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Mount Shasta climbing permit
Both are Cascade climbing permits outside any lottery, Mount Shasta walk-up and Mount Hood first-come.
First-Come, First-ServedMountaineeringModerate Demand
Mount Hood Climbing Permit
Required for climbing above 9,500 feet year-round. The Forest Service says thousands of people climb Mt. Hood every year, and there is no limit on the number of permits issued.
How to get Mt. Hood
The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. Recreation.gov says permits are not limited and cannot sell out for any given day, so there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it any time before you climb — a 3-day permit is $20 and an annual is $50, and it is valid the moment you buy it. One permit per climber, required for travel above 9,500 feet in the Mount Hood Wilderness.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
How to get Mt. Hood
The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. Recreation.gov says permits are not limited and cannot sell out for any given day, so there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it any time before you climb — a 3-day permit is $20 and an annual is $50, and it is valid the moment you buy it. One permit per climber, required for travel above 9,500 feet in the Mount Hood Wilderness.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we watch.
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
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Mt. Hood Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand LevelModerate6/10
Cost$20 (3-day) or $50 (annual)
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeMountaineering
Booking MethodFirst-Come, First-Served
Demand Level6/10
LocationOR
Pro Tips
- •Start between midnight and 2am to climb frozen conditions
- •Always wear a helmet - rockfall is constant
- •Check conditions at the Pearly Gates before committing
- •WAG bags are free at Timberline Lodge
What to Expect
Highlights
- •Single-day climb from Timberline Lodge
- •Technical snow/ice with exposure
- •Early starts (midnight-2am) essential
- •Objective hazards including rockfall and ice
Hazards & Considerations
- !Unstable ice seracs at Pearly Gates
- !Rockfall (especially afternoon)
- !Bergschrund crossing
- !Avalanche risk
🏔️
Summit Information
Mt. Hood
11,249
Summit (ft)
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Technical Gear Required
CramponsIce axeHelmet (rockfall common)
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: 78% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
- Snow expected: Check current trail conditions before departing.
Today
❄️
22°
13°
78%
Mon
☁️
31°
18°
Tue
🌧️
36°
17°
Wed
☀️
40°
19°
Thu
🌧️
49°
25°
Fri
☀️
45°
24°
Sat
☁️
50°
24°
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
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
2
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
3
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Learn More
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand4/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Navigation4/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment3/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit hikers with mountain experience ready to step into mountaineering.
Recommended Experience
Glacier travel training required. Must be competent with crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
About This Permit
Despite accessibility (car access to 6,000 ft via Timberline Lodge), Hood is statistically one of the deadliest mountains in the US due to objective hazards and high traffic. The Pearly Gates requires navigating ice towers and a bergschrund.
Rules & Regulations
- •Climbing permit required above 9,500 feet
- •WAG bags required (free at Timberline Lodge)
- •Sno-Park permit November - April
Plan Your Trip
🎒
Gear Checklist
Required and recommended gear for Mt. Hood
🚐
Shuttle Services
Trailhead transportation options
Browse all shuttles🧭
Guide Services
Experienced wilderness guides
Browse all guidesSome links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Key Landmarks
Trailhead
Starting point for South Side (Hogsback/Pearly Gates). Elevation: 5,949 ft.
Summit
Summit of Mt. Hood at 11,249 ft.
Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Hood.
🐻
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
🏔️Mountaineering Resources
Guide Services
Find authorized guide services and mountaineering schools for this peak.
Authorized guide services:
- • Check with ranger station for current list
- • Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Don't own technical gear? Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
CramponsIce axeHelmet (rockfall common)
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- • Route status (open/closed/caution)
- • Snow level elevation
- • Crevasse and glacier conditions
- • Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- • Current danger level
- • Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- • Travel advice
- • Links to regional avalanche centers
Mt. Hood FAQ
How do I get a Mt. Hood permit?
Mt. Hood is not sold online. The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass, not a dated reservation. Recreation.gov says permits are not limited and cannot sell out for any given day, so there is nothing for us to watch. Buy it any time before you climb — a 3-day permit is $20 and an annual is $50, and it is valid the moment you buy it. One permit per climber, required for travel above 9,500 feet in the Mount Hood Wilderness. PermitSnag does not send alerts for it — check the official permit page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Mt. Hood?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Mt. Hood permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Mt. Hood 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
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
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Trip Reports
Write Report🏕️
Where to Stay
Nearby campgrounds to complete your Mt. Hood trip
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