Hiker Headlines: Discover Pass cost increase; Chinook, Cayuse passes reopening; St. Helens, Smokey Bear license plates

It’s May 22. The cost of an annual Discover Pass will increase to $45 in October. Cayuse and Chinook passes are opening for the season this week! WTA is hiring for two new positions. And, the governor signed the new budget — as well as bills that authorize two new license plates that hikers might be excited about. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The cost of an annual Discover Pass, required at the trailheads of state-managed lands, will be increasing in October. Photo by Anna Roth.

Discover Pass: This October, the cost of an annual Discover Pass — which pays for parking at lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — will increase from $30 to $45. 

Mountain passes reopen: Cayuse Pass (SR 123) and Chinook Pass (SR 410) are expected to reopen for the season Friday, May 23! Please note that even when the passes open, there may still be snow on the road, and there will likely be snow on the trails nearby. Be prepared with snow gear if recreating in the area. 

WTA is hiring! We have recently posted two new positions: 

• We are seeking a full-time trail crew leader in the Central Puget Sound area. The crew leader’s primary responsibility is to lead single and multiday work parties in the Central Puget Sound region. The position will be based out of the North Bend Ranger Station. The priority application deadline is May 30. 
• We are seeking a part-time human resources coordinator. The coordinator will help foster a positive and productive work environment by bringing a thoughtful, process-minded approach to documentation, workflow and team support. The priority application deadline is June 3. 

Governor signs budget: Hikers’ work during the legislative session has paid off. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed the operating, capital and transportation budgets into law on Tuesday. The new operating and capital budgets invest in new trails and maintain existing funding for state lands. Thanks to all those who help advocate for trails in our state — especially the 153 hikers who joined WTA in Olympia on Hiker Rally Day to talk with their state representatives about funding for state lands and the 700 hikers who amplified that message by emailing their representatives during the legislative session.

New license plates: Two new license plates will be available for Washingtonians soon! Gov. Bob Ferguson has signed bills that authorize the Smokey Bear and Mount St. Helens license plates. Proceeds from the Smokey Bear license plate will fund the Washington Department of Natural Resources’ wildfire prevention efforts, and proceeds from the Mount St. Helens license plate will go toward education and stewardship at Mount St. Helens. 

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