North Cascades

Northwest Forest Pass

Starting this summer season North Cascades National Park Service Complex is joining National Forests in the Northwest Forest Pass program authorized by Congress under the Recreation Fee Demonstration Pilot Project. The new Northwest Forest Pass replaces several old fee demonstration projects in the Cascade region which required a separate pass, including the Forest Service Trail Park Pass. The Northwest Forest Pass program offers a number of advantages to the national park and forests and their visitors. Funds received are returned to the area where collected to help maintain trails and other public facilities, offer enhanced visitor services and interpretive opportunities. Support for the fee program is an opportunity for you to help care for your land — your natural legacy.

North Cascades is one of the few National Parks with no entrance fee. Within the park complex the Northwest Forest Pass will be required for vehicular parking anywhere along the Cascade River Road and at specific trailheads within Ross lake National Recreation Area: Thornton Lakes Trail, Pyramid Lake Trail, Ross Dam Trail, East Bank/Panther Creek Trails. Travelers heading further east along the North Cascades Highway will enter the adjoining Okanagon and Wenatchee National Forests where the same Northwest Forest Pass is required.

If you are planning a trip to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest expect to need a Northwest Forest Pass where there are facilities, trails or services that the Forest Service provides. Separate fees are charged at developed campgrounds and private resorts within the National Forest and Park. Check at the Ranger Station for further details on the new Northwest Forest Pass or on the internet at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/feedemo/

Passes may be purchased at Ranger Stations and at local private vendors.

Order also by calling 1-800-270-7504 or purchase over the internet at http://www.naturenw.org

Cost of Pass One Day Vehicle Pass: $ 5.00 Good from midnight to midnight. Annual Vehicle Pass: $30.00 Good for one year from date of purchase. *Golden Age and Golden Access Passports enable qualified cardholders to purchase passes at half price.

Mt. Baker