Which parking pass do I need for parking at Columbia Gorge trailheads?

Oregon State Parks Pass and Washington Discover Pass

If you're a visitor (and sometimes as a local!), figuring out which pass you need can be confusing in the Columbia River Gorge. Seeking clarity on the trailhead pass confusion in the Columbia River Gorge? Visiting both the Washington and Oregon sides? We've complied a simplified pass outline with direct links to take you to the right place to purchase your passes.

Why so many passes?

The land and waterways of the Columbia River Gorge are managed by several different entities depending on where you are visiting- we also have 2 different states in the mix, and each managing entity has its own pass system. What's the best way to know before you go? Check your map to see which entity manages the land/water you plan to visit, read the trail visit reports, and check the managing entities' website for any updates or changes.

Essentially, if you show up with an Oregon State Parks pass, a Discover Pass, and an America the Beautiful (or NW Forest) pass, you'll have most forest areas covered...

Worst case scenario if you've come without the appropriate pass is that you'll ultimately pay a little more to purchase multiple day passes at the trailheads.

If you're visiting the Hood River area, you'll have city parking to pay, and if you're visiting the glorious mountain bike trails of Post Canyon, you'll need need a county parking pass.

Planning to SUP or Kayak? For a little extra confusion, many of the boat ramps are managed by a city or port and may also require an additional parking pass.

Which pass for where?

Oregon State Parks: Gets you into day use state parks on the Oregon side, and trails that are managed by Oregon State Parks.

Currently $10/day, $30/year, $50/2year

Discover Pass: This is the pass you need for Washington side State Parks/Fish & Wildlife, DNR sites. (Note that not every place in the forest on the Washington side is covered by this one- some require the NW Forest pass).

Currently $35/year (increasing to $45 in 10/25), or $11.50/day

NW Forest Pass: You'll need this one for many of the forests on both the Oregon and Washington sides, including popular areas such as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. It'll cover some of the monuments as well. Here's a list of places its accepted. *If you have an America The Beautiful Pass, you can skip this one because these locations will already be covered by the ATB pass.

Currently $30/year

America the Beautiful Pass: This covers National Parks, as well as the same areas that are covered by our local NW Forest pass in Oregon and Washington (so if you're planning to visit BOTH National Parks and NW forest areas within a year, this is the one you want).

Currently $80/year

Oregon Sno-Park Pass: This is your winter sports access pass. available and required 10/1-4/30 each year.

Currently $4/day or $25/year

Washington Sno-Park Pass: Needed 11/1 for Washington Sno-parks. Pricing currently unavailable.

Hood River County Pass: Gets you out on Post Canyon Mountain Bike trails. Currently $5/day or $30/year

Phew. That's a whole lotta passes... but I hope that this makes it slightly less confusing. If your head is still spinning, reach out and I'll do my best to point you in the right direction!

andd the required Disclaimer that each managing entity may have price changes and public land management is experiencing turmoil, so DO verify all information on the appropriate government website.

Happy Trails!

Trish