With 124 state parks, five state recreation areas and three national parks, Washington is an outdoor paradise. Ranked among the top five in the country, Washington’s state parks offer everything from eye-popping beaches to scenic hikes to pristine lakes begging for swimmers and boaters. One park even made the travel guide expert, Fodor’s, list of the top ten state parks in the United States. If you are looking to explore, take advantage of these senior discounts to visit the top Washington state parks.
Senior Citizen Limited Income Pass
The senior citizen limited income pass is good for a 50% discount on nightly camping or moorage and includes free watercraft launching, trailer dump and day-use entry. Valid year round. To qualify, you must be a Washington state resident, 62 years and older, with a yearly adjusted gross income of $40,000 or less. If you are married, your spouse’s income must be included. Applicants who own property must also meet the requirements for a property tax exemption under the Revised Code of Washington 84.36.381. This pass is valid for five years and can be used year round. Senior Citizen Limited Income Pass Application (PDF or Word document)
Off-season Senior Citizen Pass
This pass offers free nightly camping or moorage from Oct. 1 to March 31, and Sunday through Thursday in April. There is a $10 per-night fee for utility sites. Passes are available for $75 for Washington state residents 62 years and older. Washington State Resident is defined as a resident of Washington State for at least the past three consecutive months. Dual-state residency will not be considered.
Off-season Senior Citizen Pass Application (PDF)
Disability Pass
The disability pass is offered to Washington state residents who are legally blind, profoundly deaf, developmentally disabled, or who meet the disability definition used by the U.S. Social Security Administration. The pass is good for a 50% discount on nightly camping and moorage including free watercraft launching, trailer dump and day-use entry. The pass is valid year round and is available for one-year (short-term disability) or five-year (permanent disability) periods.
Note: A Permanent Disability Parking Permit, issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing, also entitles you to the 50% disability discount on camping and moorage and waives the trailer dump, boat launch and day use entry fee. Simply show your license plate or issued wallet card along with matching ID directly to the park ranger. Combined 1- and 5-Year Disability Pass Application (PDF or Word Document)
Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass
Disabled vets can receive free camping or moorage and campsite reservations through the State Parks central reservations system plus watercraft launching, and trailer dump and day-use entry. The pass is valid year-round and offered to Washington state residents with a documented service-connected disability of at least 30%. The pass holder must provide proof of identification when checking in. Lifetime Disability Pass Application (PDF or Word Document)
Discovery Pass
For $30, the Discovery Pass allows unlimited access to any Washington state park, primitive recreation site, designated water and land recreation areas and natural and wildlife areas. The pass is valid for one year and is displayed on your vehicle’s the rearview mirror. (The pass can be transferred between two different vehicles.) No senior discounts apply.
Washington’s Most Visited State and National Parks
Every year over 40 million people visit a Washington State or National Park. Here is a list of the most visited parks:
- Olympic National Park – Over 3 million yearly visitors
- Deception Pass – Over 2 million yearly visitors
- Mt. Rainier National Park – Over 1.5 million yearly visitors
- Cape Disappointment State Park
- Steamboat Rock State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
- Birch Bay State Park
Washington’s Top Reviewed State Parks on Trip Advisor
Here are the top ten Washington State Parks that received the best reviews on Trip Advisor:
- Point Defiance State Park – Tacoma
- Lime Kiln State Park – Friday Harbor (San Juan Island)
- Moran State Park – Orcas Island
- Deception Pass State Park – Whidbey Island
- Fort Warden State Park – Port Townsend
- Cape Disappointment State Park – Ilwaco (Olympic Peninsula)
- Fort Casey State Park – Coupeville (Whidbey Island)
- Palouse Falls State Park – Washtucna (Eastern Washington)
- Peace Arch State Park – Blaine
- Riverside State Park – Nine Mile Falls (Spokane)
Methodology
Hello Krystof compiled a list of the ten top Washington state parks using lists from the following sources: Trip Advisor, the Matador Network, All Trails.com, Washington Trails.com, Only in Your State.com and Vacation Ideas.com. A state park would receive a point for each list they appeared on. In addition, data from Washington State Parks indicating the most visited areas was taken into account with parks listed receiving an additional point. Points were tabulated and