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.
Mount rainier timed entry
For summer 2024, Mount Rainier National Park is piloting a timed entry reservation system that aims to improve the visitor experience by reducing wait times, congestion, and other impacts during the busy summer months. Here’s a brief look at what to expect:
- Reservations are required from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily May 24-Sept. 2 for the Paradise Corridor and July 4-Sept. 2 for the Sunrise Corridor.
- Reservations are for a designated 2-hour entry slot and must be booked for the specific corridor that aligns with your plans.
- A portion of timed entry reservations will be released in batches 90 days in advance, with another portion released at 7 p.m. the night before for next-day travel.
- A reservation covers one personal or rental vehicle and is in addition to the park entrance fee or park pass.
- Reservations are only available through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Exceptions for reservations include:
- Entry reservations are not required for other areas of the park, including Carbon River or along state highways 410 and 123 to Chinook Pass and Ohanapecosh.
- Visitors with in-park lodging reservations at the Paradise Inn, National Park Inn, or Cougar Rock Campground can enter the park after 1 p.m. on the first day of their reservation and throughout their stay.
- Visitors traveling on foot or by bike.
- Visitors with climbing permits, wilderness permits, or any other special-use permit.
- Visitors entering before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
- Visitors entering the park with a tour.
Helpful Resources:
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 for navigating Washington’s ferries:
- Secure reservations when possible. Two popular Salish Sea 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. Purchase your tickets online or when you arrive at the terminal.
- Although vehicle reservations are not required, they are strongly recommended, especially during summer. Limited stand-by space is available.
- 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 secure reservations for your return trip.
- Reservations are also encouraged for the Victoria, BC–Port Angeles crossing with Black Ball Ferry Line and the Alaska–Bellingham ferries.
Peak travel is generally Memorial Day through Labor Day, as well as weekends and holidays. If arriving without a reservation, expect a wait. You can also boost your odds of securing a space by traveling as a walk-on passenger. Be aware that delays and cancellations can happen.
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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).
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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. If you’re planning to camp at a walk-up or first-come campsite, make sure to have a backup plan in case it is full. Twenty-six Washington State Parks now also accept same-day reservations if your plans are flexible.
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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