Do I need a permit to backpack Seven Lakes Basin?

What the Seven Lakes Basin permit costs and covers

Fee

$6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit, plus $8 per person per night for adults 16 and over. Under 16 camp free.

Group size limit

12 people

Applications open

Not a lottery - summer reservations are released April 15 at 7:00 am Pacific

Season starts

May 15, though snow usually delays this loop to mid-July

Season ends

October 15

What the rules require

• A wilderness permit is required for every overnight trip and must be reserved on Recreation.gov
• Group size is limited to 12 people and 8 stock park-wide; the lake camps here cap at six
• Parties of 7 to 12 must use the designated group sites at Deer Lake or Sol Duc Park
• Bear canisters are required in the Sol Duc/High Divide Loop/Mink Lake area; hanging food, garbage or scented items in bags is prohibited there
• No campfires at Deer Lake, Lunch Lake, Heart Lake or Sol Duc Park
• Permits are issued around 3 days before your trip start date
• No sites are held as same-day walk-ups

Published rules for the Seven Lakes Basin Permit, quoted as written.

Getting one

Dates for Seven Lakes Basin sell out and then come back as people cancel. PermitSnag watches Seven Lakes Basin Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

Common questions about the Seven Lakes Basin permit