National Forests & Wilderness Backcountry Permits
Designated wilderness areas within National Forests, managed by the US Forest Service. Home to some of the most competitive permit lotteries.
About National Forests & Wilderness Permits
National Forest wilderness areas offer some of the most remote and stunning terrain in the US. The Forest Service manages these lands with a lighter touch than National Parks, but quota systems protect the most popular destinations. The Enchantments lottery is legendary for its difficulty. BWCAW entry points require advance planning. These permits reward those who plan ahead.
Best Time to Visit
High Sierra and Pacific Northwest areas are best July through September. Lower elevation forests extend into spring and fall. Winter travel requires additional preparation and often different permit systems.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in National Forests & Wilderness
Parks & Wilderness Areas
Browse permits by location
The Enchantments
Washington's premier alpine destination in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest....
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Over 1 million acres of pristine lakes in Superior National Forest....
Central Cascades Wilderness
Oregon's volcanic peaks in Willamette and Deschutes National Forests....
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
Colorado's most photographed peaks in White River National Forest....
Search National Forests & Wilderness Permits
Find specific permits or browse all 74 permits
Core Zone
LotteryPopularEnchantments · National Forests & Wilderness
Conundrum Hot Springs
ReservationMaroon Bells · National Forests & Wilderness
Colchuck
LotteryEnchantments · National Forests & Wilderness
Lake One (EP30)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Sawbill Lake (EP38)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Obsidian
ReservationCentral Cascades · National Forests & Wilderness
Devils Lake/Wickiup (South Sister)
ReservationCentral Cascades · National Forests & Wilderness
Overnight
ReservationCentral Cascades · National Forests & Wilderness
Crater Lake
ReservationMaroon Bells · National Forests & Wilderness
Capitol Lake
ReservationMaroon Bells · National Forests & Wilderness
Snowmass Lake (above 10,800')
ReservationMaroon Bells · National Forests & Wilderness
Snow Zone
LotteryEnchantments · National Forests & Wilderness
Trout Lake (EP1)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Crab Lake & Cummings Lake (EP4)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Moose River South (EP8)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Little Indian Sioux River South (EP9)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Little Vermilion Lake (EP12)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Lac La Croix Only (EP12A)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Little Indian Sioux River North (EP14)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Moose/Portage River North (EP16)
ReservationBWCAW · National Forests & Wilderness
Explore Other Regions
Planning a bigger trip? Check out permits in other areas.
National Forests & Wilderness Permit FAQ
How many backcountry permits does PermitSnag track in National Forests & Wilderness?
PermitSnag tracks over 74 backcountry permits across National Forests & Wilderness, including day-use permits, overnight permits, thru-hike entries, and specialized permits like canyoneering and river access.
What are the most popular permits in National Forests & Wilderness?
The most competitive National Forests & Wilderness permits include Core Zone, Conundrum Hot Springs, Colchuck. These permits often sell out immediately when released.
How do I get notified about National Forests & Wilderness permit cancellations?
Sign up for PermitSnag to receive instant alerts when National Forests & Wilderness permits become available due to cancellations. Our system monitors availability 24/7 and notifies you immediately.
Get alerts for National Forests & Wilderness permits
Be the first to know when cancellations open up for National Forests & Wilderness's most competitive permits.