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As summer nears and schools wind down for break, families across Washington state are preparing for what has traditionally been the most affordable kind of vacation: time spent in the great outdoors.
Whether it’s a weekend camping trip, an afternoon of fishing on the lake, or a scenic drive through a state park, these moments are woven into the fabric of Washington life.
But for many working families, these once-accessible traditions are slipping further out of reach.
Washington is already the fourth most expensive state to live in. Yet, this year, the Legislature, led by Democratic majorities in the House, Senate and Governor’s Office, approved a series of increases in fees and taxes that impact outdoor recreation and everyday living.
These include hikes in hunting and fishing license fees, Discover Pass costs and gas taxes.
The Discover Pass, required for access to state public lands, rose from $30 to $45. Hunting and fishing licenses saw increases of up to 38%. And Washington, which already has the third-highest gas prices in the country, added another six cents per gallon to the gas tax with a 2% automatic annual increase. Fuel here now costs more than $1 per gallon above the national average.
This represents the largest cumulative tax increase in Washington’s history. And its effects are not abstract — they’re deeply felt by families who rely on affordable outdoor activities to unwind, recharge and reconnect. For many, a fishing trip or camping weekend isn’t just a leisure option — it’s the only vacation within reach.
The rising costs don’t stop there. Inflation is already straining household budgets from groceries to housing to child care. New policies have layered on even more, including a packaging tax that impacts grocery prices, an increased business and occupation tax on childcare and construction, and new taxes on health care providers — all of which get passed along to everyday consumers.
The total cost? The total costs to families and seniors are unknown due to the overwhelming regulations that will also have a financial impact on the cost of living. However, based on the tax increases, it is estimated that the average family of four will have to pay over $2,000 more a year just to maintain the same quality of life.
Families where both parents work multiple jobs are now forced to ask tough questions: Can we afford to fish this summer? Can we afford the gas to visit that park? Can we even get past the entrance gate? Can we afford food for the hike and picnic?
These policies create financial burdens and restrict access to experiences that benefit mental health, childhood development and community wellbeing. Nature isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Outdoor time lowers stress, fosters environmental stewardship and supports resilient, connected communities.
The outdoors belong to everyone. However, with increasing fees and taxes, access is slowly becoming a privilege rather than a right. At a time when we should be expanding opportunities for all Washingtonians to enjoy our natural spaces, we’re instead putting up financial barriers.
Washington's natural beauty is a shared treasure. Let’s keep it open, affordable and accessible to all, not just those who can afford to pay more.
We shouldn’t have to send so much "green" to Olympia to enjoy the Evergreen State.
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Rep. Peter Abbarno represents the 20th Legislative District in Southwest Washington and serves as the House Republican Caucus chair.
