Skamania County
Home MenuContact Information:
Skamania County Public Works
PO Box 1009
Stevenson, WA 98648
(509) 427-3910
publicworks@co.skamania.wa.us
Boat Launches
Boat Launch News:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Skamania County Announces Updated Boat Launch Permit Process and Fee Structure
CLICK HERE FOR A PDF OF THIS RELEASE
December 17, 2025 — Stevenson, WA
Skamania County is implementing updates to its boat launch permitting process to better manage facility capacity and maintain safe, fair access to county launch sites. These changes include revised permit fees, updated guide pass rules, and new requirements aimed at improving operations at both Drano Lake and Home Valley.
All 2026 permits will go on sale Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
Updated Permit Fees
Annual
- Skamania County Resident Pass:$20
- Non-County Resident Pass:$40
- County Guide Service Pass:$300
- Valid at Drano Lake and Home Valley launch sites
- Requires proof of a Washington State Business license with a Skamania County address
- Non-County Guide Service Pass:$500
- Valid only at the Drano Lake Boat Launch
- No out-of-state guide permits will be sold at this time.
- Requires a valid Washington State Business license
Temporary
- Daily Pass:$10
- 3-Day Pass:$20
Guide Pass Requirements
In-County Licensed Guides
The annual in-county guide permit fee has increased to $300.
- Valid at both Home Valley and Drano Lake facilities
- Guides must coordinate and communicate off-site parking arrangements for clients
- Must present a valid Washington State Business license showing a Skamania County address
Out-of-County Licensed Guides
The annual out-of-county guide permit fee has increased to $500.
- Valid only at the Drano Lake Boat Launch
- Out-of-county guides are not permitted to use the Home Valley facility until further notice
- Guides must coordinate and communicate off-site parking for clients
- Must present a valid Washington State Business license
- No out-of-state guides may purchase launch permits at this time.
*Guide passes may be purchased online or at the Skamania County Annex Office during regular business hours (Mon–Thu, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.).
Skamania County has updated the County Ordinance related to the enforcement of these passes. You can expect increased enforcement in 2026. These changes will continually be evaluated to ensure we allow the most use within the facility's capacity. We appreciate your patience as we work through these changes and evaluate the needs.
Contact
For additional information, please contact:
David Waymire
davidw@co.skamania.wa.us
Public Works / Community Development Director
Skamania County
(509) 427-3910
Skamania County Boat Launch Applications
EFFECTIVE AFTER 12/30/2025 - 8:00am:
PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU APPLY: - Once you have submitted your completed application and payment through CloudPermit your pass will be issued within the following three business days.
All Daily and 3-Day permits will be sent via email to the email address provided on your application. All Annual permits will be provided with a temporary permit valid for two weeks sent to the email you provided on your application to allow time for your annual permit to be sent in the mail to the mailing address provided on your application.
Please call the Public Works office if you have any questions: 509-427-3910 or email permitcenter@co.skamania.wa.us
Skamania County Courthouse Annex hours of operation.
Monday-Thursday
7:30am - 5:30pm
Please be advised that WA State Discovery Passes and Natural Investment Permits are not a valid boat launch permit at Wind River or Drano Lake.
- Infractions not related to launch permit requirements shall be one hundred three dollars ($103.00), including any assessments.
- Violations for not obtaining the county annual, daily and three-day permit shall be one hundred three dollars ($103.00), including any assessments.
- Violations for not obtaining an out-of-county annual permit shall be one hundred three dollars ($103.00), including any assessments.
- Violations for not obtaining a commercial guide service permit shall be four hundred dollars ($400.00), including any assessments.
- In the case of juveniles under eighteen years of age violating any provision of this section, the offender will be referred to the juvenile court for appropriate action.
Use the below button to register for your account and apply online: