Kayak Launch Fees In Washington State: What You Need To Know

do boat launch fees apply to kayaks in Washington state

Kayaking is a popular water activity in Washington State, with many launch sites available across the state. While registration and launch fees are required for most vessels in Washington, human-powered vessels like canoes and kayaks are generally exempt from these requirements. This means kayakers can often access the water without having to pay launch fees at most state parks and boat launches. However, there may be exceptions, such as at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, where a boat launch pass is required for all vessels. It is always a good idea to check the specific requirements and fees for the particular launch site you plan to use. In addition, while not always required, registering your kayak can provide additional benefits and peace of mind while enjoying the waters of Washington State.

Characteristics Values
Do boat launch fees apply to kayaks in Washington state? Yes, fees are charged year-round at Washington State Parks. However, human-powered vessels like kayaks are exempt from registration and titling requirements in Washington.
Fee Amount The daily fee is $7. Alternatively, a Natural Investment permit can be purchased for $80, which is valid for one year and covers day-use parking, watercraft launch, and dump stations.
Where to Purchase Fees can be paid at Washington State Parks or online through pay.gov for some locations.

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Washington State Park fees

In Washington state, most vessels must be properly registered and titled to legally go out on the water. This includes personal watercraft and motorized boats. However, human-powered vessels like canoes and kayaks are exempt from registration and titling requirements.

While kayaks are exempt from registration, there may still be launch fees associated with using them in Washington State Parks. The Washington State Parks department offers watercraft launch sites at over 40 parks across the state, and fees are charged year-round. The daily fee for launching a watercraft is $7. To save money, kayakers can purchase a Natural Investment permit for $80, which is valid for one year from the month of purchase and covers day-use parking, watercraft launch, and dump stations.

Additionally, some specific locations within Washington State may have their own launch pass requirements. For example, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area requires a boat launch pass for all watercraft, including kayaks. Visitors to Lake Roosevelt can purchase a weekly pass for $8 or an annual pass for $45. These passes can be purchased online or in-person at various vendors near the lake.

It's important to note that the registration and launch fee requirements may vary depending on the specific body of water and the managing authority. It is always a good idea to check with the local authorities or the Washington State Parks department for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding fees and permits.

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Registration requirements

In Washington State, most boats require a title, a registration card, and registration decals to be legally operated. Before taking your boat out, ensure it meets these requirements to avoid penalties. Most vessels must be properly registered and titled to legally go out on the water, from personal watercraft to motorized boats.

The following boats are exempt from registration and titling in Washington:

  • Human-powered vessels like canoes, kayaks, or other vessels with no motor.
  • Boats less than 16 feet with a motor of 10 horsepower or less that are never operated on federal waters.
  • Boats owned and operated by non-residents, as long as they are used on Washington waters for 60 days or fewer.
  • Military vessels, public vessels of the United States or American Red Cross, and vessels owned by a state/county/city for governmental purposes.
  • Vessels registered in another state for up to 60 days.

To register and title your boat in Washington, you must complete the process within 60 days of moving to the state or within 15 days if you are already a resident. You will need to submit a completed, signed, and notarized Vessel Title Application, along with proof of ownership and proof of sales tax paid. A check or money order made payable to the Department of Licensing is also required. Applications can be submitted in person or by mail to any vehicle and boat licensing office. Registration must be renewed annually.

Boat launch passes are required year-round at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Visitors can purchase a weekly pass for $8 or an annual pass for $45. The annual pass is valid from the purchase date until December 31 of the year printed on the pass. Washington State Parks also offer watercraft launch sites at over 40 parks, with a daily fee of $7. Alternatively, a Natural Investment permit can be purchased for $80, valid for one year and covering day-use parking, watercraft launch, and dump stations.

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Exemptions for kayaks

In Washington state, kayaks are exempt from boat registration and titling requirements, as they are classified as human-powered vessels with no motor. This means that kayakers are not required to pay boat launch fees at state parks or other public boat launch facilities.

However, it is important to note that some locations may still charge a general entrance or parking fee, which may apply to all visitors, including those launching kayaks. For example, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area charges a boat launch pass fee, which is required for all boats, including kayaks, and is valid for either a week or a year.

On the other hand, Washington State Parks offer watercraft launch sites at over 40 parks, and while they do charge a daily fee of $7, this fee is not specific to kayaks and applies to all watercraft launches. Additionally, kayakers can save money by purchasing a Natural Investment permit for $80, which is valid for a year and covers day-use parking, watercraft launch, and dump stations.

It is always a good idea to check with the specific location you plan to visit to understand their fee structure and any exemptions that may apply to kayaks or other human-powered vessels.

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Annual passes

In Washington State, annual passes are available for boat launch fees. These passes are valid for one year and can be purchased through the Natural Investment permit or directly from boat launch sites.

The Natural Investment permit is offered by Washington State Parks and provides access to watercraft launch sites at over 40 parks across the state. The permit costs $80 and is valid for one year from the month of purchase. It covers day-use parking, watercraft launch, and dump stations. This permit can be a cost-effective option for those who frequently use Washington State Parks for their kayaking or boating needs.

Alternatively, annual boat launch passes can be purchased directly from boat launch sites. For example, at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, an annual boat launch pass costs $45 and is valid from the purchase date until December 31st of the year printed on the pass. These passes are not eligible for any discounts and must be purchased in person at specified vendor locations. The annual pass allows visitors to launch their boats, including kayaks, at all Lake Roosevelt National Park Service boat launches without any additional fees.

It is important to note that the availability and cost of annual passes may vary depending on the specific launch site or region within Washington State. Some sites may offer different types of annual passes or include additional benefits with the purchase of the pass. It is recommended to check the official website or contact the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on annual pass options and pricing.

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Launch fees at Lake Roosevelt

Launching a boat at Lake Roosevelt requires a boat launch pass, which can be purchased either weekly or annually. An annual pass costs $45 and is valid from the purchase date until 31 December of the year printed on the pass. It must be purchased in person at one of several vendors, including Kettle Falls Harvest Foods, Fruitland Service LLC, Yoke's Fresh Markets, Fort Spokane Store and Restaurant, and Coulee Hardware.

A weekly pass costs $8 and is valid for seven consecutive days from the date of purchase. It can be purchased online through pay.gov via a computer or smartphone. Each boat launch bulletin board has instructions on how to pay the fees from a smartphone, as well as a QR link to the payment page. It is highly recommended to purchase the launch permit before entering the park due to limited cell phone coverage.

Both passes require the following information: name, address, email address, phone number, trailer license number and state, date of first use, Senior/Access pass number (if using a discount), and payment information. Accepted payment methods include debit or credit card, bank account (ACH), Amazon account, or PayPal account.

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area does not charge an entrance fee, and an entrance pass is not required to access the area. However, there are fees in place for camping and boat launching. The Recreation Fee Demonstration Program, passed by Congress in 1996, allows 80% of the fees collected at Lake Roosevelt to remain in the area.

Frequently asked questions

Kayaks and other human-powered vessels are exempt from boat registration in Washington. However, some parks and recreation areas may charge launch fees for all watercraft, including kayaks.

Yes, there are some places in Washington that do not charge boat launch fees, such as Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area.

Yes, some parks and recreation areas offer annual passes or permits that cover boat launch fees for a year. For example, Washington State Parks offer a Natural Investment permit for $80 that is valid for one year from the month of purchase and covers watercraft launch fees.

Yes, in addition to launch fees, some parks and recreation areas may charge parking fees or other usage fees. It's best to check with the specific location you plan to visit to understand all the fees that may apply.

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