Mount St. Helens NVM/RD Northwest Forest Day Pass

Pass Options  

Day Use Pass 

• The 1 day pass is valid at day use fee sites within National Forests in Oregon and Washington, excluding all concessionaire operated sites and overnight fees.

Annual Northwest Forest Pass

• The Northwest Forest Pass is honored at all Forest Service operated recreation sites in Washington and Oregon where a day use fee is required. 

• The pass allows the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle use of the recreation facilities.

• Allows the pass holder use of recreation facilities at per-person sites. Other members in the party must pay the per-person fee.

• Passes are interchangeable between all members of the same household.  

• Frequent visitors of national forests may save money by buying an annual pass. 

Recreation Sites Where a Pass is Required

Mount St. Helens NVM and Ranger District

• Coldwater Lake Boating and Picnic

• Coldwater Science and Learning Center

• Ape Cave

• Trail of Two Forests

• Lava Canyon

• Bear Meadows

• Cascade Peaks

• Meta Lake/Miners Car

• Norway Pass

• Smith Creek Picnic

• Windy Ridge 

Check the Forest site locations to see a complete list where a pass is required.

About the Forest 

The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument / Ranger District is located on the western side of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington. In 1982, Congress established the 110,000 acre National Volcanic Monument to allow for the natural recovery of the land and provide opportunities for research, education, and recreation. Numerous viewpoints and miles of trails have been created to explore by car, mountain bike, on horseback, or on foot.   

Purchase Your Pass in Advance or When You Arrive

• Purchase your pass in advance to arrive ready for your visit. 

• The day pass can also be purchased on-site using a credit card through the Recreation.gov mobile app. Once on-site, follow the posted scan and pay instructions. You will need to download the free Recreation.gov mobile app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. For more information about paying on-site, click here: How Do I Use a Scan & Pay QR Code to Purchase an Activity Pass?