Olympic National Forest

Passes & Permits

RECREATION FEES AND PASSES

The Forest Service offers many activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, camping, birding, using cabins, driving for pleasure, harvesting mushrooms, and gathering firewood. Many of the facilities and services associated with these opportunities are free. Some do require fees or permits to help maintain, manage and improve the amenities that you enjoy. To learn more about recreation fees and the various pass options available, visit the Pacific Northwest recreation fees and passes website.

View locations requiring a pass

Local Northwest Forest Passes Vendors & Sales Outlets

Quick Comparison Chart of Recreation Passes and Passports

PERMITS

Special Forest Products Permits

A variety of products ranging from home improvement materials to edible delights are part of the category called Special Forest Products. Decorative floral greens, mosses, cones, berries, mushrooms, Christmas trees and boughs, posts, poles and burls are just some of the products which come from the forest. Although they are not as well known as the traditional lumber and paper products, Special Forest Products are growing in importance and play a significant role in local economies. In the Pacific Northwest alone, it is estimated that the Special Forest Products industry employs over 15,000 people and generates over 150 million dollars per year.

The availability of Special Forest Products varies by location. Like other forest resources, they must be carefully managed to protect them and ensure a lasting supply for the future. Permits are required for many products and a minimal fee may be charged. For more specific information, please contact the nearest District Office.

How to obtain a Special Forest Product Permit: Special forest product permits are available by appointment only.  Firewood permits for personal use are subject to the availability of firewood and are also issued on an appointment only basis.  Contact the closest District office where you would like to obtain the special forest product.

MUSHROOM PICKING

Commercial use: A permit is required for commercial picking of mushrooms on National Forest Land.  Contact the closest District office where you plan to harvest mushrooms for appointment to obtain a permit.  Prices are: $50.00 for 14 days, $80.00 for 30 days, or $120.00 for a calendar year permit. Also, there is also a state hauling limit per vehicles of more than five gallons of single species of mushrooms.

Personal use: No permit is required for personal use picking of mushrooms. Daily limit per person is one gallon of a single species of mushrooms. Amounts over the daily limit require a commercial permit.

More Information

CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS
Forest Service Christmas tree permits go on sale in mid-November. Permits are $5.00 each and are good for one U-cut tree on the Olympic National Forest. Permits may be purchased at any Olympic National Forest office including the Headquarters in Olympia. Permits can also be purchased through the mail. For more information about Christmas Tree permits and office hours during the Holiday Season watch for Special Notices in the current Recreation Report.

2008 You-cut Christmas Tree Permit News Release

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Special Use Permits (Recreational and Commercial)

Most people visit and use the national forest for personal recreation activities like hiking and camping. These uses may have nightly fees or require a NW Forest Pass, but generally do not require any special approval or special use permits. There are other uses that are of a commercial nature or require more complicated evaluation and approval which make up the Special Uses program.

The Special Uses program on the Olympic National Forest encompasses a variety of uses including communication sites, water transmission lines, recreation events, apiaries, outfitter guides, summer homes, filming, research studies and many more. Over 200 special uses are currently authorized under permits, easements and leases that legally allow specific activities, uses and occupancies on National Forest lands.

Generally, when individuals want to occupy, use or build on National Forest land for personal or business purposes where a fee would be charged or if income is derived from the use, and if an activity involves individuals or organizations with 75 or more participants or spectators, they will probably need a special use authorization. Individuals who are unsure about the need for a special use authorization for a planned use, should contact the District office that manages the specific area to get more information and begin the application process if needed.  Special use proposals will be evaluated for compliance with existing laws, regulations and the Forest Plan, and to determine the benefit to the public and the potential impact to the natural resources.

For more information, or to get an application (SF 299), you may visit our joint Forest Service/BLM Special Uses web site at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/permits

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US Forest Service - Olympic National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 20 November 2008 at 16:16:14 EST