be confused is high so we want to try and get the information out there proactively,” said Bryan Flint, director of communications and outreach for the Department of Natural Resources.
For more information
Discover Pass: Including where to purchase the pass, visit discoverpass.wa.gov or call toll free 866-320-9933.
Sno-Park permits: parks.wa.gov/winter, 360-902-8684 or send an email to winter@parks.wa.gov.
Non-motorized winter sports parks: wa.gov/winter/nonmotorparks.
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