NORTH CASCADES, WA. – (MyBellinghamNow.com) It will soon cost less for individuals to hike the backcountry of the North Cascades.

The National Parks Service says they are adjusting their backcountry camping fee to a per-person fee from a per-permit fee for backcountry camping permits.

Starting in March of 2024, backcountry permits will be $10 per-person with a $6 nonrefundable permit fee.

That is a change from a $20 recreation fee per-permit plus a $6 nonrefundable permit fee.

The change is in response to feedback from hikers and will lower the cost for single hikers while raising the cost for larger groups.

There will still be no fee for children under 15.

Fees collected pay for administration costs, resource protection, contract support and compliance.