Sammamish State Park to cost $30 for access

If your thinking of visiting Sammamish State Park for a picnic, swim or launching your boat your gonna pay. As of July, 1st 2011 visitors to any Washington State Park will have to pay $10 a day or you can buy an annual vehicle pass for $30. The fine for not displaying the pass is $99 According to a recent article in the Seattle Times

"The pass will be required for access to state parks and other lands managed by the state. That includes boat launches, heritage sites, wildlife areas and trailheads managed by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources."

The fee is a result of the Washington State's budget woes. The goal is to make the State Parks self-funding. Many think that this plan will fail. If your considering visiting one of the many trails and parks in Washington State you can purchase a annual pass online or at one of the many license vendors near you.