Mt. Hood National Forest

Recreation Fees and Passes

Which Pass Do I Need?

To recreate at many of the recreation sites of Mt. Hood National Forest such as trail heads, day use sites, and boat launches, a recreation pass is needed.  Link to List of Mt. Hood National Forest Recreation Pass Sites and Exceptions    Depending on your needs and preferences, you have a few different options to consider.  To make the best choice on which pass to purchase, you may want to think about your recreation plans for the next year.  For example, if you recreate often only at Forest Service sites throughout the states of Oregon and Washington, you may be interested in purchasing an "Annual Northwest Forest Pass".   If you plan on making visits throughout the nation to several different sites managed by different agencies such as the Forest Service, National Park Service, and Bureau of Land Management, you may consider purchasing an "Interagency Annual Pass."    You may also qualify for one of the Interagency Lifetime Passes (Interagency Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass).

Exceptions:  Please be aware that several recreation sites on Mt. Hood National Forest are managed via a contract with a private concessionaire.   Only the "National Forest Recreation Day Pass" and the "Annual Northwest Forest Pass" are honored at these particular sites managed by a concessionaire. Other passes mentioned above and with links provided below are not honored at these concession operated sites on Mt. Hood National Forest.  Please click on concession operated sites to view a list of these sites.    Managing some of our recreation sites via a concessionaire allows us to provide you efficient and cost effective services at these sites.   

80% of revenues from pass sales go directly to maintaining and improving the trails, land and facilities you own and enjoy.  Please follow the links below to learn more about each of the various Recreation Pass options:

Having Difficulty Deciding?  You may find this tool helpful to decide which pass is best for you. 

All of the above passes can be obtained at any of the offices of the Mt. Hood National Forests.  Please click on Contact Us for office locations and hours. 

ONLY the Annual Northwest Forest Pass and the National Forest Recreation Pass may be available for purchase at a vendor near you.  Please click on vendors for a listing of available vendors. 

You may also purchase any of these passes on-line by clicking on the following image link to Nature of the Northwest. 

For information on campgrounds and fees, please follow the following link to our web page on campgrounds.

Wilderness Permits

Visitors to the Mt. Hood Wilderness and the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness must have a completed wilderness permit in their possession during their stay in these areas from May 15 through October 15. Permits are free and self-issued at trailheads.

Climbers must have a wilderness permit in their possession year-round when on the south side climbing route of Mt. Hood. Permits are available at the Wy'East Timberline Day Lodge.