Washington State Parks Headquarters

Jesse Ray

Embarrassment of an agency, just like the rest. After Washington restricted access to STATE PARKS (public property) during COVID, I requested a refund for my discover pass the state prevented me from using. I was offered a refund, which I accepted. The State Parks Communications Director Anna Gill told me the administrative cost to refund me would cost more than the refund itself, and the agency does not have enough funding to refund the public for they took without providing services (ie. theft). So to recap: The state prevented the people from enjoying the outdoors, because of health/safety... ? Meanwhile the state accepted payment for the ability to enjoy PUBLIC lands and subsequently restricts access. I requested and was offered a refund, and then was later refused my refund by the "Communications Director" Anna Gill, representing the State of Washington. Anna's response: "Most of our passholders purchase them because they support and value our state parks, and a $3 refund would not be worth the impact it would have on the system as a whole." Dear Anna: Thanks for letting me know other users consider their purchase a "donation" and not a required cost to enjoy public lands. The reality is I would be ticketed for enjoying a state park without a discover pass. I purchased a discover pass to enjoy public property. You accepted my money, and subsequently refused to provide service- the definition of theft. It doesn't matter if its $3 or $300, theft is theft. Just remember, Washington state prevented the people (under threat of arrest) from using and enjoying public lands, because of a virus that cannot exist without a host. Wal-mart and Costco are some of the largest warehouse operations in the world. They were never closed by the State of Washington, but the public forest is apparently way too dangerous to let the people recreate.

SHELLEY KANTOLA

I only wanted a Discover Pass! I live in the area, so I knew I could save time and $5! I went to the Tum Parks bldg, where I “discovered” a sign on the door that said I’d need an appointment to to come into the bldg. So I called the number from my car in their parking lot & I got a recording saying I could leave a message & get a callback! So I left the message at 10am. I got home around 2pm & no call back. So I called them. (I really didn’t want to have to order it online & pay $5 more and wait 7-14 days to get it) I Was put on elevator music and a recorded voice every 20-30 seconds saying they’ll answer me in the order that my call was received!🤨 That went on for quite a while! So after 54 minutes😵‍💫I hung up, went online and ordered the dang thing… Sent them a cordial but strongly worded email about their nonexistent customer service skills & should try to fix that! Oh well! I’m sure they won’t care & I’m getting my dang Discover Pass.. (in 7-14 days)….

Laurel Barb

I love Conconully and made our reservation in December. Before you go into the park now, there is a sign that says a full park will be a closed park. No one was wearing a mask when in close contact anywhere in Conconully. And the park was overly full. No ranger was seen, ever! A large group moved in with about 10 dogs between them and would not put any on a leash or tie out. Harassing my dogs to the point that we decided to leave a day early. Park hosts were very old and could hardly walk! I have been coming there since I was a kid and have never seen such lax rules!

Tsar Bedelia

The online reservations system is great! Love that many parks have photos of each campsite with maps. Fees and costs are very reasonable given that time outdoors is priceless. Thanks to all who maintain the reservations system and public lands so that we have access to them. - A taxpayer and Washington State resident.