Boating

The Port of Ridgefield owns the boat launch and charges a fee for its use, which is standard for similar publicly owned facilities. These fees are part of our operating revenues, which fund operations and maintenance of the boat launch and other public assets maintained by the Port district.

If you don’t have a mobile phone, you can pay the ticket fee later when you have access to a computer. The fee will be equivalent to the cost of a daily pass. 

An app is not required, as web browsers can also be used. However, using the HONK app (annual use passes) and the Flash app (for daily passes) will simplify the process. 

No, there is not a physical pass. The pass will be tied directly to your vehicle’s license plate.

The system modernizes the pass system while reducing the time and resources required from Port staff to manage these processes. By using digital tools, we can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the user experience.

The updated system is designed to enhance convenience, sustainability, and overall user experience while ensuring better management of the boat launch and parking areas. Key benefits include:

• Convenience and Flexibility: Users can purchase daily and annual passes online or via their smartphones, eliminating the need to visit the Port office or mail in a check.
• Paperless System: Payments and passes are linked directly to license plates, reducing the need for physical tickets or hangers. This makes the process more sustainable and eliminates the risk of lost or damaged passes.
• Improved User Experience: The ability to pay for parking using QR codes or text messages simplifies the process, especially for those accustomed to smartphone-based payments.
• Streamlined Enforcement: A contracted enforcement firm ensures compliance, keeping parking areas and the boat launch well-managed.

Yes, you can have up to two license plates per pass. This can be done in the HONK app.

No, annual passes are exclusively available for Ridgefield residents. Non-residents can purchase daily passes at the boat launch. However, if you are a commercial fisher, you may purchase a commercial pass, which is available to both residents and non-98642 residents.

Yes, if you sell Pikeminnow fish to the Pikeminnow Program, you are eligible for a commercial pass. Please upload receipts from the program when registering.

If you don’t have access to a computer, please contact the Port office at 360-887-3873 for alternative methods to obtain your pass.

There is no limit. We kindly ask that Ridgefield residents not purchase passes on behalf of non-residents. This helps ensure passes remain available for those in our community.

We encourage non-motorized watercraft users to utilize the designated kayak launch at the end of Division Street. However, if you need to use the main boat launch with a trailer, you are required to purchase a launch pass. If you require ADA accommodations, please contact the Port office at 360-887-3873, and we will provide you with a complimentary daily pass.

If you replace your vehicle or update your license plates, the Port staff can update your pass information accordingly. Please contact the Port office for assistance.

The Port does not retain or download your proof of residence. The system we use is PCI & SOC2 compliant, ensuring secure handling of your information. Once we have processed your pass, we archive the information. Your proof of residence is not stored, and we do not keep any personal documents on file.

To enhance security, Port staff actively monitor the boat launch and verify QR codes. However, like any payment method, no system is entirely risk-free. If you prefer not to use the QR code, there is also a text-to-pay option available.

Please note that your pass purchase confirmation will not come from the Port of Ridgefield’s email address. Instead, you will receive an email directly from HonkMobile, the official pass provider. Be sure to check your inbox (and spam folder) for your confirmation.

The Port of Ridgefield owns the boat launch. The launch, parking area, and restrooms were originally constructed by the City of Ridgefield, and the City deeded it to the Port in a property swap in the early 2000s. The Port retains ownership and continues to maintain the launch, parking, restrooms and other public facilities at the boat launch today.

Yes. In accordance with federal ADA Accessibility Standards, the boat launch has three ADA parking spaces: two ADA car spaces and one ADA 40-foot boat trailer parking space.

There is a graveled area along Pioneer Street that is Port-owned and used for overflow parking when the paved parking lot is full. Boat launch passes are still required if you’re using overflow parking.