Where do I go? How do I obtain it? Hey Nick, I got your email, but there was no website listed for me to visit...
Cuttie

I believe it is called Range Control for access to Ft. Lewis.

Cuttie, call this number: 253-967-6371. Someone's supposed to answer that phone 24x7. That's Range Control Operations.

If you want to know how to get to the tank crossing on the Nisqually, drop me a note and I'll meet you somewhere to show you. It's not that difficult, but if you don't know Fort Lewis it's hard to explain.

I just got off the phone with them and here's what you need to do:

Get a vehicle registration pass from the MPs. That's done at the main gate visitor's center, and allows you to drive on post for the stated period. You'll need driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

After that you go to Building 4074, which is Range Control, to get your visitor's pass. That allows you to be "down range" (training areas) where the river is. For this you'll need a picture ID.

Hope that helps you.

OUTSTANDING HARLEY!!!!
That's the kind of specifics I've been looking for forever now. Thanks a million...
Cuttie

Cut,

If you want to do some of the legwork online, here's the link:

https://sponsor.lewis.army.mil/requests/

-Gottago

Hey guys, can anyone get a range pass or do you need to have an active duty sponsor?

check out the link above your post, it tells all...

-Gottago

gumpyr, cuttie
Last time I checked (Sept) you need a sponsor to get you through the gate or to get a visitor pass (if this is not true, it is a recent change). Since you need to go through the gate to get to range control, the answer should be yes...you need a sponsor. It also states this in the disclaimer (in red) on the web page referenced above.
IF in fact this is true, Id be glad to help out and sponsor you if you need help getting to range control.

RL

I made a few more calls this morning and found out a little more about the process.

When you visit the website listed above you will eventually fill out a request for a visitor pass online. Range Control will then email you the approval or disapproval. You take the printed approval email, go to the main gate visitor center and get your vehicle pass as I mentioned above.

From there you'll go to Range Control to get the actual Visitor Pass that is good for one year. The email from Range Control works in lieu of a sponsor.

One thing I learned, that I think is screwed up, is that the pass from Range Control doesn't allow you to drive through mainpost to go fishing. Which means you can only access the river using something like the East Gate road off Hwy 507, and that kind of sucks if you're coming from Tacoma or Olympia. If you want to cut through mainpost you'd have to email Range Control again for another pass (which acts like a sponsor). Weird.

If anyone needs help with access drop me a note. I can meet someone and show them how to get to the river from post.

That is correct Goharley. Another thing you may want to know is having a range pass will allow you to have 2 people with you that do not have a pass. Comes in handy at times.

dunno what you meant about going through "mainpost"...are you still allowed to get to the river off the side of 510?(the tank crossing)

Yes Chum man. The range pass will get you to the tank crossing but it won't get you through any gate manned by MP's. It will allow you use of grounds outside the main post. One requirement that is seldom inforced is that you are supposed to check in with the Range Office and inform them which area you will be in. But as I said this is almost never inforced.

And all you who may have hunting dogs, the fort has a lot of land that is great for training. There is a group of us the train dogs out there almost all year long. There is every type of cover you could wish for. Have fun.

The only problem with accessing by Hwy 510 is that the gate on the bridge across the river may be locked, making it impossible to get to the side where most people fish.

I'm not sure who controls that gate, my guess would be the MPs.

If you can be assured that the gate is opened then access from Hwy 510 would be great for guys from Olympia.

Thanks to all for some great replies. I intend on pursuing the pass this upcoming week.