Colville National Forest

Passes & Permits - Recreation Fees and Passes

Which Pass Do I Need?

To make the best choice on which pass to purchase, you should think about your recreation plans for the next year. You have options like simply buying a single day pass, a multi-day pass, or even an annual pass that covers a forest or region. If you plan to recreate in many different spots across the nation, an Interagency Annual Pass may be your best value. You may also qualify for one of the Interagency Lifetime Passes (Interagency Senior Pass or Interagency Access Pass).

NORTHWEST FOREST PASS/PASSPORT   RECREATION FEES Expect to need a Northwest Forest Pass where there are facilities, trails, or services that the Forest Serviceprovides to enhance your experience. It is good at participating trailheads, picnic areas, boat launches, rustic campsites, visitor centers, and interpretive sites in the national forests of Oregon and Washington, and in the North Cascades National Park Complex.   Free Days You do not need a Northwest Forest Pass on the following region-wide free days: • Earth Day, April 22 • Mother's Day, May 14 • Free Fishing Day, June 10 • Smokey Bear's Birthday, August 9   The pass is an opportunity for you to help care for your land-your natural legacy. 80% of the proceeds go directly towards restoring ecosystems, improving services, and maintaining recreation facilities. Watch for the "Northwest Forest Pass at Work" decal.   Most national forest system lands are open, free of charge for your use and enjoyment. Entrance and user fees may be charged at some areas. ENTRANCE FEES can be paid each time you visit a forest or grassland, or you can purchase a special pass, including the Golden Access Pass, Golden Age Pass, and Golden Eagle Pass. If you plan to use a facility (camping, parking, boat launch, ramps, etc.) in the forest, you may have to pay an additional USER FEE.

Pass Information

Are Golden Passports and National Parks Passes still valid? If you still have a Golden Passport or National Parks Pass they may still be valid.

• The Golden Eagle Passports and the National Parks Passes that were sold in 2006 will be honored until they expire.

• The Golden Age Passports and Golden Access Passports will continue to be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder, so both passes will be valid for many years to come.

Difference Between Golden Passport And The New Interagency Recreation Pass Equivalent

Interagency Annual Pass vs. Golden Eagle Passport:

• The Interagency Annual Pass admits pass holder and 3 other people regardless of relationship. The Golden Eagle Passport admits card holder, spouse, children and parents at per person sites.

• The Interagency Annual Pass offers free decals for motorcycles and open-topped vehicles. The Golden Eagle Passport did not offer this option.

Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass vs. Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport:

• The Interagency Senior Pass and Interagency Access Pass admit pass holder and 3 other people regardless of relationship. The Golden Age Passport and Golden Access Passport admits pass holder, spouse, and children at per person sites.

Exchanging Golden Passport's for Interagency Recreation Passes

• Current holders of the Golden Eagle Passport, may not exchange for the Interagency Annual Pass.

• People who have paper versions of the Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passports may exchange them for the respective new Interagency Recreation Passes free of charge.

• People who have plastic versions of the Golden Age Passport or Golden Access Passports may not exchange them at this time. There are currently hundreds of thousands of these passports in circulation and the agencies cannot accommodate a full exchange program. Current holders of the plastic Golden Age Passport may purchase a new Interagency Senior Pass if desired, but must turn over their old Passport at the time of the purchase.

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. For more information about your forest and how to obtain a pass or permit, please visit our Region 6 Recreation Fees and Passes website.

USDA Forest Service - Colville National Forest
Last Modified: Friday, 07 December 2007 at 11:03:27 EST