Exploring federal lands is going to get a bit more costly for seniors, starting this summer.
The America the Beautiful–Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass price will increase from $10 to $80 on Aug. 28. The fee increase will support investments in maintenance projects at national parks and other federal recreational lands.
The Senior Pass has cost $10 since 1994. Until Aug. 28, U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62 years or older may still purchase the lifetime Senior Pass for just $10.
Previously purchased lifetime Golden Age or Senior Passes will be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder.
The Senior Pass can be used at sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Funds from passes are used to enhance the visitor experience and support priority projects and programs.
In Clallam County the pass can be purchased for $10 before Aug. 28 at the Olympic National Park and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.
Legislation passed by Congress in December 2016 requires that the price of the lifetime Senior Pass be the same as the Interagency Annual Pass, which is currently $80. The legislation also introduces a new annual Senior Pass that can be purchased for $20.
Seniors who purchase annual Senior Passes for four years can trade them in for a lifetime Senior Pass at no additional charge.
The Senior Pass covers entrance fees and standard amenity (day use) fees and might provide senior discounts for things such as tours or campsites. The pass also waives the entrance fee for traveling companions.
At per-vehicle fee sites, the pass admits the pass holder and all passengers in a noncommercial vehicle. At a per-person fee site, the pass admits the pass holder and three other adults. Children younger than 16 are always admitted free.
For more information, visit https://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html or call the Refuge office at 360-457-8451.
