Pacific Northwest Rivers Permits
Wild and scenic rivers of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
Signature Experiences
The most sought-after permits in PNW Rivers
Rogue
“33.8 miles from Grave Creek to Foster Bar, 120 people a day on the whole river, and one rapid - Blossom Bar - that the agency advises every boater to scout.”
Hells Canyon
“31.5 miles of Class II to V below Hells Canyon Dam, three private launches a day, and not a cent of per-person fee.”
All Permits
Select a permit to learn more and set up alerts
Rogue River permit
Oregon's premier wild river. 34 miles.
Hells Canyon Snake River permit
Deepest river gorge in North America.
Smith River (California) permit
California's last major free-flowing river, and one of the few great whitewater rivers with no permit to get. Six Rivers National Forest publishes no river, boating or float permit for it, and there is no lottery and no launch quota.
John Day River Overnight permit
Multi-day float through Oregon's high desert canyon country. One permit covers your whole group for the trip, based on the segment you launch from.
John Day River Day Use permit
One-day float on Oregon's longest free-flowing river. You book a launch segment and a date, and the desert canyon between Service Creek and Tumwater Falls is yours for the day.
Other Wild & Scenic Rivers Areas
Explore more wilderness permits in the region
Colorado Rivers permits
12 permits
Southwest Rivers permits
1 permit
Sierra Rivers permits
2 permits
Montana Rivers permits
1 permit
PNW Rivers Permit FAQ
What permits are required for Pacific Northwest Rivers?
Pacific Northwest Rivers requires permits for various activities including Rogue, Hells Canyon, Smith River, Deschutes, Owyhee, and 2 more. Each permit has different requirements and booking processes.
How do I get a permit for Pacific Northwest Rivers?
Permits for Pacific Northwest Rivers are available through Lottery, Walk-Up, Reservation, First-Come, First-Served systems. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When should I apply for Pacific Northwest Rivers permits?
Timing varies by permit type. Lottery permits typically open months in advance, while reservation permits release on a rolling basis. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to never miss an opening.