Where permitted A GUIDE TO RECREATIONAL SITE PASSES, FEES, PERMITS OR LICENSES

Want to get out on the trail, try out your paddleboard, or launch your boat?

Although there are lots of free areas, many hiking trails and boat launches require a pass for parking. Because the Methow is blessed with thousands of acres of state and federal land, it helps to know where you’re going so that you get the right pass.

If you’re a big hiker or you spend a lot of time on the water, it’s worth investing in a Northwest Forest Pass for trails in the National Forest, plus a Discover Pass, which provides access to all state parks, lakes and wildlife areas. They’ll save you money and you’ll always be ready for a spontaneous outing.

If you don’t expect to visit other national parks in the state, like Mt.

Rainier or Olympic National Park, a Northwest Forest Pass will work fine, since it gives you access to a vast range of hiking trails near the Methow. Most trails along the North Cascades Highway start on U.S. Forest Service land. Even though some trails take you into North Cascades National Park, there’s no separate entry fee. The Northwest Forest Pass also covers trailheads in the Chewuch and near Gold Creek, where you can head to the Pasayten or Lake Chelan–Sawtooth wilderness.

T he pass system can be confusing, but the passes support trail maintenance and recreational facilities as state and federal budgets are cut.

Fortunately, some popular areas are still free (see list below). And, if you arrive on foot, bicycle or horse, you generally don’t need a pass.

A BASIC GUIDE TO PASSES:

■ F EDERAL

U.S. Forest Service land (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest/ Methow Valley Ranger District)

Needed at:

• Most trails along the North Cascades Highway, including Blue Lake, Cutthroat Lake, and Lake Ann/Maple Pass

• Lookout Mountain

• Twisp River trails

• Falls Creek Falls, Chewuch-area trails

• A lso good at national forests in Oregon

The annual passes can be used by all members of a household. People can get one free decal per annual pass for open-topped vehicles like jeeps and motorcycles.

Pass options:

• Northwest Forest Pass, $30, annual.

• National Forest Recreation Day Pass, $5, day. Purchase at trailheads (exact cash or check required), at Methow Valley Ranger District, or online.

• National Forest Recreation Day ePass, $5, day; (buy online for a specific date and print at home).

■ S TATE

Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (Methow Wildlife Area), Department of Natural Resources (DNR) areas

Needed at:

• Carlton Swimming Hole

• Lewis Butte

• Patterson Mountain/Patterson Lake

•Pearrygin Lake State Park (unless you’re camping there)

• A lta Lake State Park (unless

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