Washington’s national forests are expanding digital payment options at recreation sites. Visitors can now pay fees using the Recreation.gov mobile app at certain trailheads, day-use areas and campgrounds across the state.
Digital payments reduce cash-handling and vandalism, allowing Forest Service staff to spend more time maintaining recreation facilities and assisting visitors, according to a news release.
Residents can download the app and set up their Recreation.gov account before visiting any of Washington’s five national forests. Visitors can scan a QR code on site and pay instantly, even without cell service, as long as the app is downloaded and set up in advance.
America the Beautiful and Northwest Forest Passes remain valid at most day-use fee sites and trailheads. Passes can be purchased online, at local vendors, or at Forest Service offices.
For information on purchasing passes visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/passes.
Some sites operated by concessionaires may not accept digital payment or passes. Always check the forest website for site specific details or contact the local ranger district before visiting.
All Forest Service managed fee sites are fully cashless. Sites managed by concessionaires continue to accept cash or check, with some also accepting digital payment.
Learn more online at https://tinyurl.com/yxn3bu62.
Self-service automated fee machines are available at select locations, including Quinault Rainforest Trailhead, outside the Quinault Office (Willaby and Falls Creek Campground fees are collected at this station), outside the Quilcene Office, Lena Lake Trailhead (Lena Lake and Hamma Hamma Campground fees are collected as this station), Big Creek Campground, Seal Rock Campground and Day Use Area, and Klahowya Campground and Day Use Area.
