PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Memorial Day visitor advisories for National Forests in
Oregon & Washington

May 22, 2025 – As Americans take time to honor our nation’s fallen service members this Memorial Day weekend, many will also spend time exploring America’s public lands. National Forests managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service often create the strongest connection between the American public and the outdoors. As we enter what we expect to be another busy summer, the Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region reminds everyone that preparation is key to having a safe, enjoyable visit to Your Northwest Forests and Grasslands.

“We are excited to welcome visitors to the national forests and grasslands this year and want to ensure everyone knows how they can help steward their public lands while enjoying the many benefits of outdoor recreation,” said Tracy Calizon, Forest Service Assistant Director for Recreation and Trails in the Pacific Northwest Region.

The following outdoor safety tips will help you plan for a great holiday weekend on your national forests.

UPLOAD RECREATION.GOV APP: Recreation.gov is a one-stop shop for making reservations for camping, knowing which campgrounds first-come, first-serve sites have, obtaining timed-entry passes for those sites and experiences where they are required, and acquiring special permits for unique experiences such as climbing some of our most challenging, popular Cascade peaks. New this year, at many sites on National Forests in Oregon and Washington, visitors will have the ability to “scan-to-pay” for recreation fees using the Rec.gov app. The app must be uploaded in advance in order to utilize this exciting new feature.

KNOW CONDITONS: Forest visitors are cautioned to plan their trip in advance and ensure all recreation sites are safely accessible. Not all roads, trails and campgrounds are open, particularly this year with the late season snow. Shaded areas and cut banks on roads at higher elevations may still have impassible snowdrifts.

Most hiking and motorized trails have not yet been maintained. Forest crews are working to open lower elevation recreation sites and campgrounds, but some will remain closed for the holiday weekend. Contact the local Ranger District office before you head out to make sure the area, you’re traveling to is accessible and open. Check seasonal campfire restrictions and area closures.

RECREATE RESPONSIBLY: Do your part to avoid preventable accidents and injuries! Injuries, stranded vehicles, and lost or missing people tax the capacity of first responders and search and rescue volunteers, especially those serving rural and remote areas. Make sure to bring the 10 essentials - carry what you need to stay safe if you get lost or stranded, even for short trips. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you expect to return, and what to do if you don't arrive on time.

EXPECT CROWDS: Park only in designated areas. Unsafe and illegal parking blocks first responders and puts people in danger. Plan ahead, pack your patience, and have a "plan B" if you don't have reservations.

LEAVE NO TRACE and PACK IT OUT! As our staff work to maintain many sites with increased visitation, you may find trash bins or restroom facilities that are full or unusable.
Trash: Wildlife-resistant trash containers don't work when overfilled. Food and trash attract wildlife, which creates a hazard for them and for us. If a trash bin isn’t available, please bring your trash out with you and dispose of it in a proper container.
Human Waste: When nature calls, use facilities where they're provided. If a facility is closed or unusable, properly dispose of human waste by digging a hole and burying it well away from trails and water sources, or pack it out in a dedicated container or bio-bag. Hygiene products and diapers must be disposed of in a proper trash receptacle; again, if one is full, please do your part and bring these materials out with you or consider going the extra mile by bringing a garbage bag with you so you can leave the outdoors even better than you found it! Many thanks to those unsung, unknown volunteer heroes who do this every time they visit the woods!

... and don't forget to HAVE FUN! We love the outdoors, too, and we want you to love them too. By working together to share this space and be safe, we can help ensure the outdoors are accessible and fun for everyone who visits public lands.

About the Forest Service: The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, aids state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world.

The Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region contains 16 National Forests, a National Scenic Area, a National Grassland, and two National Volcanic Monuments, all within the States of Oregon and Washington. These public lands provide timber for people, forage for cattle and wildlife, habitat for fish, plants, and animals, and some of the best recreation opportunities in the country.

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