Cf Map Info Feedback Search
Login

Central Cascades Wilderness Permit - Day Use

Wilderness Permit

Notify on Availability Reserve

Overview

Day-use ticket permit for the Central Cascades Wilderness in Oregon, covering 18 regulated trailheads across Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Washington Wilderness areas. Managed by the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. Per-person ticket system -- each group member needs their own ticket. Up to 12 tickets per reservation. Season runs June 15 -- October 15. This is the day-use permit only; overnight trips require a separate Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permit. Four guest types: Adult (13+), Child (0--12), Adult Equestrian, and Child Equestrian.

Bottom Line

Pure FCFS, no lottery. Permits release daily at 7:00 AM PDT in two rolling windows: 40% of quota drops 10 days before the hike date, and the remaining 60% drops 2 days before. The split release means even if the 10-day window sells out, a larger batch opens 2 days out -- set alerts for both. Popular trailheads like Devils Lake/South Sister, Obsidian, Green Lake/Soda Creek, and Tam McArthur Rim sell out fast at both drops, especially on weekends. Midweek dates and less-trafficked trailheads (Lava Camp, Scott, Crater Ditch, Duffy Lake) are reliably available. Cancellations return to inventory immediately -- this is where alerts are most useful. The $1/person fee makes hoarding cheap, but the 12-ticket-per-day cap per account limits it.

Reservations

  • 10-day window: ~40% of daily quota released at 7:00 AM PDT, 10 days before the hike date (first release: June 5 for June 15)
  • 2-day window: ~60% of daily quota released at 7:00 AM PDT, 2 days before the hike date (first release: June 13 for June 15)
  • All FCFS -- no lottery, no advance season sale
  • Max 12 tickets per person per day
  • Tickets booked through recreation.gov ticket facility API (facility ID 300009)
  • Each trailhead is a separate "tour" with its own quota
  • Cancellations return to inventory immediately
  • Recreation.gov account recommended but not required

Trailheads (18 Total)

Three Sisters Wilderness (10): Broken Top, Crater Ditch, Green Lake/Soda Creek, Lava Camp, Obsidian, Scott, Sisters Mirror, Tam McArthur Rim, Todd, Devils Lake/Wickiup (South Sister)

Mt. Jefferson Wilderness (6): Duffy Lake, Jack Lake (Canyon Creek Meadows), Marion Lake, Pamelia Lake, PCT Breitenbush/Breitenbush Lake, Whitewater

Mt. Washington Wilderness (2): Benson/Tenas, PCT McKenzie Pass

Fees

  • $1/person non-refundable reservation fee per ticket (this is the only cost)
  • No recreation use fee beyond the $1 reservation fee
  • Reservation fee is non-refundable -- no refunds for cancellations, no-shows, or weather
  • Full refund only if the USFS closes the area (e.g., wildfire)
  • Some trailheads charge a separate parking day-use fee at the trailhead; a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent covers this (not included with the wilderness permit)

Rules

  • Permit valid only for the date and trailhead printed on the ticket -- no changes
  • Per-person tickets are non-transferable; the named permit holder must be present with the group
  • Each group member must carry their own printed or digital PDF ticket
  • Travel between wilderness areas (e.g., Three Sisters to Mt. Jefferson) only allowed at PCT trailheads
  • No campfires above 5,700 ft and at additional lower-elevation restricted areas
  • Leave No Trace required -- pack out all trash and human/pet waste
  • Some trailheads (e.g., Broken Top) require high-clearance 4WD/AWD; some roads (Oregon 242, Cascade Lakes Hwy) may not open until mid/late June
  • PCT long-distance hikers (500+ miles) with a PCTA permit are exempt from CCWP requirements
  • Violation fines start at $200+ processing costs

Availability