Walk-Up5/10
Buck Island
Buck Island is one of the trailheads you enter Desolation Wilderness from, in th...
View Desolation Wilderness Permit — Buck Island permit details and availability
Walk-UpOvernightModerate Demand
Desolation Wilderness Permit — Island Lake
Desolation Wilderness overnight trips near Island Lake, Lake Tahoe area. Desolation permits are issued by the zone you camp in on your first night, and no zone carries this name.
We can’t watch this one
Desolation Wilderness permits are issued by destination zone, and no zone carries this name, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in. The Forest Service publishes the zone list, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
Official permit pageWe do watch permits that are sold online. Browse permits we can alert you about.
We can’t watch this one
Desolation Wilderness permits are issued by destination zone, and no zone carries this name, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in. The Forest Service publishes the zone list, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
Official permit pageWe do watch permits that are sold online. Browse permits we can alert you about.
Island Lake Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate6/10
This permit is not bookable online
Desolation Wilderness permits are issued by destination zone, and no zone carries this name, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in. The Forest Service publishes the zone list, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
Official permit page →Key Information
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand Level6/10
LocationCA
How to Get This Permit
1
How this permit is issued
Desolation Wilderness permits are issued by destination zone, and no zone carries this name, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in. The Forest Service publishes the zone list, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
2
Check the agency page before you go
Fees, hours and closures change. Confirm the current process at fs.usda.gov before your trip.
3
Have backup plans
Walk-up quotas can be full when you arrive. Know alternative routes or dates in case your first choice is unavailable.
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Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Island Lake
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Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Island Lake.
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Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Island Lake FAQ
How do I get a Island Lake permit?
Island Lake is not sold online. Desolation Wilderness permits are issued by destination zone, and no zone carries this name, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in. The Forest Service publishes the zone list, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Island Lake?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Island Lake permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Island Lake permit?
Nothing about this permit is sold online, so there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Island Lake trip
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