Trails Without a Permit

NO PERMIT? NO PROBLEM

TAKE A HIKE ON ONE OF THESE BEAUTIFUL CENTRAL OREGON TRAILS

Wildflowers Keep a lookout for the beautiful wildflowers in Whychus Creek, like this vibrant desert paintbrush, below

The newly launched Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System aims to tame the crowds and preserve the solitude on some of Central Oregon’s most popular trails in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters wilderness areas. While permits are required for nineteen popular day hikes and all overnight backpacking in these areas, this represents just a portion of the vast wilderness in our beautiful part of the state.

Whether you’re seeking a last-minute adventure sans-permit or would rather choose a route known for being less busy, there are plenty of options to get out into the wilderness on a day-hike or overnight outing. Here’s a few trails worth exploring this summer.

Learn more about the Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System.

Twin Lakes Trail Loop around two smaller lakes sandwiched between Crane Prairie Reservoir (to the north) and Wickiup Reservoir (to the south) on this 4.5 mile loop trail. Hike through forested areas and take in the views of these crystal blue mountain lakes.

West Metolius River Trail Meander along the beautiful Metolius River outside Camp Sherman by taking the West Metolius River Trail, starting at the Canyon Creek Campground and heading north. See fisherman and pass by the Wizard Falls Hatchery (temporarily closed for COVID-19) and several riverside campgrounds. Loop back after reaching the hatchery for a 5.4 mile trek or continue further for a longer hike. Whychus Creek Scenic Overlook Take in views of the Three Sisters mountains from this scenic overlook above Whychus Creek. Arrive at the overlook via the one mile wheelchair-accessible South Trail or the more difficult North Trail loop, which is longer, but involves more of an incline (hikers are rewarded with additional mountain views).

Waldo Lake and Diamond Peak Wilderness Looking for a permit-free overnight stay? There are eighty-four miles of trails in the Waldo Lake Wilderness Area and more than fifty miles of trails as part of the Diamond Peak Wilderness area, including fourteen miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. These forested wilderness areas southwest of Sunriver and west of La Pine are a great option for day hikes and overnight outings.

TAKE CARE OUT THERE

Central Oregon’s outdoor spaces are our playground — and they’re also our responsibility. In the last year, we have seen extraordinary growth in recreation across our public lands. Hundreds of thousands of new users are accessing trails, learning new sports and spending time outside. That means it’s up to all of us to do our part in keeping ourselves, our communities and the land we play on, safe.

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