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
National Parks - The North Cascades National Park
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 allows you to visit all Federal Lands, including National Parks and Forest Service Lands
$80 for an regular Annual Pass, some pass discounts may apply
State lands
Discover Pass
State Lands in the Methow Valley, including those listed below require a Discover Pass where posted:
Trailheads
Big Valley
Lewis Butte
Pipestone Canyon
Boat launches
Davis Lake
Patterson Lake
Pearrygin Lake State Park
$35 for an Annual Pass, $11.50 for a Day Pass
Where to buy in the Valley
Methow Valley Ranger District - America the Beautiful Pass
24 West Chewuch Road, Winthrop, WA 98862 (509) 996-4000
Valley Hardware Do-It Center - NW Forest and Discover Passes
429 East Methow Valley Hwy., Twisp, WA 98856
Pardner’s Mini Market - NW Forest and Discover Passes
900 State Route 20, Winthrop, WA 98862
Methow Cycle and Sports - NW Forest Pass
29 State Route 20, Winthrop, WA 98862
Winthrop Mountain Sports - NW Forest Pass
257 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop, WA 98862
Goat's Beard Mountain Supplies - NW Forest Pass
44 Lost River Road, Mazama, WA 98833
Ace Hardware - Discover Pass
950 HWY 20, Winthrop 509-996-2150
Northwest Forest Pass
Good for any National Forest Land in Oregon and Washington
$30 for an annual pass, $5 for a day pass
There are also USFS camping feeswhere posted
Winter passes
Sno Parks
Required from November 1st- April 30th. The sale of a motorized sno park pass is required at an sno park in the Methow Valley. Proceeds from these passes cover costs associated with maintaining and plowing these winter recreation sites as well as grooming 177 miles motorized and mixed use winter trails in the Methow.
Methow Trails
Methow Trails is the largest cross-country ski area in North America and has ski passes to access their 130 miles of trails in the winter.