by Want to hang out in the Pacific Northwest? You’ll probably need a park pass for that.
Annual park passes have become the norm in outdoor recreation areas from the Oregon coast to the high desert, and while not every commercials require cars to show valid passes, these days most do. But instead of paying $5 or $10 for a day pass, you might be better off with an annual pass (or more), ensuring you’re never in danger of getting ticketed to the trailhead.
There are, of course, many options.
Among the best deals is the America the Beautiful pass, an $80 annual pass that gives you access to all federal lands in the country. Pair that with a $30 Oregon State Parks Pass or a $35 Washington State Parks Discover Pass and you’ll be pretty well prepared for a year of adventures ahead.
Whether you’re buying a park pass for yourself or getting a gift for the outdoors lover in your life, here’s what to buy.
Hikers stop at Monkey Face Rock, with Mount Jefferson in the distance, at Smith Rock State Park in central Oregon.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
OREGON STATE PARKS PASS
Where it is accepted: Oregon’s 25 state parks that charge a parking fee, including Smith Rock, Silver Falls, and Fort Stevens State Parks. Price: $30 for one year, $50 for two years. Where to buy one: Purchase a pass online, at most major state parks, or from vendors statewide.
NORTHWEST FOREST PASSAGE
Where it is accepted: All US Forest Service open recreational sites in Oregon and Washington that charge a day-use fee, including most trailheads and day-use areas. Price: $30 for one year. Where to buy one: Purchase a pass online, at US Forest Service offices, or from vendors in the Northwest.
Wizard Island, seen from the Watchman Overlook. Views from Rim Drive in Crater Lake National Park. Jamie Hale/The OregonianJamie Hale/The Oregonian
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS
Where it is accepted: All federal recreational sites in the country, including national parks and lands managed by the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Price: $80 for one year. Where to buy one: Purchase a pass online or at your local federal land management offices.
DISCOVER PASS
Where it is accepted: All state recreation land in Washington, including all Washington state parks. Price: $35 for one year. Where to buy one: Buy a pass online, at select state parks, or from vendors around the state.
A sunny summer day on the River Sandy as it meanders through Oxbow Regional Park near Troutdale. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
METRO PARKS PASSAGE
Where it is accepted: All Metro-managed parks and wilderness areas that charge parking, including Oxbow Regional Park and Broughton Beach.
Price: $40 for one year, $80 for two years Where to buy one: Purchase a pass online or at the Blue Lake or Oxbow park offices.
OREGON SNO-PARK PASS
Where it is accepted: All snow parks in Oregon when they are paid, November 1 to April 30, as well as snow parks in California and Idaho. Price: $25 for one year. Where to buy one: Purchase a pass online, at Oregon DMV officers, or from vendors statewide.
A crisp fall day at Warrior Rock Lighthouse, Oregon’s smallest lighthouse, located on the Columbia River near the northern end of Sauvie Island. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
ODFW WILDLIFE AREA PERMIT
Where it is accepted: All wildlife areas managed by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, including those on Sauvie Island and around eastern Oregon.
Price: $30 for one year
Where to buy one: Purchase a pass online, at ODFW offices, or from vendors statewide.
OREGON PACIFIC COAST PASSPORT
Where it is accepted: At 16 federal recreation sites and Oregon state parks on the Oregon coast, including Fort Stevens State Park, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area.
Price: $35 for one year.
Where to buy one: From select suppliers on the coast, including state parks, BLM and US Forest Service Headquarters, or by phone at 800-551-6949.
—Jamie Hale
503-294-4077; jhale@oregonian.com; @HaleJamesB
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