Post Summary: The Definitive Pacific Northwest Forest Pass List and Park Passes To Fill Your Year With Adventure!
What’s better than a gift that keeps on giving?
Just think – you could purchase a park pass that can be used endless times in one year, which essentially means you’re gifting your loved ones with countless opportunities for adventure!
This is why we’re such a huge fan of park passes. We’re lucky enough to call the Pacific Northwest home, and there’s a ton of ways to get outside and enjoy this corner of the world.
In this guide, we’re breaking down all the different types of passes for our region (The Pacific Northwest), where they work, and how you can get outside to start making memories with your friends and family!
The Ultimate Guide To Pacific Northwest Forest Passes
America The Beautiful Annual National Park Pass
Quick Peek: Entry To U.S. National Parks
An Annual National Park Pass is an excellent pass choice if you love big road trips to iconic USA destinations, and visiting national parks all over the country.
From the incredible views of the Grand Canyon to the amazing hikes you can take in Arches, you can enter for free with the America The Beautiful Annual Pass. Some of our favorite parks are nearby, like the Olympic National Park! The pass holder can be a part of any group, so make sure to bring your pass on your next friend outing to get the entire car into the park!
Note: Treat this card really well. If it gets lost or stolen, you can’t always prove that you purchased it, so you’ll need to buy a new one.
Where Can You Use an Annual National Park Pass? National Parks in the United States, BLM Land, National Forests, National Seashores.
Favorite Destinations To Use The Pass:
- Glacier National Park (Montana)
- Olympic National Park Road Trip (Washington)
- Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming)
- Arches National Park (Utah)
Buy it here: United States Department of Interior – $80.00
Northwest Forest Pass
Quick Peek: Entry To Recreational Day-Use Areas in Oregon and Washington
If you live in Oregon or Washington, you should probably get a Northwest Forest Pass. This pass will allow you to bypass the day-use fee in areas that charge it saving you tons of money throughout the year at trailheads and recreation sites.
You can also bring this pass with you to get your group into trailheads (except at per-person sites). It’s not attached to a specific car, but the person signing the pass must be present in the group for it to be valid!
Where Can You Use a Northwest Forest Pass? A Northwest Forest Pass is honored in recreational sites that require a day-use fee in Washington and Oregon. Click here to view the list of participating recreational sites in Washington and Oregon that use the Northwest Forest Pass.
Do I Need A Northwest Forest Pass if I Have a National Park Pass? Short answer, yes. Not all recreation sites are covered by the America The Beautiful Pass. However, call ahead and see what passes your location takes.
Favorite Destinations To Use The Pass:
- Colchuck Lake Trail (Day Hikes in the Enchantments)
- Artist Point Trailhead (Mt Baker Area)
- Umpqua Hot Springs (Southern Oregon)
- Cape Perpetua Area (Oregon Coast)
- Falls Creek Falls Trail (Washington’s Columbia River Gorge) currently free of charge!
Buy it here: United States Forest Service, OR your local sports rec store (Like REI) – $30.00
Oregon Pacific Coast Passport
Quick Peek: Entry To Locations On The Oregon Coast
If you find yourself planning a trip down the Pacific Coast Highway, (or an epic Oregon Coast road trip!) this is the pass to get! Valid in over 15 sites on the Oregon Coast, you’ll get yourself into countless beautiful areas of the coast and save money at the same time.
Where Can You Use An Oregon Pacific Coast Passport? The pass covers entry and day-use fees in Federal and State Parks along the Oregon Coast. You only need one passport per vehicle.
Favorite Destinations To Use The Pass:
- Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
- Shore Acres State Park (Curated Gardens)
- Heceta Head Lighthouse
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Buy it here: 1-800-551-6949 or get more info at local stores in the area – $35.00 (Not currently available online)
Washington’s Discover Pass
Quick Peek: Entry To Washington State Parks
The Washington Discover pass is for anyone who loves to explore the Emerald State! From the San Juan Islands all the way inland through the Columbia Basin, there’s so much to see and do in Washington State.
Day passes are generally $10 a day per site, so if you use this pass even three times you’ve already received your money back!
Where Can You Use A Washington Discover Pass? The pass covers entry and day-use fees in State Parks in Washington, which means there are a plethora of beautiful day hikes from Seattle to choose from! You only need one passport per vehicle. Charges still apply if you’re renting space like campsites or buildings for special events.
For certain Washington winter hiking trails (especially on maintained and groomed trails), you may have to also purchase a Sno-Park Pass.
Favorite Destinations To Use The Pass:
- All Of These Hiking Trails Near Seattle
- Lake Wenatchee
- Wallace Falls (Best Waterfall in Washington!)
- Quartz Mountain Lookout Trail
- Palouse Falls State Park
- Maryhill Stonehenge
- Cape Disappointment State Park
Buy it here or at any kiosk in the state parks – $30.00
The Idaho State Parks Passport
Quick Peek: Entry To Idaho State Parks
With over 30 state parks to explore, the Idaho State Parks Passport is an excellent addition to your Pacific Northwest park pass collection! Covering everything from boat launch fees to Nordic ski trails (including day-use fees) this is the perfect choice for people who want to explore the Gem State.
This pass is assigned to a specific vehicle and expires at the same time as your vehicle registration. $10 for Idaho residents, this is a super, super good deal.
Not an Idaho state resident? You can still take advantage of park discounts – purchase a $40 Motor Vehicle Entry Fee (MVEF) for access to overnight camping and access to the day-use area.
Where Can You Use An Idaho State Park Passport / MVEF? This pass offers unlimited day-use access to every Idaho State Park. From North Idaho forests to waterfalls in the south, there’s so much to do with this pass!
Favorite Destinations To Use The Pass:
Buy It Here – $10 Idaho Residents, $40 Out of State
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Quick Peek: Entry To Canada’s National and Provincial Parks (Over 80 locations)
Is Banff National Park on your bucket list? This could be the year to see this amazing Canadian Rockies National Park…and more!
With daily entry fees upwards of $30 per day, you can easily get your money’s worth in just a week’s time. Grab your pass if you plan to spend some time in Canada – each season brings something new!
Where Can You Use A Parks Canada Discovery Pass? The Parks Canada Discovery Pass allows you access to some of Canada’s most famous locations, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Pacific Rim National Park. You can find a list of participating locations here.
Favorite Destinations To Use The Pass:
- Banff National Park (And in winter too!)
- Jasper National Park
- Waterton Lakes National Park
Buy it here – Government of Canada – $136.40
Do you see a Pacific Northwest Forest Pass on this list that we haven’t shared? Let us know in the comments below so others can know, too!
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