Permits

1. Commercial Use Permit

   Commercial recreation providers (e.g., kayak adventures, bike tours) are required to register with Washington State Parks and obtain a permit in order to engage in commercial recreation use of state parks.

2. Discover Pass

   A daily or annual pass required for access to Washington state parks and recreation lands managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

3. Filming & photography permits

   Required for commercial filming and professional still photography at Washington state parks.

4. Moorage Permit

   Purchase an Annual Moorage Permit to save money, while enjoying the Washington waterways.

5. Motorized Trail Use Permit

   Permits currently on file with Washington State Parks for motorized use of long-distance trails.

6. Natural Investment Permit

   A daily or annual permit that allows watercraft launching, trailer dumping and day-use access at Washington state parks.

7. Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail Permit

   The 212-mile Iron Horse State Park Trail reflects State Parks’ long-term commitment to developing cross-state trails. It is part of an emerging multi-state trail system. Certain sections of the trail require permits.

8. Remote Controlled Aircraft

   State Parks allows the use of remote controlled aircraft, also known as drones or unmanned aircraft systems, on a limited basis. Permits are required for each instance of their use.

9. Scientific Research Permit

   The diverse resources within the Washington state parks system offer a variety of research opportunities. Conducting research in a Washington state park requires a research permit. To conduct research, survey, or collect any natural resource at a Washington state park, you must complete and submit the Scientific Research Permit Application. Before starting please read the application instructions. The form must be filled out in one session, and the instructions let you know the information you will need. A minimum of two weeks is required to process Scientific Research Permits, and an application fee is necessary to cover agency processing costs. Online Scientific Research Permit Application.

10. Sno-Park (snowmobile) Permit

    Find information on Sno-Park permits and snowmobile registration.

11. Sno-Park (non-motorized) Permits

    Find details on different types of non-motorized Sno-Park permits.

12. Special Activities Permit

    Washington state parks are great places to hold many activities, including company picnics, community festivals or events, scouting events, and organized recreational events such as adventure races and fun runs. This permit is needed for these types of group activities.