Washington is genuinely detector-friendly at the state-park level — 30+ parks, including 62 miles of ocean coast — but it runs on a register-first system with clear tool and depth limits. Here’s how to do it right.
At a glance
| State parks | Depends Detecting is permitted in designated portions of 30+ state parks after registering with State Parks; a Discover Pass is required, and archaeological finds may not be removed. |
|---|---|
| State & public land | Restricted Chapter 27.53 RCW makes it unlawful to remove, alter, or excavate any archaeological resource or site on state, county, or municipal land or waters without a permit (civil penalties up to $5,000). |
| Beaches | Depends Beach detecting is permitted in designated State Parks areas including the 62-mile Seashore Conservation Area, under the same registration and rules. |
| Local & federal | Depends City and county parks set their own rules (not covered by the State Parks program); federal land under ARPA. |
*Even where detecting is allowed, archaeological/historic sites are protected and you must fill holes and follow posted rules. Always confirm the current rule with the specific land manager.
Metal detecting in Washington state parks
Washington State Parks (Parks and Recreation Commission) allows metal detecting under WAC 352-32-235, but only “within specified portions of approved state parks as posted for public reference” — 30+ parks, in developed public-use areas and unoccupied campsites depending on the park. You must first register online with State Parks, comply with all posted rules, and carry a Discover Pass. Tools are limited to ice picks, screwdrivers, and probes no wider than 2 inches plus sand scoops (max 6″×8″, half-inch perforations, sand surfaces only); holes are capped at 6 inches deep and must be refilled and restored. Any item that is or appears to be of historical or archaeological significance may not be removed and must be reported to park staff.
Washington’s antiquities law
Chapter 27.53 RCW (Archaeological Sites and Resources) makes it unlawful to knowingly remove, alter, dig into, excavate, damage, or destroy any historic or prehistoric archaeological resource or site — or remove any archaeological object — on state, county, or municipal land or waters without a permit, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation.
Beaches, local rules & federal land
Washington is coastal, and beach detecting is permitted within the State Parks program in designated areas, including the state-managed Seashore Conservation Area (62 miles of coastline), under the same registration and WAC 352-32-235 rules; archaeological finds still may not be removed. City and county parks set their own rules and aren’t covered by the State Parks program, while RCW 27.53 protections apply on all public land. See our national guide.
Sources
Official and statutory sources this page is based on (last verified July 2026):
Once you’ve confirmed where you’re allowed to hunt, LuckyFind helps you make the most of it — track your route on the map, log each find with its location, and remember exactly which spots you have permission for. Free for iPhone and Android.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you need to register to metal detect in a Washington state park?
- Yes. State Parks requires you to register first (via the online Metal Detecting form) and comply with posted regulations, and a Discover Pass is required for park access.
- Can you keep an old coin or artifact you find in Washington?
- You may keep small contemporary items like modern coins, but any item that is or appears to be of historical or archaeological significance may not be removed and must be reported to park staff immediately (WAC 352-32-235). Removing archaeological resources also violates RCW 27.53.
- Is beach detecting allowed on the Washington coast?
- Yes, in designated State Parks areas including the Seashore Conservation Area, under the same registration requirement and WAC 352-32-235 rules. Sand scoops are permitted on sand surfaces within the size limits.
Find more, remember where
Download LuckyFind — free for iPhone and Android — to track your routes, log your finds, and keep your permitted spots organized.
