North Cascades National Park Backcountry Permits

Overview

Itinerary-based backcountry permit for North Cascades National Park Service Complex (North Cascades NP, Ross Lake NRA, Lake Chelan NRA), Washington. You build a night-by-night campsite itinerary from 213+ designated camps and cross-country zones across major drainages and alpine terrain. Permit required year-round for all overnight backcountry stays. 94% of the complex is Stephen Mather Wilderness. Popular areas include Cascade Pass/Sahale Glacier, Copper Ridge, Ross Lake (boat-in), Big Beaver, Thunder Creek, and the Chilliwack River corridor. Cross-country zones cover mountaineering destinations like Boston Basin, Eldorado, Sulphide Glacier, Mt. Shuksan, and Tapto Lakes. Camp group sizes vary by site -- 4, 6, 8, or 12 max.

Bottom Line

An early-access lottery controls first dibs on the peak season (May 15 -- Oct 10). In 2025, 13,202 applied and only 2,000 won a booking timeslot -- roughly 15% odds. Winners get one reservation during early access (March 24 -- April 21). Remaining reservable inventory opens at the April 29 general on-sale at 7:00 AM PT, FCFS. Sahale Glacier, Cascade Pass camps, Copper Ridge, and Ross Lake boat-in sites are the hardest to get. About 40% of all sites are walk-up only -- available in person up to 24 hours in advance at the Wilderness Information Center. Cancellations return to recreation.gov immediately. High-country areas (Cascade Pass, Copper Ridge) cannot be reserved for trips starting before July 1 due to snow. Midweek starts and September dates have the best availability. Reservations must be picked up by 11:00 AM on trip start day or they are cancelled.

Lottery and Reservations

Peak season: May 15 -- October 10. ~60% of sites reservable in advance; ~40% walk-up only.

Early-access lottery (2026 dates):

• Applications: March 2 at 7:00 AM PT -- March 13 at 9:00 PM PT
• Results notified: March 20
• Winners book during assigned timeslot: March 24 -- April 21 at 9:00 PM PT
• One reservation per winner during early access
• One application per person -- duplicates cancelled
• Cannot apply on behalf of others

General on-sale (FCFS):

• Opens April 29 at 7:00 AM PT
• Reservations must be made at least 2 days before trip start
• No limit on number of reservations per person

Walk-up permits:

• Available up to 24 hours in advance at the Wilderness Information Center or other permitting offices
• First-come, first-served -- arrive early, have an itinerary planned
• Walk-up sites show "W" on recreation.gov availability

Off-season (Oct -- mid-May): permits by self-registration when WIC is closed.

Fees

• $6 non-refundable reservation/lottery application fee per permit
• $10/person recreation fee for adults (16+)
• Free for youth 15 and under
• Cancel 3+ full days before start date: per-person fees refunded, $6 fee kept
• Start date cannot be changed -- must cancel and rebook
• Debit/credit only, no cash
• Separate park entrance fee may apply

Group Size and Rules

• Max group size 4--12 depending on specific camp (check NPS Wilderness Trip Planner map)
• Some group sites require a minimum of 5 people
• Cross-country Zone Type I: max 12; all other zones: max 6
• Only one site per night per group -- must fit your entire party
• Max daily mileage between camps is enforced on recreation.gov; longer-distance itineraries require contacting the WIC
• Max 14 days per permit, 30 days per calendar year in backcountry
• Overlapping reservations not allowed
• Permit holder must pick up in person; reservation indicates which station
• Pick up as early as 3 days before trip start
• Bear canisters or approved food storage required -- hang from tree, use bear box, or approved canister (free loaners at WIC)
• Bear canisters mandatory in cross-country/alpine areas where hanging is not possible
• Camping only at the camp designated on your permit for that night
• Stock allowed on specific trails/camps only
• Pets allowed only in Ross Lake NRA, Lake Chelan NRA, and on the Pacific Crest Trail
• Firearms: no discharge in the national park; hunting allowed only in recreation areas
• No vehicles, bicycles, or wheeled devices on trails