I buy an annual pass in Mount Rainier National Park because it's the right thing to do. The money seems to be well used and they have a solid climbing program, waste removal, and helpful rangers/staff. I hesitantly buy a USFS Trail Park permit because at least a portion of the $$$ go to maintain roads and trailhead access. However, with more roads and trails falling into disrepair at the behest of environmental extremists each year I am rapidly losing faith.
I refuse, however, to buy a "volcano pass" or any other such nonsence permit for Adams, Baker, etc that seem to be nothing more than a jobs program for young wannabee land managers - with all of the $$$ raised paying for nothing more than enforcement of said pass. What a scam. Just respectfully refuse to produce ID if cornered by one of these USFS guys and go on about your way - feign deafness, act mentally deficient, whatever. Good luck.