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Methow Valley Ranger District Trailhead Pass

The Methow Valley Ranger District Trailhead Pass is a one-day Recreation Pass valid at all Trailheads on the Methow Valley Ranger District (MVRD) where a Day Use Fee is required (see site list below). A single pass is required for each vehicle.

With its big valleys, open wild spaces, high ridges and beautiful rivers, the Methow Valley Ranger District's 1.3 million acres provide diverse recreation opportunities for explorers of all types. A network of over 200 trails creates over 1,000 miles of opportunity to explore the Pasayten Wilderness, North Cascades Scenic Corridor, Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness, and beyond. Many multi-use trails allow for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

Trailheads vary in elevation from 2,500ft to over 5,000ft so open dates vary. However, most trailheads are open from late-May through mid-October. Trail maintenance efforts are ongoing throughout the summer field season, so it is recommended to seek trail condition information before visiting.

Purchasing this pass does not guarantee available parking space. If the trailhead you intend to visit is full or closed, you may use this pass at any other site where it is accepted (see list below). No refunds will be issued due to parking capacity or site closure.

This Recreation Pass is accepted at the following sites:

State Route 20 - North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor

  • Blue Lake Trailhead
  • Bridge Creek Trailhead
  • Canyon Creek Trailhead
  • Cedar Creek Trailhead
  • Cutthroat Lake Trailhead
  • Driveway Butte Trailhead
  • East Creek Trailhead
  • Easy Pass Trailhead
  • Rainy Pass PCT Trailhead
  • Rainy Pass Picnic Area & Trailhead (Heather/Maple Pass)

Pasyaten and Lost River Road

  • Andrews Creek Trailhead
  • Billygoat Trailhead
  • Lake Creek Trailhead
  • Rattlesnake Trailhead
  • Robinson Creek Trailhead,
  • Thirtymile Trailhead

Twisp River, Wolf Creek, and Sawtooth Backcountry

  • Blackpine Lake Day Site
  • Crater Creek Trailhead
  • Eagle Creek Trailhead
  • Foggy Dew Trailhead
  • Gilbert Trailhead (Twisp Pass and North Lake)
  • Scatter Creek Trailhead
  • War Creek Trailhead
  • West Fork Buttermilk Trailhead
  • Williams Trailhead
  • Wolf Creek Trailhead

Options

Activity pass options with description
TypeDescriptionDurationPrice
Methow Valley Ranger District Trailhead Day PassThe pass is valid for all occupants of one vehicle only.1 Day$5

Need to Know

  • This pass is valid at Day-Use Fee Sites within the Methow Valley Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including Trailheads. This pass is not valid at campgrounds.

  • 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.

  • All visitors must display a valid pass at Day-Use Fee Sites where required. If pre-purchasing, print a copy of the pass to clearly display on your vehicle's dashboard. If purchasing onsite, please have the Recreation.gov app downloaded prior to arrival. Once purchased please write down confirmation number on provided envelope and post in vehicle dashboard.

  • These day use areas accept the Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Interagency Passes, Golden Age Pass, and Access Pass.

  • 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 or towed. If parking is not available, the pass is valid at all other trailheads within the Methow Valley Ranger District.

  • America the Beautiful Passes: Senior, Access, Military, Gold Star, Veteran, and Golden Age Senior/Access area accepted at this site. These passes cover fees for the passholder and up to three adults per vehicle. Washington State Park Discover Pass is not accepted.

  • Passes are non-transferrable between operators, non-refundable, not replaceable if lost or stolen, and are void if altered or reproduced.

  • Cell phone connectivity on the Forest is limited, please plan ahead.

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