Wilderness Permits

Scott Lake

NEW WILDERNESS PERMITTING SYSTEM

Mount Jefferson Wilderness

Now is a great time for summer day-hikers and backpackers planning to visit Central Oregon’s picturesque wilderness to get familiar with a new trail permitting system launching this year. The new system aims to cut back on overcrowding at popular trailheads, which will in turn lead to quieter, more peaceful wilderness enjoyment on these outings. The new Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system will help regulate use on 19 of the 79 trails within the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters wilderness areas—requiring day-use permits for hiking. Meanwhile all 79 trails will require overnight-use permits. The low-cost permits ($1 for day-use and $6 for overnight) are being implemented to ensure that the beautiful landscapes of Central Oregon, which are easily accessed by locals and visitors regionally and worldwide, are wellprotected into the future.

When are permits required?

Permits will be required for visits to the wilderness areas beginning May 28, with this year’s permit season ending Sept. 24.

How do I get a permit?

The simplest way to secure permits is to visit recreation.gov, or to call 1-877-444-6777. Be prepared with your name, entry date, group size (maximum of 12 people on one permit), entry trailhead and for overnight permits, the length of the trip.

When should I get a permit?

For trips planned in advance, a portion of all permit inventory is available as of April 6 , while the remaining inventory will be released seven days before a trip would start, on a rolling basis.

TAKE CARE OUT THERE

When it’s time to hit the trails, whether it’s for an afternoon, a weekend or longer, remember to learn the rules and regulations before visiting, practice good trail etiquette and show respect for the forest and other trail users you meet along the way. With a little education and planning, we can all “Take Care Out There,” protecting our trails for use by future generations.

trails more ways to take care out there Show respect for trails and others