Trailhead Passes in the PNW
Picket’s Range, WA photo by Meghan Young
List compiled by: Amanda Lipke
When planning a hike, backpacking trip or a road trip to a new destination one of the big questions is what pass do you need to access an area? The PNW encompasses multiple states in the US and parts of Canada as well. So to help make your planning a little easier we did some legwork and complied a list for you!
Keep reading to find out about the common passes used in the PNW, areas they can access and where to purchase them. We hope you utilize this guide when planning out your next big adventure!
USA National Parks/Forests:
America The Beautiful Pass:
Covers entry fees for 133 parks in the USA. Good for the card owner +3 adults (not to exceed 4 adults. Kids under 16yrs are free)
This pass also works with the following agencies (meaning this pass can be used at any of the trailheads on land managed by the following agencies aka ONE PASS TO RULE THEM ALL):
National Park Service
U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Bureau of Land Management
Bureau of Reclamation
U.S. Army Corps of Engineer
To get your own ‘America the Beautiful’ pass, you can purchase them online, by phone at 1-888-275-8747 (ext 3), in person at a federal recreation site, or from REI.
The pass is normally good for 1 year (some exceptions apply). There is a breakdown of costs for different groups here:
https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm
Northwest Forest Pass:
Honored at all Forest Service operated recreation sites in Washington and Oregon where a day use fee is required.
A $30 year pass is good for 2 members/cars in a household
Available online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../r6/passes-permits/recreation/...
**If you have the America is Beautiful Pass you DO NOT NEED a Northwest Forest Pass**
WASHINGTON
Discover Pass:
Covers lands managed by Washington State Parks, Natural Resources and Fish & Wild Life.
Available to purchase for a single day or for a year. The year pass is good for 2 members/cars in a household.
Purchase online, when you renew your car tabs, at a recreational license vendor (anywhere you would buy a fishing or game license), certain retail stores, State Park headquarters or staffed office, or by phone 866-320-9933
Washington Sno-Park Permit:
Sno-Park permits cost $40 and are available for purchase online from Nov. 1 through April 30. Sno-park permits are non-refundable. Sno-Park permits are required to park at all Sno-Parks between Dec. 1 and March 31 for winter recreation activities.
In addition to the seasonal permit, a special groomed sticker which costs $40 is required to park at Crystal Springs, Easton Reload, Fields Spring, Hyak, Lake Easton, Lake Wenatchee, Pearrygin Lake and Mount Spokane. The special groomed sticker is not required with the daily Sno-Park permit, even on these properties.
Please note: You need a one day or annual Discover Pass when visiting these WA DNR winter trailheads: All Ahtanum State Forest locations (Whites Ridge, Ahtanum Meadows, Red Saddle) and Rattlesnake Trailhead.
https://parks.state.wa.us/134/Sno-Park-non-motorized-Permits
OREGON
State Parks Permit:
There are 25 state parks that require a parking pass. If you want a day pass you can purchase them on site or buy a year pass for $30.
https://store.oregonstateparks.org/
Oregon Sno-Park Permit:
This annual Sno-Park Permit (November 1 - April 30) is needed from November 1st-April 30th. The yearly cost is $25. It can be transferred from one vehicle to another. You can use an Oregon Sno-Park permit in California and Idaho as well. Check out the website below for more details.
https://www.oregon.gov/.../vehicle/sno_park_permits.aspx
IDAHO
State Park Permits:
Is just $10 for Idahoans, per vehicle, per year! This includes unlimited access to every state park in Idaho and covers boat launch fees in the state park as well. These are non-transferable and a separate pass is needed for each car. It will expire when your tabs expire.
Out of state passes may be purchased for $40 per year as a Motor Vehicle Entry Fee.
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/idaho-state-parks.../
Park and Ski Pass:
An annual pass costs $25 which covers any of the 17 Park N’ Ski areas across Idaho. This includes over 180 miles of groomed and ungroomed trails for skiers or snowshoers in Idaho. Upon purchasing, skiers and snowshoers can designate which park they would like to have receive their fee. This gives permit purchasers an opportunity to help make improvements to an area of their choice. Additionally, annual permits are good at Park N’ Ski areas in Oregon due to a reciprocity agreement.
https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/.../park-n-ski-in.../
CANADA
Discovery Pass:
Unlimited yearly admission to over 80 National Parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. There are different fee structures based on the number of people in group/car-click link below to see which is the right one for you!
https://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/.../decouverte...
Questions, comments, concerns? Let us know in the comments below!