Check Out Washington
More than 400 new adventure packs and Discover passes at library systems statewide can help you explore state parks and other public lands
May 19, 2022 at 4:29 p.m.
"Check Out Washington" is a program to check out Discover passes and adventure packs to encourage people to visit Washington State Parks and public lands
You can reserve a limited-edition Discover Pass and adventure pack (adventure packs include binoculars, Washington guidebooks and more)
for a week at a time to experience day visits at Washington State Parks or lands owned by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources free of charge.
The Check Out Washington program started in 2019 as a pilot partnership between Washington State Parks and the Washington State Library, with founding money from the Washington State Parks Foundation. It was piloted in 39 libraries. Since then, the program has greatly expanded.
In 2020, the parks' foundation pledged two special passes for every library in Washington state that wants them. This latest program expansion will triple the capacity of the Check Out Washington program, prioritizing locations where it is needed most.
“We’re so pleased to be facilitating this team effort to expand the Check Out Washington program to encourage more first-time users,” said Washington State Parks Foundation executive director John Floberg. “The most exciting thing for me is to see this private-public partnership specifically focused on helping those across Washington who are least likely to be able to visit state parks.”
Floberg added that he was especially pleased that the adventure packs are made in-state by eqpd gear, a Twisp-based sustainable bag manufacturer and the binoculars were sourced by Washington-based Glazer’s Camera.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to expand Check Out Washington for more people who want to discover and explore Washington’s beautiful state parks,” said Washington State Librarian Sara Jones. “Libraries are among the heart of our communities, offering boundless resources to the public. Their participation in this program helps deepen their connection to the people they serve.”
Library users can reserve an adventure pack and pass for one week at a time with their library card. A list of 10 libraries participating in the expansion is available on the Check Out Washington website. Interested users can also contact their local library for additional information.
Without the Check Out Washington passes, visitors who park in State Park lands need to buy a Discover Pass. A regular one-day Discover Pass costs $10, plus a $1.50 transaction if purchased at a licensed vendor, by phone or online. Annual passes cost $30, plus a $5 transaction fee if purchased at a license vendor, by phone or online.
Please contact your local library to inquire about checking out the “Check Out Washington” adventure packs.
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