Check Out Washington | WA Secretary of State

Check Out Washington is a collaboration between the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington State Library to allow individuals to “check out a state park” without paying the parking fee. The Washington State Legislature funds the cost of the Discover passes for public libraries.

Participating libraries allow individuals to check out a Discover pass which allows free entrance into state parks and other state owned land for a week. Some participating libraries also check out a branded backpack which contains a pair of binoculars, a pamphlet guide to Washington Trees, another pamphlet guide to Washington Birds together with a state map listing all the state park locations. Click for downloadable versions of the Washington State Parks Map and the Department of Natural Resources Map.

Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) is the program's newest partner. The Washington State Parks Foundation secured a sponsorship from the credit union that funded the purchase of more than 400 additional passes. The Foundation then collaborated with WSECU, Parks, and the Washington State Library to create new adventure packs to enhance the exploration and enjoyment of state parks.

The additional passes were distributed to libraries in communities that data show experience the greatest environmental health disparities and would benefit from free access to outdoor recreation. These libraries are: