Recreational Pass Guide
Basic Guide to Passes
FEDERAL – U.S. Forest Service Land
PASS OPTIONS:
Northwest Forest Pass ($30 Annual), National Forest Recreation Day Pass ($5 Day), National Forest Recreation ePass ($5 day – print @home & validated for the day you’re going to use it)
PASS NEEDED FOR:
- Trails along the North Cascades Highway, including Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake/Pass and Lake Ann/Maple Pass.
- Lookout Mountain
- Twisp River Trails
- Falls Creek Falls
STATE
Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources areas. Parking on State Land Requires a Pass.
PASS OPTIONS:
Discover Pass (unless you can park safely along a State/County road). The campsite fee at a state park covers your daytime activities, including boat launch, but camping on other state lands generally requires a Discover Pass. The pass can be transferred between two vehicles.
Discover Pass ($30 annual $5 service fee), Day Pass ($10/day $1.50 service fee)
Vehicle Pass is Free to people who buy hunting and fishing licenses and provides access to WDFW lands, boat launches & other water access sites, but Not state lands.
PASS NEEDED FOR:
- Carlton Swimming hole
- Lewis Butte
- Patterson Mountain/Patterson Lake
- Pearrygin Lake State Park (unless you’re camping at the park)
- Alta Lake State Park (unless you’re camping at the park)
- Leader Lake (Loup Loup Highway)
PICKING THE RIGHT PASS
Seniors & Kids
Interagency Annual Pass ($80) good for National Parks & Federal lands and good for two people (2 signature lines)
Interagency Senior Pass: If you are over 62, you can get a lifetime Pass for $80 lifetime or $20 annual. Pass is good for National Parks, U.S. Forest Service lands (most trails along the North Cascade Highway) and other natural areas run by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Bureau of Recreation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Provide free entrance for your traveling partner companions and discounts on camping, boat launching and guided tours.
Every Kid in a Park Program: provides a FREE PASS to all fourth-graders and their families. More Details Here.
Purchase Passes Locally
FEDERAL PASSES
Methow Cycle & Sport – Winthrop
Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies – Mazama
Winthrop Mountain Sports – Winthrop
Northwest Forest Pass at Methow Valley Ranger District – Winthrop
National Forest Recreation Day Pass at Trailheads – need exact cash or check
STATE PASSES
Pardners Mini Market – Winthrop
Winthrop Ace Hardware – Winthrop