Central Cascades Wilderness Permit - Day Use

The first date to purchase day-use permits for the Central Cascades Wilderness is June 5th at 7:00am PDT. 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 Permits - Day Use
• Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permits 

Additional details can be found on our webpage: USFS Central Cascades Wilderness Permits . 

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.  

There are no restroom 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.

Visitors can secure up to 12 permits per day if quota is available under one reservation. The named person on the permit must be present with the group at all times. Permits are non-transferable and each printed or PDF copy of a permit is unique and you will need one for each member of your group. 

Directions to each trailhead can be found on the Willamette and Deschutes National Forest webpages under hiking or backpacking.