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

Winter passes

Sno Parks

Snow Park Passes

Required from November 1st- April 30th. Vehicles parked at these snow parks must display a motorized or non-motorized sno park pass on their windshield. Proceeds from these passes cover costs associated with maintaining and plowing these winter recreation sites as well as grooming 177 miles of motorized and mixed-use winter trails in the Methow. Passes can be purchased online or at several local businesses.

Methow Trails

Methow Trails Passes

Methow Trails is the largest cross-country ski area in North America. Passes can be purchased online, or at local businesses and should be displayed by skiers using the trails in the winter months. Proceeds from pass sales fund the maintenance of this trail network and ensure public access across multiple land managers and private land owners.

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

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