Those looking to visit recreation sites along the Lewis River in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest will have to get a reserved parking ticket from now until Sept. 6.
The U.S. Forest Service reminded would-be visitors to the Lewis River Recreation Area that they will need to obtain tickets online at recreation.gov during the peak visit season which began June 15. Reserve tickets must be purchased ahead of time and printed off before arrival.
The ticket system was implemented in 2021 after an increase in traffic, trash and human waste along the Lewis River corridor created multiple public health and safety concerns, a U.S. Forest Service release stated.
After implementation of the reserved parking ticket system, recreation managers reported a reduction in injuries, trash and natural resource damage along the corridor.
Eighty percent of the daily reserved parking tickets were available as of the start of the season, the release stated. The remaining 20% of the reservations will be made available on a rolling basis, two days in advance of each calendar day. Those tickets are intended to offer some flexibility for short-term trip planning.
A reserved parking ticket has a $2 non-refundable transaction fee, the release stated.
Parking outside of designated areas is prohibited during the June 15 to Sept. 6 season, according to the release. Those who plan to drive through the area without stopping in the Lewis River Recreation Area aren’t required to have a reservation.
The Lewis River Recreation Area is a 10-mile corridor, situated alongside the Lewis River and Forest Road 90 within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, according to the U.S. Forest Service website. The area is located 26 miles east of Cougar and 29 miles west of Trout Lake.
Those visiting the Lower Falls Day Use area will need a Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Pass, or Day Pass in addition to a reserved parking ticket, the release stated. Those passes are sold through local vendors and are available at the Lower Falls Day Use area for $5, by cash or check.
Campsites at Lower Falls Campground can be reserved at recreation.gov and campsites at the smaller Lewis River Horse Camp can be secured on a first-come, first-served basis, according to the release. Those camping at the sites do not need a reserved parking ticket, though other fees are associated.
A map of the Lewis River Recreation Area is available at fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/LRAA/map. More information on the area is available at fs.usda.gov/goto/gp/LRRA.
