Visitors will need non-motorized Sno-Park permits
OLYMPIA – Dec. 16, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission announced today that Pearrygin Lake State Park is the newest Sno-Park destination in Washington state for non-motorized winter recreation.
The Sno-Park designation for Pearrygin Lake State Park is a result of a $3,500 grant from the Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Advisory Committee to help pay for trail grooming, facilities maintenance and snow removal within Pearrygin Lake State Park for the 2015-16 winter season.
“The Methow Valley has become a focal point of the fat-tire bicycle phenomenon in the Northwest, and Pearrygin Lake is a great venue for this exciting activity,” said Rick Lewis, State Parks’ Okanogan Highlands Area Manager.
The popularity of fat-tire biking has brought added costs to the park, due to the increased need for grooming and snow removal. Those costs have significantly affected the park’s budget, which needed other funding sources to address rising costs. Fees from the Sno-Park permits fund State Parks’ Winter Recreation Program, which provides grooming, snow removal, sanitation, education and enforcement.
“Fat biking is good for the park, and it is good for the local community as the Methow Valley continues to grow its winter economy,” Lewis added.
In addition to fat-tire biking, snowshoeing and winter hiking are popular winter recreation activities at Pearrygin Lake State Park.
From Dec. 15 through March 2016, or as long as the snow lasts, visitors to Pearrygin Lake State Park will need a Non-motorized Sno-Park permit for vehicle access to the park and to use the trails. During the winter season, visitors will only need an annual $40 Sno-Park permit. No Discover Pass will be required. If people choose to use a daily $20 Sno-Park permit, they must also display an annual or daily Discover Pass.
For more information about the Sno-Park Permit requirements, contact Pearrygin Lake State Park at (509) 996-2370 or visit the Winter Recreation web page at: http://parks.state.wa.us/130/Winter-Recreation.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
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