Is the NW Forest Pass the same thing as a Discover Pass?
Unfortunately, no. The NW Forest Pass is good for national forests, while the Discover Pass is good for Washington State Parks, DNR lands, and Fish & Wildlife lands.
Why do I have to have a NW Forest Pass to access "free" lands?
In order to park at many of the trailheads in Washington, you'll need a NW Forest Pass! The trails, facilities, and recreation programs have never been"free," they have been funded by tax dollars. One of the purposes of the NW Forest Pass program is to shift more of the cost for benefits and services to those who directly use them.
How much are the NW Forest Passes?
You may purchase a (one-time-only) day-use pass, which is $5, or you can purchase an annual pass (many, many of our hikes will require a NW Forest Pass so this is a good value) for only $30.
Where can I get a NW Forest Pass?
These passes can be purchased at many sporting good stores, ranger stations, or online. To find a location near you where a pass may be purchased, please click here. Or you can purchase one online ahead of time at USGS.
 Can I get a NW Forest Pass at the Trailhead?
Please note, you most likely will NOT be able to purchase these AT the trailhead (with some exceptions, which will be noted in the Special Notes section of each event listing)!
What if I don't get a pass and just park? or What if I forget to bring my pass?
There is a stiff fine for parking at a trailhead without a pass. You'll be taking a chance, and you'll be personally responsible for that fine.
I have a pass, but I'm not driving, can I use my pass in someone else's car?
This is not a hiker pass, it is a vehicle pass. Whether you drive alone, or have 18 people crammed into your vehicle (I'd like see that one!), you pay for one pass per vehicle. These passes are transferable among vehicles, so i f you purchase one and ride with someone else, you can hang your tag in their window.
What is the NW Forest Pass?
The NW Forest Pass is a pass for the use of many improved trailheads, picnic areas, boat launches and interpretive sites in National Forests throughout Oregon and Washington. Revenues from pass sales go directly to maintaining and improving the trails, land and facilities (like restrooms!) we enjoy. To get an idea of what your money is being used for, please click here.
It's September, is it worth buying an annual pass or should I wait until after the first of the year?
Fortunately, the annual pass is good an entire year from the last day of the month purchased, so if you buy your pass in September, it will be good until the end of the following September.
Can I use my NW Forest Pass at Sno-Parks too? or Can I use my NW Forest Pass as a camping pass?
Recreation passes do not cover fees for winter sno-parks, cabin rentals, or climbing and wilderness permits. They also do not cover developed campgrounds.
I ride a motorcycle, do I still need a pass?
Absolutely; however, an annual motorcycle pass decal can be purchased in lieu of the hangtag.
What locations require a NW Forest Pass?
Each Event Listing will specify whether or not you need a NW Forest Pass .
In addition, here is the list of partipating forests:
Columbia River Gorge NSA
Colville National Forest
Deschutes National Forest
Fremont-Winema National Forests
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Malheur (No Sites Require a Pass)
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Mount Hood National Forest
Ochoco National Forest (No Sites Require a Pass)
Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests
Olympic National Forest
Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest (No Sites Require a Pass)
Siuslaw National Forest
Umatilla National Forest (No Sites Require a Pass)
Umpqua National Forest
Willamette National Forest
I have a Washington & Oregon Recreation Pass, do I still need a NW Forest Pass?
No, you do not. Just be sure to display your Recreation Pass in lieu of the NW Forest Pass.
This website & its contents including photographs © Alecia J. Rivas, Gryph, and PNWLH except where otherwise indicated.
Please note: Hiking, camping and backpacking are potentially dangerous activities. The web mistress of these pages is not an instructor or an authority in any of these areas. You are responsible for your child's, your canine's and your own health, welfare and actions. The web mistress assumes no responsibility for the use of information contained within this web site.
PNW Leisure Hiking does not tolerate or condone harassment in any form including racial intolerance, unwelcome advances, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, etc. We do not support or represent any political causes or religious causes. Please notify the Organizer if you feel that you are being harassed so that appropriate steps may be taken. PNW Leisure Hiking is NOT a singles club. If you are looking for a date, we strongly recommend you look elsewhere.
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