Do I need a permit? When do I need a permit? When are the deadlines? All your backpacking permit questions answered here!
| Area | Lottery Application Deadline | Lottery Results Announced | Open to Everyone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enchantments | February 29, 2024 | March 14, 2024 | April 1, 2024 |
| North Cascades NP | March 15, 2024 | March 22, 2024 | April 29, 2024 |
| Olympics NP | April 15, 2024 | n/a | |
| Mt. Rainier NP | March 4, 2024 | March 14, 2024 | April 25, 2024 |
| Mt. St Helens/Mount Margaret Backcountry | n/a | n/a | 1st of the preceding month (so July 1 for August trip) |
Enchantments
Most important date: February 29 lottery closes
Permits required between May 15 and October 31. Lottery for permits opens February 15 and closes on February 29 at 11:59 PT. You must specify an entry date and zone (up to 3 options) on the application. A random drawing awards permits to the lucky winners after the lottery period closes. Lottery results are viewable on or after March 14. Accept your lottery by March 31. Lottery applications are $6. The lottery represents 75% of the available permits.
If you are a lottery winner, permits are $5 per person per day.
After April 1, you can also use the reservation system to find open permits for the rest of the season (unclaimed lottery reservations or those with open spots).
Alternatively, you can get overnight permits through the walk-up lottery held Monday-Saturday at the Leavenworth Ranger Station office.
Outside the permit season, the permit area is under snow and recommended only for “experienced backcountry skiers/snowshoers with a high level of avalanche safety training and knowledge.” Snow persists in the permit area through June.
Enchantments Rules and Regulations
Olympic National Park
Most important date: April 15, 2024
Permits are required for any overnight stay in the park all year long.
Permits are $8 per person (16 and older) per night stayed in the park. Alternatively, you can pay $45 for an Annual pass (so if you are going to stay 6 nights, get the pass).
Reservations are accepted for stays between May 15th and October 15th in certain areas of the park (the “quota areas” noted in red type on the map). If you are staying in a non-quota area, there are no limits to permits, so you are guaranteed a stay. There is a $6 fee for the reservation application.
Ok, so you want to stay in a quota-controlled area between May 15 and October 15? Reservations open April 15, 2024.
Recreation.gov Application Page
North Cascades National Park
Most important date: March 15, 2024 lottery close for early access
Permits required for all overnight stays in the park all year long. Walk-up permits are free. Advanced reservations are $20 per reservation (or reservation change).
Lottery application goes live on March 6 and require a $6 fee. Results available March 22. Successful lottery applicants can see real time inventory and reserve after that date.
Remaining inventory for reservations open to all public on April 29, 2024 at 7am Pacific Time.
Approximately 60% of backcountry sites are available for advance reservation for trips between May 27 and September 30. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance of the trip start.
Backcountry permits outside of the peak season are first-come, first-serve. When the Wilderness Information Center is closed, permits are issued by self-registration.
See this page if you won’t be travelling near Marblemount.
Mt. Rainier National Park
Most important date: March 7 lottery close for early access
Permits required for all overnight stays in the park all year long.
Permits can be acquired either in person (at Ranger Stations) or via the online reservation system.
Online reservation system for lottery applications closes March 4. Lottery winners get a window for reservations between March 21 and April 25.
All remaining inventory available on April 25.
Lottery applications are free. $26 reservation fee per party (1-12 people) per trip (14 days max) payable within 7 days of receiving confirmation of the reservation. No fees for first-come first-served permits.
Mt. St. Helens National Park
Most important date: Permits are released in one month increments on the first day of the preceding month. (April permits are released on March 1)
Permits required for all overnight stays in the park all year long.
Permits can be acquired either in person (at Ranger Stations) or via the online reservation system.
At the time of purchase, the permit holder must select number of participants and provide names. The names of the group members can be changed up to 2 days prior to the climb if the permit has not been printed. The number of group members can be decreased up to 7 days before the climb. The number of group members can be increased up to 2 days before the climb if permits are available. Permits can be cancelled and refunded ($15 per person) up to 14 days before your climb. You must print your permit no sooner than 14 days before your climb and cannot make any changes within 2 days of your climb.
Permits are $15 per person per day, plus a $6 reservation fee.
Outside the Seattle Area
Glacier National Park
Standard (1-8 people) group lottery closes March 15, 2024.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Yosemite National Park
Reservations available 24 weeks in advance. $10 application fee plus $5 per person.
Recreation.gov Permit Reservation Page
Banff National Park
Backcountry Camping Information
