Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Frequently Asked Questions

Permits and Passes

1. Do I need the Northwest Forest Pass to hike on forest trails?    No, you only need the Northwest Forest Pass if you park your car at any of the trailheads that require the Northwest Forest Pass.
2. How do I get a Golden Age, Golden Access, and Golden Eagle Pass?    All of these passes can be obtained at any Forest Service office, BLM office, National Park and many other federal offices. The Golden Age Pass is for lifetime pass for anyone over the age of 62 and must be obtained in person at a cost of $10.00. The Golden Access Pass is a pass for any one with a permanent physical disability. The pass must be obtained in person at no cost. The Golden Eagle is only good for entrance fees such as to national parks and monuments. It doesn't give you a discount on other fees, such as campground fees. The Golden Eagle Pass must be purchased every year at a cost of $65.00.
3. Where can I get rock, plant, poles, decorative wood, Christmas trees, boughs, cones, etc.?   You can remove the above items and many more from the Deschutes and Ochoco with a permit. You need to come into one of our offices an get a permit. Some permits will have a fee associated with the item some will not. These permits can only be issued on the forest where you are planning to get the item. In other words the Deschutes can't issue a permit for Prineville BLM or the Ochoco.
4. Where can I get a Christmas Tree?    You can participate in this popular program by obtaining a permit for a tree from either a local vendors or one of our offices. Cost is $5.00 per tree, up to 5 trees per household. The permit will let you select any tree species that is less than 12 feet tall. We have guidelines to give you for finding that particular tree.
5. How do I obtain a special use permit?    This type of permit is only issued at the district level. Please have a complete business plan of what exactly you are going to do when you talk to the special uses person. You need to now what district you plan to do your business on.
6. Do I need a Wilderness Permit?    You will fill out your permit at the trail heads. Then attach it to your backpack and put the other half in the trail box.
7. What if I do not go into the wilderness from a designated trailhead?