Passes
Planning a trip? Recreation opportunities in the Bitterroot National Forest can take you from weeklong whitewater rafting adventures to quiet hikes among wildflowers and thrilling ATV rides. Many of the facilities and services associated with these opportunities are free while some do require fees or passes to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities that you enjoy.
There are several pass options to consider. To make the best choice on which pass to purchase, you should think about your recreation plans for the next year. National passes cover entrance fees found at federal recreation areas such as National Parks and wildlife refuges. They also cover the use of facilities and services at many day use sites on Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands.
Lake Como Recreation Area
Lake Como Recreation Area is a complex of developed recreation sites on both sides of the reservoir, including a swimming beach, picnic areas, boat launch, campgrounds, group site, rental cabin, and developed trailheads. There are fees for using the facilities and services: either an overnight fee for the use of the campgrounds, or a day use fee for using the developed day use sites within the recreation area, such as the beach, boat launch, picnic areas, etc. From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, vehicles parked within the recreation area must display a valid Lake Como Day pass. Day passes are $5, and Season Passes are $30.
Day passes can be purchased on site at self-service fee stations, and both day and season passes can be purchased at Forest Service offices in Darby, Hamilton, and Stevensville, or at local vendors throughout Hamilton and Darby.
Every Kid Outdoors
Every Kid Outdoors program allows fourth grade students to visit public lands and waters all across the country for free. To obtain the free pass, stop by one of our district offices or visit Every Kid Outdoors.
Recreational Passes
America The Beautiful Annual Pass
($80) - For anyone to purchase, valid for 12 months. Passes are available at our local forest service offices or online through USGS Store.
America The Beautiful Access Pass
(Free) - For those with a permanent disability. Passes are available at our local forest service offices or online through USGS Store.
America The Beautiful Senior Lifetime Pass
($80) - For those 62 or older. Valid for the lifetime of the passholder. Passes are available at our local forest service offices or online through USGS Store.
America The Beautiful Annual Senior Pass
($20) - For those 62 or older. Valid for one year from the month of purchase. A Senior Annual Pass may be applied towards the purchase of a Senior Lifetime Pass. Passes are available at our local forest service offices or online through USGS Store.
America The Beautiful Annual Military Pass
(Free) - For active military personnel and their dependents or veterans. Valid for 12 months. Passes are available at our local forest service offices or online through USGS Store.
America the Beautiful Lifetime Military Pass
(Free) - Available to Gold Star Families and Veterans. Passes are available at our local forest service offices or online through USGS Store.