Forest Service offers fee-free day in honor of MLK National Day of Service

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 17, 2025 – The USDA Forest Service will waive recreation fees at most day-use sites across national forests in Oregon and Washington on Monday, January 20, 2025, in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This fee waiver is designed to remove barriers to access, allowing more people to experience the recreational opportunities offered on national forests. The agency also recognizes this day as a National Day of Service, which aligns with a broader effort to encourage public engagement with nature and promote volunteer service on public lands. "We invite everyone to experience the beauty and serenity of our national forests on this day of reflection and service," said Tracy Calizon, Assistant Director of Recreation, Lands, and Minerals, for the Forest Service’s Pacific Northwest Region. "It's an opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy by connecting with nature and considering how we can contribute to the stewardship of these precious resources.” The fee waiver applies to many Forest Service day-use sites, including:

• Picnic areas
• Most boat launches
• Trailheads
• Visitor centers (if open for the season)

Fees for camping, cabin rentals, and other permits will still apply. Sites operated by concessionaires may continue to charge fees unless they choose to participate. Visitors are encouraged to contact local forests or visit the Forest Service website for specific site information and potential winter weather advisories. Martin Luther King Jr. Day marks the first of five fee-free days offered by the Forest Service in 2025. Other dates include:

• National Get Outdoors Day: June 14, 2025
• Juneteenth: June 19, 2025
• National Public Lands Day: September 27, 2025
• Veterans Day: November 11, 2025

For more information on fee-free days and recreation passes, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/passes-permits.