After hearing about a potential fee, I went to the Tumwater office to ask about a yearly pass..

I spoke with the receptionist and a supervisor.

I was told that they were going to charge $5 for every vehicle entering the Pacific beaches..I asked how they would handle the traffic load during clam tides (I was hoping) and their response was.. $5,$5,$5

So I inquired about a certain park and told them I was going the next day. They told me I would have to pay $5 or purchase a pass.

So I purchased a yearly pass ($50) despite the fact that I only go to state parks 3 or 4 times a year, unless razor clams are open.

When I got to the park I asked a Ranger what they would do to handle the traffic back ups I envisioned. The ranger reminded me that the beaches are considered hi-ways and they can't charge for entering the beach. Then to top it off she told me that this was a fee free weekend to celebrate the State Parks birthday....

I was/am very disen-chanted by the State Parks service employees that failed to give me correct information, but I have the permit and have used it a couple times.

Just wait until the County and City Parks start a day use fee.