Navigating
Permits
So You Don’t Have to.
🏔️ Pacific Northwest Pass & Permit Finder
Find the right passes and permits for your outdoor adventures in Oregon and Washington
Federal Passes
America the Beautiful
Northwest Forest Pass
Required at many trailheads in OR & WA National Forests
Valid at participating forests including Mt. Hood, Willamette, Deschutes, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, and Olympic.
Get Pass →Oregon Passes & Permits
Oregon State Parks
Oregon Sno-Park Permit
Nov 1 - Apr 30
Required for parking at designated winter recreation areas. Purchase at DMV or authorized vendors.
Purchase →Washington Passes & Permits
Discover Pass
Washington Sno-Park
Nov 1 - Mar 31
Required at winter recreation parking areas. Special groomed trails sticker available for additional $50.
Get Permit →Wilderness & Special Area Permits
Enchantments Permit
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, WA
Lottery opens Feb 15. Only ~10% of applicants get permits. Day-use permits available at trailheads. One of the most sought-after wilderness permits in the US.
Apply for Lottery →Central Cascades Wilderness
Mt. Adams Climbing
Gifford Pinchot NF, WA
Required for climbs above 7,000 ft from June to September. Self-issue permits available at trailheads.
Learn More →Mt. St. Helens Climbing
Apr 1 - Oct 31
Required for climbs above 4,800 ft. Limited permits available through lottery and first-come basis.
Get Permit →Seasonal & Activity Permits
Mushroom Permits
Various National Forests
Required for commercial and personal mushroom harvesting in many national forests. Rules vary by forest.
Find Permits →Christmas Tree Permits
Nov - Dec
Cut your own Christmas tree from designated areas in national forests. Available starting in November.
Get Tree Permit →Firewood Permits
Year-round
Personal use firewood cutting permits available for most national forests. Restrictions apply.
Find Local Office →💡 Pro Tips
• The America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance fees at all National Parks and most federal recreation sites
• Northwest Forest Pass is accepted at most trailheads in OR & WA National Forests
• Many wilderness permits can be reserved up to 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov
• Some permits have lottery systems - check deadlines for popular areas like the Enchantments
Why Do You Need Permits?
More and more people, like us, are drawn to the call of the wild. However, this growing enthusiasm has brought challenges such as trash, new social trails, abandoned dog waste, and degradation that takes 7+ years to restore; all chipping away at the natural character of wilderness and the experience it offers.
While outdoor spaces are our collective home, a decrease in federal funding for land management and increased reliance on nonprofits to fill the gaps have led to access restrictions—and this is only the beginning.
Concerned about the increase in limited access to our public lands?
Wholeheartedly, we have a choice: accept it or do something about it. We can all play a part.
For more information on how you can make a difference, visit our RESPECT Through Recreation ethos page.
Central Cascades Wilderness Volunteer Permit
Tired of navigating the permit system or just can’t score one? Here’s an incredible opportunity: