Do I need a permit to backpack Central Cascades?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Central Cascades. It is the Central Cascades Overnight, and it is booked in advance through a reservation system rather than won in a lottery.
Permit required
What the Central Cascades permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $6.00 non-refundable reservation fee per overnight permit
- Group size limit
- 12 people
- Season starts
- June 15
- Season ends
- October 15
What the rules require
- Overnight permits are required for all overnight use of the three wildernesses from June 15 through October 15
- Overnight permits are not valid for day use; day-use permits are not needed in addition to an overnight permit
- Groups can be up to 12 people
- The trip leader or alternate trip leader must carry the permit; alternates can only be added during checkout
- Permits are non-transferable and can be changed only before they are printed — changing the entry date means cancelling and rebooking
- Campfires are not allowed above 5,700 feet and at additional lower-elevation destinations
- Pack out all trash and dispose of human and pet waste properly — there are no facilities
- PCTA 500-mile long-distance permit holders and licensed Oregon big-game hunters in season are exempt
Published rules for the Central Cascades Overnight, quoted as written.
Getting one
Dates for Central Cascades sell out and then come back as people cancel. PermitSnag watches Central Cascades Overnight and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Central Cascades permit
Do I need a permit to backpack Central Cascades?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Central Cascades. It is the Central Cascades Overnight, and it is booked in advance through a reservation system rather than won in a lottery.
How much does a Central Cascades permit cost?
$6.00 non-refundable reservation fee per overnight permit.
How many people can be on one Central Cascades permit?
12 people.
When is the Central Cascades permit season?
Season starts: June 15. Season ends: October 15.