Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Pass Options
Day Use Pass
The 1 day pass is valid at day use fee sites within National Forests in Oregon and Washington, excluding all concessionaire operated sites and overnight fees.
Annual Northwest Forest Pass
The Northwest Forest Pass is honored at all Forest Service operated recreation sites in Washington and Oregon where a day use fee is required.
The pass allows the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle use of the recreation facilities.
Allows the pass holder use of recreation facilities at per-person sites. Other members in the party must pay the per-person fee.
Passes are interchangeable between all members of the same household.
Frequent visitors of national forests may save money by buying an annual pass.
Recreation Sites Where a Pass is Required
Check this page to see a complete list of sites where a pass is required on National Forests in Washington and Oregon.
About the Forest
Located in southwest Washington state, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest includes over 1.3 million acres of forest, wildlife habitat, watersheds and mountains including Mt. Adams and the Mount St. Helens. The forest is composed of three units: Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Mt Adams Ranger District, and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument and Ranger District.
Purchase Your Pass in Advance or When You Arrive
Purchase your pass in advance to arrive ready for your visit.
The day pass can also be purchased on-site using a credit card through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Once on-site, follow the posted scan and pay instructions. You will need to download the free Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. For more information about paying on-site, click here: How Do I Use a Scan & Pay QR Code to Purchase an Activity Pass?
This pass is valid at day use fee sites within National Forests in Oregon and Washington, excluding concessionaire operated campgrounds and overnight fees.
All visitors must display a valid pass at day use fee sites where required. A printed copy of the pass is recommended for your vehicle and is required if purchasing the Annual Northwest Forest Pass.
This pass is valid until 11:59 PM of the date listed on the pass, and only for the date and vehicle specified for this pass. If using a site for multiple days, such as for an overnight backcountry trip, one pass per day is required.
The Annual Northwest Forest Pass is valid for one year through the end of the month purchased.
This pass does not guarantee parking availability. For your safety, please remember that parking outside of designated areas is discouraged and visitors who park illegally may be fined and/or towed.
These day use areas accept the Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes, Golden Age Pass, and Access Pass.
Passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and are void if altered or reproduced.