Passes & Permits

Recreation Passes

A recreation pass is not needed to recreate on the majority of the Umpqua National Forest. A recreation pass or day use fee is required to recreate in the following areas: Umpqua Hot Springs, Howlock Mountain Trailhead, Mt. Thielsen Trailhead, Diamond Lake boat ramps and picnic area, Lemolo Reservoir, Rujada Picnic Areas, and South Umpqua Falls.

Find out which pass works for you: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r6/passes-permits/recreation.

Where do I buy passes? Passes are available online or in-person at National Forest offices or at local vendors.

Recreation Pass Vendor Map 

Are there any Fee Free Days? Yes, check check here.

Can I get involved? The Pacific Northwest Recreation Resource Advisory Committee provides recommendations concerning recreation fees.  Get involved.

Sno-Park Permits

Sno-Park permits are required in designated Sno-Parks from November 1 – April 30. There are five Sno-Parks on the Umpqua National Forest: Cinnamon Butte Sno-Park, Mount Thielsen Sno-Park, South Diamond Lake Sno-Park, Three Lakes Sno-Park, and North Crater Lake Sno-Park.

Learn more about Oregon Sno-Park Permits.

Special Forest Products Permits

You must obtain a permit before removing any forest products from the Umpqua National Forest. The permit process enables the Forest Service to track demand for products, the amount of products removed from the Forest, and to protect resources. Some of the more common products we sell are firewood, Christmas trees, mushrooms, greenery such as salal and beargrass, posts and poles for fencing, and live transplants.

Most product permits require a mimimum payment of $20 or more. Product prices vary depending on the product's availability, amount purchased, and market value.

Free use permits are also available most forest products, including firewood and mushrooms. These permits are issued for personal use in non-commercial amounts.

How to Request a Permit

Call one of our Ranger District offices or email sm.fs.umpquapermit@usda.gov to request a permit. In your email, please include your name, address, phone number, driver’s license number, the type of permit you are requesting, and the ranger district you are requesting a permit for. Additionally, if you are requesting a product other than firewood or mushrooms, please include a completed permit application with information about the product, quantity, and location you are requesting.

Before driving to a ranger station to purchase a permit, please call ahead to ensure that someone is available to help you, as some ranger stations issue permits by appointment and not all products are available on all four districts. Permits must be obtained at the ranger district office for the harvest area.

Christmas tree permits can also be purchased online at Recreation.gov. 

Special Forest Products

Learn more about permits for various special forest products:

Special Use Permits

A special use permit is required when you are asking for special privileges on National Forest land. Examples include gatherings of 75 people or more, operating a business, using the forest for financial gain, and commercial filming. To apply for a special use permit or to learn more, please contact us.

What is a Special Use Authorization?

A Special Use Authorization is a permit, term permit, temporary permit, lease, or easement or other written instrument that grants rights or privileges of occupancy and use subject to specified terms and conditions on National Forest land. The occupancy and use may be for a one-day event such as a wedding or bicycle race, or for up to 40 years such as a ski resort permit. Our policy is to manage special uses on National Forest lands in a manner that protects natural resource values, public health and safety, and is consistent with the Forest land and resource management plans.

When Do I Need an Authorization?

  • If you will need to occupy, use or build in National Forest Service (NFS) land for personal or business purposes, whether the duration is temporary or long term.
  • If there is a fee being charged or if income is derived from the use.
  • If an activity on NFS land involves individuals or organizations with 75 or more participants or spectators.

Examples of Special Uses Requiring an Authorization

  • Recreation events
  • Outfitters and guides
  • Commercial filming and photography
  • Commercial non-recreational (transportation systems, utilities systems, facilities)
  • Recreation residences

Is my Proposal Appropriate?

  • Your request must be consistent with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and special orders that apply to the national forests.
  • Your request must be consistent with the Forest Plan that established standards and guidelines for management of the land where the activity will take place. A copy of the Forest Plan is available at the Supervisor's Office.
  • Your request must not endanger public health or safety.
  • Your request must not require exclusive or perpetual use or occupancy.
  • Your request cannot conflict or interfere with administrative use by the Forest Service, other authorized existing uses, or uses of adjacent nonfederal lands.
  • The application must not owe any fees to the Forest Service from a prior special-use authorization.
  • No gambling or providing of sexually-oriented commercial services can be authorized on NFS land, even if permitted under state law.
  • No military or paramilitary training or exercises can be authorized on NFS land, unless it is federally funded.
  • No disposal of solid waste or storage or disposal of radioactive or other hazardous substances can be authorized on NFS land.

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