Permits, Passes & Reservations
Permits, passes, and reservations are often required for popular activities in Washington. Many trailheads and recreation sites require some type of pass, while popular campgrounds and certain ferry routes also accept reservations.
Common Types of Passes
The type of land ownership, such as federal or state, the type of recreation, and the season will often determine what permit or pass is needed. Below, you’ll find some of the most common passes you might need during your trip. Please note this is not a complete list.
A Discover Pass is used for land and water sites managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Washington State Department of Natural Resources. These cover state parks and many campgrounds, as well as natural areas, wildlife areas, and trails. They are available to purchase as a day pass or an annual pass. Additional fees may apply for activities like camping and boating.
To access U.S. Forest Service land, multiple passes are available. Some of the most common include the annual America the Beautiful Pass, the annual Northwest Forest Pass, and the National Forest Recreation Day Pass and ePass.
From Nov. 1 – April 30, many recreation sites on state and federal land require a daily or seasonal Sno-Park Permit from Washington State Parks. You can purchase these permits online during the season or in person at one of these vendors.
Other Permits & Reservations
Beyond visiting public lands, there are other permits, reservations, and passes to be aware of when visiting Washington. From fishing licenses to ferry reservations, planning ahead is essential for a stress-free visit. Find helpful resources below.
Ferries
Many of Washington’s ferries ply the waters of the Salish Sea and are operated by Washington State Ferries. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, always check the requirements of your specific route in advance. Here are a few general tips:
- Secure reservations when possible. Two popular routes operated by Washington State Ferries accept vehicle reservations: Anacortes–San Juan Islands and Port Townsend–Coupeville.
- A vehicle reservation is not a ticket. It has no cost unless you don’t show up, in which case you’ll be charged a fee.
- Although vehicle reservations are not required, they are strongly recommended during summer. Stand-by space is limited.
- Plan to be in line at least 30 minutes ahead of your sailing time for most routes (45-60 minutes for Anacortes-San Juan Islands).
- Vehicle reservations are one-way. Make sure to book a return trip.
- Reservations are also encouraged for the Victoria, BC–Port Angeles crossing with Black Ball Ferry Line.
Peak travel is generally Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as weekends and holidays. If arriving without a reservation, expect a wait. Walk-on passengers do not need a reservation. Be aware that delays and cancellations can happen.
Helpful Resources:
Camping
Make camping reservations early whenever possible, especially from Memorial Day through Labor Day. State Parks open reservations on a rolling nine-month basis and reservations for popular sites can fill up quickly. New for 2025, State Parks is expanding same-day reservations to all its parks with reservable campgrounds.
Beginning March 24, 2025, campers can book a same-day reservation up until 2 p.m. on their intended day of arrival. This only applies to campground reservations, not roofed accommodations such as yurts.
First come, first served camping is still available for unreserved sites after 2:30 p.m. If arriving without a reservation, be prepared to have a backup plan in case spots are full.
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Hiking & Backpacking
Certain trailheads, wilderness areas, and backcountry areas may require a permit year-round or seasonally based on usage. Be sure to research where you are going and follow any permit or pass requirements.
Areas that require permits include Dog Mountain (seasonal), Ape Cave (seasonal), climbing Mount St. Helens, the Enchantments, Olympic National Park wilderness, Mount Rainier National Park wilderness and climbing permits, and Mount Rainier timed entry permits (seasonal).
Helpful Resources:
Fishing & Shellfishing
Washington’s ample waterways and abundant seafood make the state a popular destination for fishing and shellfishing. Everyone age 15 or older is required to have a license to fish or shellfish in Washington waters. Exceptions include fishing for common carp, crawfish, bullfrogs, or collecting relic shells. Those fishing for specific species such as salmon, halibut, or Dungeness crab must carry a catch record card. These cards must be returned to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, even if you didn’t catch anything.
You can order a license online, by phone at 360-902-2464, or in person at a license dealer. Be aware that licenses ordered online or by phone may take up to 10 days to receive.
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