Walk-Up5/10
Desolation Meiss permit
Meiss is not in Desolation Wilderness, and no permit is required to go there. Me...
Walk-UpOvernightModerate Demand
Desolation Wilderness Permit — Loon Lake
Loon Lake is one of the trailheads you enter Desolation Wilderness from, in the Lake Tahoe area. The permit is issued by the zone you camp in on your first night, not by the trailhead you start at, so nothing is sold under this name.
How to get Loon Lake
Loon Lake is an entry point, not something Recreation.gov sells, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in and watch that instead. The Forest Service publishes the zone list, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Loon Lake
Loon Lake is an entry point, not something Recreation.gov sells, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in and watch that instead. The Forest Service publishes the zone list, the per-zone quotas and the walk-in offices on its permit page.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
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Loon Lake Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodWalk-Up
Demand LevelModerate5/10
This permit is not bookable online
Loon Lake is an entry point, not something Recreation.gov sells, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in and watch that instead. 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 Level5/10
LocationCA
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Wind gusts to 46mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
- Tomorrow: Wind gusts to 45mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
- Windy conditions: Bring wind-resistant shelter if camping.
Today
☁️
61°
42°
Sun
☀️
51°
38°
Mon
☁️
63°
35°
Tue
☁️
63°
41°
Wed
☁️
64°
40°
Thu
☀️
65°
41°
Fri
☀️
68°
44°
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
How to Get This Permit
1
How this permit is issued
Loon Lake is an entry point, not something Recreation.gov sells, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in and watch that instead. 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 U.S. Forest Service before your trip.
3
Have backup plans
Office hours move, ground closes, and popular trailheads get busy. Know an alternative route or date before you drive out.
Learn More
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Loon Lake
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
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Guide Services
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Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Loon Lake.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Loon Lake FAQ
How do I get a Loon Lake permit?
Loon Lake is not sold online. Loon Lake is an entry point, not something Recreation.gov sells, so there is nothing here for us to watch. Pick the zone you will spend your first night in and watch that instead. 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 Loon Lake?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Loon Lake permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Loon Lake permit?
On this permit there is no cancellation queue and no alert to set, because nothing is re-released onto a calendar we could watch. Bring backup dates, and check the official permit page for the current process and any closures.
👥Community
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Loon Lake trip
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