WA State Discovery Pass vs Annual Moorage Permit? What do I need?-gctid805232

[tdcooper99]

Canadian resident here, but moored in Point Roberts so we spend most of our time in the San Juans. Need some advice from a WA state resident...

I'm looking at an annual pass to cover us for the Marine Parks this year, as we ended up spending quite a bit on just daily moorage passes last summer..... but I can't figure out if I need BOTH a Discovery Pass & the annual moorage permit or if the Discovery pass is for motor vehicles in mainland parks and the Moorage Pass is for the Marine State parks? Or... what if I don't bother with the buoys (since they are often all taken anyway) and just anchor? Does that mean I need the Discovery Pass then?

[Ruffryder]

A Discover Pass is still required to access lands managed by the Washington state departments of Natural Resources and Fish & Wildlife on these days

If you're using their dock or mooring ball, the annual moorage permit needed as well.

[Norton_Rider]

My understanding is that the passes are for the vehicles, not for the persons.

If you access the lands by water you need the moorage permit or you can pay as you go ashore at each place.

If you access the lands via a motor vehicle, you need a discovery pass.

[brad4550]

Hi Tyson

Ruffryder is correct you need the " Discover Pass " for camping on shore. If using dock or mooring ball or line tie you'll need just the "moorage"permit. If you just anchor out NO pass needed.

Big Note If at all possible please buy your "mooage Pass" at a state park,I get mine at Deception Pass that way the money goes into the state parks funds and not the general funds.

Good luck Brad

[Ruffryder]

All correct!

The Discover Pass is a motor vehicle permit only. You do not need the pass to access state recreation lands by boat or by non-motorized means (foot, horse, bicycle, etc.). Motor vehicles used to transport recreation equipment, such as vehicles pulling horse or boat trailers, must display the pass. However, the trailers being towed that are carrying the equipment do not need a Discover Pass. Boaters will still need to pay for such services as moorage and waste-pumping.

[tdcooper99]

"Ruffryder" post=805257 wrote:
All correct!

The Discover Pass is a motor vehicle permit only. You do not need the pass to access state recreation lands by boat or by non-motorized means (foot, horse, bicycle, etc.). Motor vehicles used to transport recreation equipment, such as vehicles pulling horse or boat trailers, must display the pass. However, the trailers being towed that are carrying the equipment do not need a Discover Pass. Boaters will still need to pay for such services as moorage and waste-pumping.

Well... I guess I'm covered either way. On the basis of your initial reply to me I bought a Discover Pass... even though I will only be accessing the parks by boat. Whatever... it was $33.