If someone tells you to take a hike, tell them you need a permit first. Reservations for the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests for day and overnight use permits begin April 6th at: www.Recreation.gov
The Central Cascades Wilderness Permit System was delayed last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning Friday, May 28 and ending on Friday, September 24, 2021 day-use permits will be required for 19 out of 79 trails in the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters wilderness areas. During the same period, overnight-use permits will be required for all trails in those same three wilderness areas. There are some exceptions for PCT hikers, volunteers, and hunters. More information about the permits can be found here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd688355
Permits will be available in the following way:
- Overnight Use Availability:
- 40% full season available on April 6.
- 60% available on a 7-day rolling window.
- Day Use Availability:
- 20-50% of a trailhead’s full season will be available on April 6.
- 50-80% of a trailhead’s permits will be available on a 7-day rolling window to allow for people to take more spontaneous trips.
Reservations can also be made by calling 1-877-444-6777. Individuals can also get permits at Deschutes and Willamette National Forest offices, but it should be noted due to COVID, National Forest offices may be closed to the public. People should call the office ahead of time to make sure it is open.
Processing fees will be applied to the permits regardless of how they are reserved. Day-use permits will be charged $1.00 per permit per person. Overnight-use permits will be charged $6.00 per trip. Overnight permits can include up to 12 people for a trip of up to 14 days.
