Some recreation areas in the Siuslaw National Forest and Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area are going electronic by installing automated fee machines.
The machines, the agency said in a news release, replace the classic “iron ranger” fee tubes as part of a nationwide initiative by the U.S. Forest Service.
Over the past several years, theft and vandalism to fee stations at has increased exponentially, the Forest Service said. Theft, damage, and concerns for employee and public safety forced staff to discontinue accepting cash or checks at the dunes recreation area on the southern Oregon coast.
The new machines will only accept credit cards.
Alternative payment options are also available. Annual and day use passes can be purchased online or from district offices. Day use passes are also offered via www.Recreation.gov and many facilities have signage with a QR code that can be scanned by phone for convenience.
Sites were selected for this initial phase of installation based on their high visitation rates. Fee machines are located at Devil’s Churn day use area on Cape Perpetua, and Siltcoos, South Jetty and Horsfall areas within the dunes recreation area.
Later this year, fee machines will be available at Marys Peak and Drift Creek Falls trailheads. Additional locations around the Forest will be added over the next few years.
Preparing in advance for your visit to recreation sites is encouraged. Go to the agency’s website for more information.
