Trailhead Pass Information

There are many different federal and state organizations that manage the land, and knowing which one you are on is important so you know if you have the right pass. Each public land manager has their own type of pass that allows you to access that land where posted. Not all public lands require passes to access, but generally developed recreation sites like trail heads and campgrounds require a pass. Sales of these passes go towards the costs of maintaining these recreation assets. A valuable resource to determine which agency manages the trails you’re considering is CAl Topo’s Public Lands layer or this Interactive Washington State Public Lands Map

Federal lands

America The Beautiful Pass

America the Beautiful Pass allows you to visit all Federal Lands, including National Parks and Forest Service Lands. In the Methow, this applies to North Cascades National Park and Forest Service-developed recreation sites, like trailheads and campgrounds.

Plan your visit to the North Cascades
There are no entrance fees for the North Cascades
There are fees for backpacking and camping featured in the website above
There are also camping reservations available also on their website

America the Beautiful Pass Info
$80 for an regular Annual Pass, some pass discounts may apply

Buy online

The Forest Service is going digital with fee collection. Be sure to get the recreation.gov app and follow the instructions to pay for fees at campgrounds or trailheads.

Northwest Forest Pass

Good for any National Forest Land in Oregon and Washington, either this or an interagency America the Beautiful pass should be displayed at any developed recreation site managed by the Methow Valley Ranger District. Proceeds from pass sales help maintain theses sites for public access.

Northwest Forest Pass Information
$30 for an annual pass and $5 for a day pass; day passes can often be purchased on-site with cash.
There are also USFS camping fees where posted

buy online

State lands

Discover Pass

Discover passes should be displayed on vehicle windshields in State Lands. They cost $35 for an Annual Pass, $11.50 for a Day Pass. Most state trailheads in the Methow do not have an “iron Ranger” to purchase passes day of, so plan ahead! Some state lands in the Methow included the list below in the Methow Valley, including those listed below, require a Discover Pass where posted:

Trailheads
- Big Valley, Lewis Butte, Pipestone Canyon, and trails at Pearrygin Lake State Park
Boat launches
- Davis Lake, Patterson Lake, and several River access points