Entrance fees to National Forests and other public lands will be waived on Saturday in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day. That annual celebration of the great outdoors is intended to encourage Americans, particularly the young and disadvantaged, to participate in healthy and active outdoors activities.
“The Pacific Northwest is blessed with incredible natural beauty and world-class recreation opportunities,” said Regional Forester Jim Peña, in a press release. “Whatever your interest or skill level, there’s something for everyone, so get outdoors and enjoy your public lands!”
On Saturday, fees will be waived at picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitors centers, among other areas. However, concession operations will still charge fees and charges will still apply for camping, cabin rentals, heritage expeditions and other permits.
The USFS manages more than 2,400 developed recreation sites in the Pacific Northwest Region. Those sites include more than 24,000 miles of trails, 51 Wild and Scenic Rivers, and two national monuments. As much as 98 percent of those forest and grasslands can be accessed free of charge all year long, as well as about two-thirds of the developed recreation sites.
After Saturday, there will still be three Forest Service free-days remaining this year. Those opportunities will be offered on Sep. 22 for National Public Lands Day, and on Nov. 11-12 in honor of Veterans Day Weekend.
