Trump orders national parks to charge some tourists higher fees
President Trump signed an executive order to charge foreign tourists more for entry into national parks.
President Donald Trump has issued an executive order that would make it more expensive for international tourists to visit national parks in Washington state and across the country.
Trump’s July 3 executive order directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to raise the prices of entrance fees and recreation passes, such as the America the Beautiful Pass, at areas in the National Park System for non-U.S. residents.
“From the awe-inspiring Grand Canyon to the tranquility of the Great Smoky Mountains, America’s national parks have provided generations of American families with unforgettable memories,” Trump said in the order. “It is the policy of my Administration to preserve these opportunities for American families in future generations by increasing entry fees for foreign tourists, improving affordability for United States residents, and expanding opportunities to enjoy America’s splendid national treasures.”
Any additional money generated by the price hikes must be used to “improve the infrastructure of, or otherwise enhance enjoyment of or access to” federal recreation areas, the order states.
The new order also rescinds former President Barack Obama’s 2017 memorandum, “Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in our National Parks, National Forests, and Other Public Lands and Waters,” which supported efforts to broaden the federal workforce and improve park access for underserved populations.
How does Trump’s order affect national parks in Washington state?
It was unclear when the fee increases could be implemented at national parks or by how much prices would be raised for international visitors.
Burgum acknowledged Trump’s order on X, stating that it would make national parks more affordable for U.S. residents and make sure “visitors from around the world contribute to preservation.” He didn’t elaborate on any specific adjustments in the post.
The National Park Service referred USA TODAY Network to Burgum’s X post when reached for comment.
The change would affect millions of visitors to U.S. national parks. More than 13 million overseas travelers visited national parks in 2016, the nonprofit U.S. Travel Association reported, citing the figures from the National Travel and Tourism Office. That number was expected to reach 14 million in 2018.
The National Park Service’s website states that most areas don’t charge a fee to get in, but some do. The website lists the sites in Washington state that currently require an entrance fee, along with their associated costs:
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
- State: Washington, Oregon
- Entrance pass: Standard pass, $10; Annual pass, $35; America the Beautiful Pass, free-$80
Lewis and Clark National Historic Park
- State: Washington, Oregon
- Entrance pass: Standard pass, $10; Annual pass, $35; America the Beautiful Pass, free-$80
Mount Rainier National Park
- State: Washington
- Entrance pass: Standard pass, $15-$30; Annual pass, $55; America the Beautiful Pass, free-$80
Olympic National Park
- State: Washington
- Entrance pass: Standard pass, $15-$30; Annual pass, $55; America the Beautiful Pass, free-$80
Places such as North Cascades National Park, Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and San Juan Island National Historic Park, among other sites in Washington, don’t charge entrance fees, according to the National Park Service website.
What are the free entrance days for national parks in 2025?
Here are the remaining days in 2025 when all National Park Service sites will offer free admission to all visitors, according to the Department of the Interior’s website:
- Wednesday, July 16: Bureau of Land Management’s birthday
- Monday, Aug. 4: Great American Outdoors Day
- Saturday, Sept. 27: National Public Lands Day
- Sunday, Oct. 12: first Sunday of National Wildlife Refuge Week
- Tuesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day
Contributing: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
(This story was updated with new information.)
