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Passes

Below are a suite of day, annual, and lifetime passes that provide U.S. citizens and visitors an affordable and convenient way to recreate on Federal recreational lands. They cover the use of amenities and services at many day-use sites on US Forest Service lands. 

Recreation Sites Where Day Use Fees are Charged

Fee-Free Days

The Forest Service waives recreation fees at most day-use sites on lands managed by the agency. Participation by concession-operated sites may vary. 

2025 dates

  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: January 20, 2025
  • National Get Outdoors Day: June 14, 2025
  • Juneteenth: June 19, 2025
  • National Public Lands Day: September 27, 2025
  • Veterans Day: November 11, 2025

Northwest Forest Passes (Oregon & Washington)

Interagency Passes

About Recreation Fees

The Forest Service offers places for hiking, biking, skiing, nature viewing, scenic drives, and for gathering forest products such as mushrooms, firewood, and Christmas trees. Many of the facilities and services associated with these opportunities are free. However, some do require fees or permits to help maintain, manage and improve your national forests and grasslands. Requirements may vary. 

Recreation Fee Types

Recreation fees, authorized by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act, enables federal land management agencies to reinvest the following types of fees back into the recreation sites:

Standard Amenity Fees

Examples: Picnic areas, developed trailheads, destination visitor centers

Pass Coverage: Yes.  Pass coverage does vary at concessionaire-managed sites

Expanded Amenity Fees

Examples: Campgrounds, highly developed boat launches and swimming areas, cabin or lookout rentals. Services like hookups, dump stations, special tours, transportation systems and reservation services.

Pass Coverage:  No.  However, holders of Senior and Access Passes do receive a 50% discount for single family campsites.

Last updated March 11th, 2025