Trying to add a payment method? You can do this on the 
QuickTake:
The mountains are calling. But will you need a permit to go? Hikers and backpackers in Eugene and Springfield are still adjusting to the growing pains of the U.S. Forest Service’s Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system, designed to conserve fragile natural areas. This guide, featuring insight from local outdoor groups and forest officials, breaks down how to access adventure this summer.
With a 90-minute drive from Springfield, adventurers can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range and its otherworldly volcanic terrain, crystal-clear alpine lakes and craggy peaks.
But heading for the high country is no longer as simple as hitting the road. For many, getting outside now starts with going online to pay for a spot on the trail.
Now in its fourth year, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) permitting program aims to reduce crowding and conserve fragile natural spaces in the Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Washington wilderness areas.
When pre-season sales opened on Recreation.gov in early April, 40% of permits were released, with the remaining 60% set to become available on a rolling basis beginning June 15.
Here’s what to know about getting a permit this summer.
When and where do I need a permit?
From June 15 through Oct. 15, the USFS requires almost everyone — those who plan to hike during the day or stay overnight — to carry permits for the 79 trails in the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Washington wilderness areas.
- Day Hiking: 19 trailheads—including such popular hikes as Broken Top and Tam McArthur Rim—require advance permits. For the other 60 trailheads, users must fill out a free, self-issued permit available at kiosks near parking lots.
- Overnights: Any trail, including the Pacific Crest Trail, within these three wilderness areas requires a permit that must be purchased in advance. Long-distance (500+ miles) Pacific Crest Trail hikers with a valid PCT permit are exempt.
Find a full list of trailheads that require permits, and their quotas, from the USFS here.
How do I buy a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit if I am day hiking?
Visitors can purchase a permit in a window leading up to the date of their planned excursion.
Day use permits, or permits for those doing a day hike, can be found on recreation.gov through the search box or using this direct link. It costs $1 per person per outing. The USFS releases permits in two rolling windows—10 days and 2 days before the trip date.
Permits can also be secured by calling 1-877-444-6777. They are not sold at Forest Service offices.
How do I buy a Central Cascades Wilderness Permit if I am staying overnight?
Visitors can purchase a permit in a window leading up to the date of their planned excursion. They are available at Recreation.gov by searching “Central Cascades Wilderness” or using this direct link. It costs $6 per group permit (1–12 people).
Permits are released on a seven-day rolling basis.
Like day permits, overnight permits can also be acquired by calling 1-877-444-6777. They are not sold at Forest Service offices.
What is the difference between a National Forest Pass and Central Cascades Wilderness Permit?
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass allows for parking at trailheads.
A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit reserves your spot on the trail.
If you’re driving to the trailhead, you need both—a parking pass for your vehicle and a wilderness permit for yourself.
How far can I go on foot with my Central Cascades Wilderness Permit?
Once on the trail, users can travel freely within the wilderness area.
For example, hikers heading to Matthieu Lakes have a couple of options: They can start at the Matthieu Lakes Lava Camp Trailhead (approximately 2 miles one way to the lakes) or from the Scott Pass Trailhead (about 4 miles one way to the lakes). Additionally, you’re allowed to exit from a different trailhead than the one you entered.
Users entering from outside the wilderness areas must carry a permit linked to the trailhead closest to their entry point. You must exit by the end date listed on your permit.
Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis—if they’re all full, you’ll need to camp elsewhere.
Why are the Central Cascades permitted?
Foot traffic in the Three Sisters Wilderness surged nearly 200 percent from 2012 to 2016. The Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Washington wildernesses also experienced unprecedented increases. Before permitting, the area was getting nearly 150,000 visitors in a single year.
“[The USFS] was also seeing lots of trash, tents on fragile alpine meadows, user-created trails, and damage that takes years to restore,” said Franziska Weinheimer, who is based in Eugene and is the founder of Hike Oregon.
Daily quotas now limit access to around a total of 1,000 total visitors, with a few dozen permits issued each day for day hiking and fewer than seven a day for overnight stays.
What if I don’t get a permit?
For every popular hike, there’s an under-the-radar trail that offers just as much beauty. Here are some alternative hike suggestions from Weinheimer:
Hike This Instead of That Notch Lake (Diamond Peak Wilderness) Matthieu Lakes Miller Lake to Maidu Lake in Mount Thielsen Wilderness Sisters Mirror Lake Divide Lake in Diamond Peak Wilderness Green Lakes Steens Mountain summit to Wild Horse Lake Broken Top & No Name Lake Mount Scott in Crater Lake National Park Tam McArthur Rim Mt. Bachelor Summit South Sister Summit
