Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permits
Some areas may be inaccessible or only partially accessible due to closures. Be sure to check National Forest-Alerts and Warnings(usda.gov) for the latest information before reserving your permit.
Visitors ALWAYS assume risks when entering trails in natural areas, but in burned areas those risks are greater. Your safety is in your hands! Know Before You Go and learn more about safely recreating in burned areas here: Burned Area Safety Tips
Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permits - Additional permits are released in a 7-day rolling window at 0700 PDT daily. The first day for the permit season is June 15th and runs through October 15th.
There are two types of permits available for visiting the Central Cascades wilderness areas of Oregon:
- Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permits
- Central Cascades Wilderness Permits - Day Use
Overnight permits are not intended for Day Use.
The Central Cascades wilderness areas of Oregon are home to iconic mountain peaks, high alpine meadows and lakes, and old growth forests. Crystal clear streams, wildflower meadows, rugged mountain views, young lava flows, and much more can be found in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness areas
Backpacking, day hiking, mountaineering and horseback riding are the most common forms of recreation in the area during the short summer season, after snow has receded. Opportunities for nature photography also abound. Cross-country travel skills are necessary to access many of the high lakes and mountain peaks.
Easily accessed by population centers in central and western Oregon, while drawing visitors from around the world, the wilderness permit system was established to ensure the protection of these landscapes now and into the future.
Facilities:
There are no facilities within these wilderness areas. Visitors must practice "Leave No Trace" skills, including properly disposing of human and pet waste and carrying out all trash. Depending on the trailhead used for entry, facilities may include parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, stock hitching posts and wilderness and interpretive information about the area.
Notifications and Alerts
Broken Top/Crater Ditch Trailheads do not have overnight permits available with a start date prior to August 1st. Due to snow and mud, it is uncertain when the road will be open for the season.
Permit & Season Information
A Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permit allows the permit holder and their group to travel in these wilderness areas for overnight trips. Overnight permits are required for all overnight visitors to the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wildernesses between June 15th and October 15th.
Permits reserved on this page are available for reservations starting on the first Tuesday in April and include approximately 40% of available quota space each day, at each trailhead.
Additional permits will be released 7 days prior to the start of a trip include approximately 60% of the quota space available each day, at each trailhead.
Permits are limited to reserving 3 at one time. Additional permits can be reserved once the dates have been observed or a permit is cancelled.
The permit holder must have a digital or paper copy of the permit with them during their visit.
Need to Know
Permits are required for all overnight use and at 19 trailheads for day use in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters wilderness areas starting June 15th through October 15th. See below for limited exceptions.
Overnight permits are not valid for day use. Day use permits are not needed in addition to an overnight permit.
The trip leader or alternate trip leader must carry the permit on the trip. Alternate trip leaders can only be added during checkout.
Some trailheads may not be accessible to vehicles until mid/late-June, including trailheads accessed from McKenzie Highway (Oregon 242) and the Cascade Lakes Highway. Go to TripCheck.com for the latest Oregon Department of Transportation road information.
Broken Top and Crater Ditch trailheads may not be accessible by vehicle until late July/early August. Access depends on Forest Service Roads 4600-370/80; these roads require 4WD and high clearance. Permits for early season entry dates may not be made available depending on seasonal snowpack.
Campfires are not allowed above 5,700’ elevation and at additional lower elevation destinations.
Hikers and equestrians should obtain a detailed map of the area before planning a trip, and inquire in advance about trail conditions, particularly early in the season.
Visitors must practice "Leave No Trace" skills, including properly disposing of human and pet waste and carrying out all trash.
Exceptions to the permit requirement:
- Long-distance (500+ miles) travelers on the Pacific Crest Trail, holding a valid permit issued by the Pacific Crest Trail Association; additional camping restrictions apply (PCTA Long-Distance Permits ).
- Hunters with a valid deer or elk tag issued from Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, during the hunting season. For more information, go to ODFW (ODFW License Info ).
Fee Policy
Reservation Fee:
- The reservation fee for overnight permits is $6.00 per permit. This is non-refundable.
Cancellation Policy
If you're not able to use your permit, please cancel your permit so others may use your quota space.
Cancellation Policy
- Permits may be cancelled anytime, prior to being printed.
- The $6.00 reservation fee is non-refundable.
Change Policy:
- Once a permit is printed, no changes will be allowed.
- Prior to printing a permit, changes in the number of people, stock and pets are allowed. Adding additional nights or reducing the number of nights is allowed when available.
- Changing the date of entry requires a new reservation. Cancel your current permit and reserve a new permit. The $6.00 permit reservation fee will apply to the new reservation.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
63095 Deschutes Market Road Bend OR 97701
Deschutes National Forest
Mailing Address
3106 Pierce Parkway Suite D Springfield OR 97477
Willamette National Forest
Phone Number
541-383-5300
