Editor: Madison Pearson sfcc.madison.pearson@gmail.com
Features
The Communicator 05.17.2018
The Washington State Discover Pass hangs in the owner’s rearview mirror and guarantees easy parking on all state recreation land.
Discover Washington
How the Washington State Discover Pass gets citizens closer to nature. Madison Pearson
The Communicator The benefit of living in Spokane is that the citizens are just a few steps away from a plethora of nature. The Discover Pass was created by the Washington State Legislature and Governor in 2011 and has helped the state parks offset steep tax reductions, according to the Discover Pass website. Once the pass is placed on a vehicle’s rear view mirror, the owner is free to park on state recreation land without worry. The Washington State Parks and Rec website says that the pass gets the owner into over 100 state parks, 700 water access points, and over 350 campgrounds in state.
Each pass purchase supports lands and facilities run by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. “It was such a good purchase,” said Jennifer Kim, a local hiking enthusiast. “It gives me incentive to get out more often.” Kim frequents Riverside State Park for the local hiking trails as well as the camping grounds in the area. “It’s so convenient,” Kim said. “And the price is a steal.” The pass costs $35, is valid for an entire calendar year, and can be used on up to two license plates. “When I heard about it I knew that it would be worth whatever the price was,” she said. “I never have to worry about whether or not I’ll come back to a ticket.” Washington’s State Parks host a number of events every year that require parking on state grounds, the pass allows participants to park worry free during their event. The Dirty Dash is an event that is held in Riverside State Park every summer in the ORV area. Anyone with a Discover Pass can park there and enjoy their event without spending an extra $11.50 on one day parking. www.communicatoronline.org
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Madison Pearson | The Communicator
The pass can be purchased online on the Discover Pass website or at over 45 retailers in Spokane County including The General Store and most Walmarts. “It’s worth it if you go into the state parks more than twice a year,” said Brigid Kane, local pass holder. “It’s one of my favorite pieces of gear.” Kane recently took a roadtrip across the state and used her Discover Pass along the way. “It’s gotten me into so many beautiful places that I wouldn’t have gone otherwise,” she said. “Beacon Rock along the Gorge was definitely a highlight.” The Discover Pass is an outdoor enthusiasts ticket to all of the nature that Washington has to offer.
For more information:
www.discoverpass.wa.gov
To purchase a pass go to:
www.store.discoverpass.wa.gov