Hikers: We’ll pay to use state lands

It’s something highly unusual for a State Capitol used to tax protests, but hikers are descending on Olympia Wednesday to say they want to pay a proposed fee to use state recreation parks and forests.

“State recreation lands, from Mount Si to Deception Pass State Park, will have to close their gates this summer if the Legislature does not act soon to authorize a new sustainable funding source to manage these important places,” said the Washington Trails Association, organizing “Hiker Lobby Day.”

The outdoor activists are asking lawmakers to approve a Discover Pass, a $30 annual vehicle fee to access recreation lands managed by State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.