The National Park Service is an important participant in the Interagency Pass Program, which was created by the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act and authorized by Congress in December 2004. Participating agencies include the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Some of the passes in the interagency pass series—collectively known as the Interagency Pass—are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center; the passes that are not may be available at other federal recreation sites' entrance stations and/or visitor centers and are available online and/or through the mail by submitting a paper application form which may be downloaded from the USGS Store.
Passes Available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center
The four passes in the interagency program that are available at the Bear Valley Visitor Center are:
Interagency Access Pass
Cost: Free in-person or $10online or through the mail
This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Documentation is required to obtain the pass. Acceptable documentation includes: statement by a licensed physician; document issued by Federal agency such as the Veteran's Administration, Social Security Disability Income or Supplemental Security Income; or document issued by a State agency such as a vocational rehabilitation agency. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in-person at the park. The Access Pass provides a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launching, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. The pass may be obtained:
Interagency Annual Pass for Active Duty U.S. Military (and Their Dependents)
Free
This pass is available to the active duty military personnel and dependents with proper identification (Common Access Card or Dependent ID Card [DD Form 1173]) and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can be obtained in-person at the Bear Valley Visitor Center or at other parks' entrance stations and/or visitor centers. more...
Interagency Annual Lifetime Pass for Veterans and Gold Star Families
Free
This pass is available to veterans and Gold Star families with proper identification (Department of Defense Identification Card [CAC Card, DD Form 2, DD Form 2765], Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC), Veteran ID Card, or Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S.driver’s license or identification card) and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can be obtained in-person at the Bear Valley Visitor Center or at other parks' entrance stations and/or visitor centers. more...
Free
This pass is for volunteers acquiring 500 service hours on a cumulative basis. It provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of award. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). Visit our Volunteer page or contact our volunteer coordinator by email or at 415-464-5225 to learn about volunteer opportunities in Point Reyes National Seashore. more...
Every Kid Outdoors Annual 4th Grade Pass
Free
This pass is only available to U.S. 4th Graders (including home-schooled and free-choice learners ten years of age). To obtain this pass, the 4th Grader must first visit the Every Kid Outdoors website, complete an adventure diary, and print a paper voucher. Then visit the Bear Valley Visitor Center—or another participating Federal recreation site where they may exchange their Every Kid in a Park voucher for the Annual 4th grade Pass. Digital versions of the voucher (such as smart phones or tablets) will not be accepted. The pass is valid for the duration of the 4th grade school year through the following summer (September–August). The pass admits the pass owner and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle at a per vehicle fee area, or the pass owner and up to three adults at sites that charge per person.
Learn more at the Every Kid Outdoors website.
Interagency Passes May Be Available at Other Bay Area Sites
As of September 2021, other federal recreation sites in the San Francisco Bay area that may have the Interagency Passes available include:
Unavailable at Point Reyes National Seashore until further notice.
Cost $80 in person or $85online
This pass is available to the general public and provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas. Children under 16 are admitted free. The pass can be obtained in-person at other parks' entrance stations and/or visitor centers. By purchasing a pass at a park, you will be directly supporting that park. You may also obtain the pass by calling 1-888-ASK USGS, Ext. 2, or via the Internet from the USGS Store. more...
Interagency Lifetime Senior Pass
Unavailable at Point Reyes National Seashore until further notice.
Cost: $80 in-person or $90online or through the mail
This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity fee. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The Lifetime Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. The pass may be obtained in-person at other parks' entrance stations and/or visitor centers, or online, or through the mail by submitting a paper application form which may be downloaded from the USGS Store. more...
Unavailable at Point Reyes National Seashore until further notice.
Cost: $20 in-person or $30online or through the mail
This is an annual pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity for a year, beginning from the date of sale. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The Annual Senior Pass may provide a 50 percent discount on some Expanded Amenity Fees charged for facilities and services such as camping, swimming, boat launch, and specialized interpretive services. In some cases where Expanded Amenity Fees are charged, only the pass holder will be given the 50 percent price reduction. The pass is non-transferable and generally does NOT cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessionaires. The pass may be obtained in-person at other parks' entrance stations and/or visitor centers, or online, or through the mail by submitting a paper application form which may be downloaded from the USGS Store. more...
All Golden Age and Golden Access Passports will continue to be honored according to the provisions of the pass.
Golden Age Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the Interagency Senior Pass. Paper Golden Age Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.
Golden Access Passport
This pass has been discontinued and replaced by the Interagency Access Pass. Paper Golden Access Passports may be exchanged free of charge for new plastic passes.
Golden Eagle Passport and National Parks Pass and Golden Eagle Hologram
These passes have been discontinued and replaced by the Interagency Annual Pass.
415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.
