Discover Pass

A Discover Pass is the parking pass for Washington state parks, and you need one to park at Saint Edward State Park. It costs $10 for one day or $45 for a year, and it covers everyone in the car. You can buy it at the park's automated pay station. People who walk or bike into the park don't need one.

What the Discover Pass Is

The Discover Pass is a vehicle parking pass for land run by three state agencies: Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. One pass lets you drive into all of it, from Saint Edward on Lake Washington to parks on the coast and in the mountains.

• One-day pass: $10.
• Annual pass: $45. It is good for one year from the date you buy it, and you can move it between two vehicles.
• Who it covers: everyone riding in the car that displays it.

Where to Buy One

• At Saint Edward: the park has an automated pay station. It prints a paper pass on the spot with no transaction fee.
• Online: at discoverpass.wa.gov or through the Department of Fish and Wildlife's WILD system. You can print a temporary pass to use the same day. Transaction fees apply.
• By phone: (866) 320-9933. Fees apply.
• With your car tabs: add an annual pass when you renew your vehicle registration with the Department of Licensing. No transaction fee.
• In person: at about 600 fishing and hunting license dealers around the state. Dealer fees apply.

If you buy a $10 day pass and like the day, you can upgrade it to an annual pass for $35 more at any state park or at State Parks headquarters.

How to Display It

Hang the pass from the rear-view mirror facing out, or lay it face up on the dashboard. A car parked at Saint Edward without a pass can get a $99 citation.

When You Don't Need a Pass

• You arrive without a car. Walking or biking into Saint Edward is free.
• It is a free day. The 2026 Discover Pass free days were Jan. 1, Jan. 19, March 9, March 19, April 22, June 6 and 7, June 19, Aug. 9, Sept. 26, Oct. 10 and Nov. 11 (Veterans Day). Free days don't cover rented facilities such as the Grotto.
• You hold a State Parks discount pass, issued to Washington residents who are disabled veterans, foster parents, seniors with limited income or people receiving disability benefits.
• You have a permanent disabled parking placard issued by Washington State. Temporary placards don't qualify.

The Pass and Saint Edward's Rentals

Renting the Grotto, the Orchard picnic area or the Nun's Garden doesn't include parking. The Grotto's rental page says every vehicle must display an annual or daily Discover Pass. See hours and fees for rental rates.