Recreation Passes & Permits

Where are recreation day use fees charged? 

• List of recreation sites in Oregon and Washington where day use fees may be charged.
• Recreation passes are honored in lieu of payment.

To purchase online click on the "BUY" buttons. For more information click on the individual passes. 

What types of recreation passes are available and how do I decide?

Are there any Free Days? Fees are waived at Forest Service-managed day use sites to celebrate specific events.

Where does the money go? Recreation fee revenues make a difference.

How can I get involved? The Pacific Northwest Recreation Resource Advisory Committee provides recommendations concerning recreation fees.

~ Wilderness ~ Other

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Wilderness Permits

There are two types of entry permits required between the Friday before Memorial Day and October 31 for entering all wildernesses in the Deschutes National Forest.

• Free self-issue permits are required at all wilderness trailheads in the five wilderness areas on the Deschutes National Forest. The Central Cascades Wilderness permit process that was scheduled to be implemented in the spring of 2020 on the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests has been postponed. Learn more about the project and updated timelines by clicking here.

For more information on the five wilderness areas on the Deschutes National Forest, visit our wilderness section.

Other Recreation Fees and Permits

• Holders of a Golden Age and Golden Access Passports and Senior and Access Passes are entitled to the following discounts on expanded amenity recreation fees:

  -  A 50 percent discount on the fee for a single camping unit. This discount does not apply to use of a cabin, lookout, double camping unit, triple camping unit, group camping unit, extra vehicle fees, or any additional camping units and separately charged utility, water, hook-up or day use fees.

• The passes listed above do not cover campground fees. Please see the campground areas for information on fees.
• Operating an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) on public land requires an Oregon OHV permit. This is in addition to any forest passes or fees that may be required. Please contact your nearest Forest Service office for details on permits needed for operating an OHV on the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests.
• Sno-Park Permit - The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) requires a Sno-Park Permit to park at designated sno-parks from November 1 through April 30. Learn more about the Oregon Sno-Park program here: https://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/pages/vehicle/sno_park_permits.aspx

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