PNT Permit: Route
PNT permits are walk-up only in Pacific Northwest Trail. The route covers 1200 miles.
This guide covers the Pacific Northwest Trail permit.
Free for the trail itself; land units it crosses (Glacier National Park, Pasayten Wilderness, Olympic National Park) may each require a separate backcountry permit.
Permit Cost
2-3 months
Duration
1200 miles
Distance
expert
Difficulty
About PNT
A 1,200-mile National Scenic Trail from the Continental Divide in Glacier National Park to the Pacific Ocean on Washington's Olympic Coast, crossing three national parks and seven national forests. No single permit covers it: three separate park permits and long free-registration stretches of national forest apply along the way.
The PNT route
- Distance
- 1200 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- Trip length
- 2-3 months
- Difficulty
- expert
Northern Rockies to Olympic Peninsula. Nearest town: Babb, MT
Points along the route
- Chief Mountain (eastern terminus area)Mile 0, 8,977 ft
- Boulder Pass7,488 ft
- Goat Haunt / Waterton LakeMile 25.7, 4,209 ft
- Yaak Valley
- Selkirk Mountains / Idaho Panhandle National Forest
- Kettle River Range
- Pasayten Wilderness
- Hozomeen / Ross Lake1,610 ft
- Ross Lake1,553 ft
- North Cascades crossing
- Mount LockeMile 84.5, 7,200 ft
- Webb MountainMile 150.7, 5,992 ft
- Long MountainMile 258.9, 7,260 ft
- LeadpointMile 364.7, 2,141 ft
- Cougar MountainMile 477.5, 4,091 ft
- NighthawkMile 585.7, 1,161 ft
And 9 more named points along the route.
Get PNT Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for PNT?
+
Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit PNT?
+
Mid-July through September, westbound (Glacier to Olympic) or eastbound, matching snowmelt in the Rockies and Cascades.
How long is the PNT route?
+
The route is 1200 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 2-3 months.
How difficult is the PNT route?
+
This is a expert route, extremely challenging and requires advanced skills.
Don't Miss Your PNT Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors PNT availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts
