The U.S. Forest Service will waive most fees for day-use sites on national forests in Washington and Oregon on Monday, Jan. 15 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the agency announced.
The initiative is part of the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a National Day of Service and is aimed at encouraging Americans to engage in volunteer service and enjoy the natural beauty of their public lands.
The fee waiver includes many Forest Service picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers. Fees for camping, cabin rentals or other permits still apply and fees will continue to be charged at day-use fee sites operated by concessionaires, unless individual managers choose to participate.
Across the Pacific Northwest, volunteers serve a critical role in helping the Forest Service manage public lands. Learn more about volunteer opportunities on the Forest Service’s website.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the first fee-free day for the Forest Service in 2024. The Forest Service offers several fee-free days throughout the year to encourage Americans to explore the outdoors and visit their public lands. The remaining fee-free days this year include National Get Outdoors Day, Juneteenth, National Public Lands Day and Veterans Day.
More information on fee-free days and recreation passes is available on the Forest Service website.