Washington Library State Park Pass: How to Borrow One

Updated 2026-09-04 · Free · No sign-up

Yes. Check Out Washington lets Washington library cardholders borrow a free state-park day-use pass. Verified against discoverpass.wa.gov, checked 2026-09-04.

At a glance

ProgramCheck Out Washington
What it coversA special-edition Discover Pass borrowed from the library, giving free day-use entrance to Washington State Parks and other participating state-owned recreation lands. Some libraries also lend an 'Adventure Pack' backpack with binoculars and Washington trees/birds guides plus a state park map.
How to borrowChecked out for one week at a time from participating libraries — 176 libraries across 15 library systems statewide currently carry 500 special Discover Passes; borrowed 9,000+ times in the most recent reported year.
Day-use cost otherwiseA standard Discover Pass costs $50.00/year (includes a $5 processing fee) or $11.50 for a one-day pass (includes a $1.50 processing fee).
Sourcediscoverpass.wa.gov · checked 2026-09-04

Worth knowing

A cooperative project between Washington State Parks, the Washington State Parks Foundation, the Washington State Library, and local public libraries; created to widen access for people who can't afford a Discover Pass.

How it works in practice

Passes circulate like books: a limited number per branch, usually one checkout per household, with holds allowed and loan periods of one to three weeks. Summer weekends empty the shelf first — place a hold early. And remember the pass covers day-use entry only; camping is a separate booking and fee everywhere.

Nearby & similar states

California · Colorado · Delaware · Florida — same situation (Statewide library programs). Or browse all 50 states.

↥ Check another state →   Browse all state park pass guides →

FAQ

Can I borrow a state park pass from a Washington library?

Yes — Check Out Washington circulates day-use passes through public libraries. Checked out for one week at a time from participating libraries — 176 libraries across 15 library systems statewide currently carry 500 special Discover Passes; borrowed 9,000+ times in the most recent reported year.

What does Washington state park entry normally cost?

A standard Discover Pass costs $50.00/year (includes a $5 processing fee) or $11.50 for a one-day pass (includes a $1.50 processing fee).. That's what each borrowed-pass visit saves.

Does the borrowed pass cover camping?

No — these programs lend day-use entry passes. Campsites, cabins and boat launches are booked and paid separately everywhere.

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