Do I need a permit? Where do I need permits? When do I need permits? When are permit applications deadlines? What do they cost? This post summarizes the requirements for destinations in the Puget Sound region.
Enchantments
Most important date: March 1 lottery closes
Permits required between May 15 and October 31. Lottery for permits opens February 15 and closes on March 1 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 between March 13 and 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.
Alternatively, you can get overnight permits through the walk-up lottery held Monday-Saturday at the Wenatchee River Ranger Station office in Leavenworth.
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: March 15 reservation system opens
Permits are required for any overnight stay in the park all year long. They must be picked up at an ONP Wilderness Information Center prior to the trip. 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 1 and September 30 in certain areas of the park (the “quota areas” noted in red type on the map). If you are staying outside that window, no reservations are accepted, and you need to show up in person. Even then, it isn’t guaranteed, because someone else’s trip that already started could have locked up a site you wanted. If you are staying in a non-quota area, there are no limits to permits, so you are guaranteed a stay. There is no fee for the reservation application.
Ok, so you want to stay in a quota-controlled area between May 1 and September 30? Sometime after March 15, submit an application via mail or fax. Wait a few weeks for a confirmation email, then wait a few more weeks to hear if your reservation request was accepted. Applications are processed in the order they are received. You still need to pick up your permit at a staffed WIC prior to your trip.
Just to add to the fun, some of the quota areas have walkup reservation options as well. Grand Valley, Badger Valley, Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin/Mink Lake area, Hoh Lake, CB Flats, and Hoh River Trail all have 50% of their quota reservable and 50% available for walkups to a WIC up to 24 hours before the trip.
North Cascades National Park
Most important date: March 31 end of Advanced Reservation Lottery Period
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).
Online reservation system goes live on March 1. Applications accepted after March 15. Applications received between March 15 and March 31 will be processed in random order. Allow 6 weeks for response after the deadline. Applications received after March 31 will be processed in the order they are received.
Reservations are available for up to 60% of available campsites. The remaining 40% are available for walk-up permits up to one day before your trip starts. Permits are available at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. See this page if you won’t be travelling near Marblemount.
Mt. Rainier National Park
Most important date: April 1st reservation application deadline
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 goes live on March 15. Applications accepted after March 15. Applications received between March 15 and April 1 will be processed in random order. Allow 6 weeks for response after the April 1 deadline. Applications received after April 1 will be processed in the order they are received.
Reservation applications are free. $20 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: March 18 reservation window opens
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 permit holder can change names of the group members 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.
Online reservation system goes live on March 18.
Permits are $15 per person per day, plus a $6 reservation fee.
