You might be wise to purchase a couple park passes this winter if getting outside is your New Year’s resolution.
Almost all parks and trailheads that charge admission offer annual park passes, which may be a terrific method for frequent visitors to save money and a good incentive for those who need a reminder to visit more frequently.
Individual land management organizations, such as Oregon State Parks, the National Park Service, or Metro, usually offer the passes, which cost between $25 and $80 annually. While they might be limited to a particular area or activity, some do provide coverage across several agencies or states.
The America the Beautiful Pass, which costs $80 and grants access to all federal areas in the United States, is the pinnacle of annual park passes. Veterans and their families, as well as people with disabilities, are eligible for the same pass at no cost. The Senior Pass, which costs $80 and is lifelong, is available to anyone over 62.
These annual park permits haven’t changed in price in recent years, despite the fact that so many other parts of vacation are becoming more costly. Despite the agency raising daily parking rates from $5 to $10 per car in 2025, the Oregon State Parks Pass will still cost $30 for a single year and $50 for two.
These yearly passes are a great deal for frequent visitors, but they might not be cost-effective for people who only visit the parks once or twice a year.
On July 13, 2024, a star party is held at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park.”The Oregonian” or Jamie Hale
OREGON STATE PARKS PASS
Where it’s accepted: Smith Rock, Silver Falls, and Fort Stevens State Parks are among the 25 Oregon state parks that have parking fees.
Cost: $30 for a year, $50 for two.
Where to get one: get a pass online, at vendors throughout the state, or at the majority of the state’s major parks.
DISCOVER PASS
Any state recreation area in Washington, including all state parks, is acceptable.
Cost: $35 for a year.
Where to purchase one: Purchase a pass from vendors throughout the state, online, or at some state parks.
NORTHWEST FOREST PASS
Acceptable locations include the majority of trailheads and day-use places, as well as all open U.S. Forest Service recreation sites in Oregon and Washington that have a day-use fee.
The cost is $30 for a year.
Where to purchase one: Purchase a pass from dealers in the Northwest, online, or at U.S. Forest Service locations.
In the Columbia River Gorge, Horsetail Falls cascades into a pool beside the Historic Columbia River Highway.”The Oregonian” or Jamie Hale
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL PASS
Accepted locations include all federal recreation areas across the nation, including national parks and properties under the administration of the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service.
Cost: $80 for a year.
Purchase a pass online or at the federal land management offices in your area.
METRO PARKS PASS
Parking is permitted at all Metro-managed parks and natural areas, such as Oxbow Regional Park and Broughton Beach.
Cost: $40 for a year, $80 for two
Purchase a pass online or at the park offices in Oxbow or Blue Lake.
OREGON SNO-PARK PASS
Accepted locations include all Oregon sno-parks that charge parking fees between November 1 and April 30, as well as sno-parks in California and Idaho.
Cost: $25 for a year.
Purchase a pass online, from Oregon DMV agents, or from businesses throughout the state.
On the northern extremity of Sauvie Island, the Warrior Point Trail offers a view of Mount St. Helens from a fallen tree.”The Oregonian” or Jamie Hale
ODFW WILDLIFE AREA PASS
Acceptable locations include all wildlife areas under the management of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, including those in eastern Oregon and on Sauvie Island.
Cost: $30 for a year
Purchase a pass online, at ODFW offices, or from vendors throughout the state.
OREGON PACIFIC COAST PASSPORT
It is permitted at sixteen state and federal parks along the Oregon coast, such as Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Fort Stevens State Park, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
Cost: $35 for a year
Where to get one: From a few coastal providers, such as state parks, the BLM, and the U.S. Forest Service headquarters.
–Jamie Hale co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast and writes about travel and the outdoors. You may contact him at [email protected], 503-294-4077, or HaleJamesB.
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