Digital Payments Now Accepted at National Forests in Washington State
Download the app in advance and be prepared for your visit
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.
Be prepared! Download the app and set up your 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. Record the confirmation code on the provided slip and display it at your vehicle or campsite.
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.
Where Digital Payments Are Accepted or Required
Cashless Forests
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
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.
More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/okanogan-wenatchee/newsroom/stories/digital-payment-now-required-most-recreation-sites
Olympic National Forest
All Forest Service managed fee sites are fully cashless.
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/Day Use Area, and Klahowya Campground/Day Use Area.
More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/olympic/newsroom/stories/cashless-digital-payments-and-self-service-fee-booth-options
Forests Accepting Both Digital Payment and Cash/Check
Colville National Forest
Several Forest Service managed campgrounds are now accepting digital payment in addition to cash or checks.
More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/colville/passes
Gifford-Pinchot National Forest
Digital payments are accepted at all day-use sites and trailheads requiring a fee, and at first-come, first-served campgrounds on the Mt. Adams Ranger District (Forlorn Lakes, Trout Lake Creek, Government Mineral Springs, Tillicum, Cultus Creek, Mt. Adams Horse Camp, and Lewis River Horse Camp).
More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/newsroom/releases/cashless-ways-pay-summer-gifford-pinchot-national-forest
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Digital payments are accepted at all Forest Service managed trailheads and day-use sites requiring a fee. Campgrounds operated by concessionaires do not accept digital payments; walk-in campsites take cash or checks only.
Self-service automated fee machines are available at Snow Lake, Ira Spring, Franklin Falls, Snoqualmie Pass Visitor Center, Glacier Public Service Center, and Heather Meadows. Additional fee machines are being installed in summer 2026 at Artist Point, Verlot Public Service Center, Annette Lake, and Talapus Lake trailheads.
More information: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/mbs/newsroom/releases/mt-baker-snoqualmie-national-forest-move-primarily-cashless-collections
Be Ready Before You Go
Download the Recreation.gov mobile app today and set up your account before leaving areas with cell or Wi-Fi service. Once installed, the scan-and-pay function will work even without connectivity.
