Broken Top/Crater Ditch Trailheads do not have overnight permits available with a start date prior to August 1st. Due to snow and mud, it is uncertain when the road will be open for the season.
Some areas may be inaccessible or only partially accessible due to closures. Be sure to check National Forest-Alerts and Warnings(usda.gov) for the latest information before reserving your permit.
Visitors ALWAYS assume risks when entering trails in natural areas, but in burned areas those risks are greater. Your safety is in your hands! Know Before You Go and learn more about safely recreating in burned areas here: Burned Area Safety Tips
Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permits - Additional permits are released in a 7-day rolling window at 0700 PDT daily. The first day for the permit season is June 15th and runs through October 15th.
There are two types of permits available for visiting the Central Cascades wilderness areas of Oregon:
- Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permits
- Central Cascades Wilderness Permits - Day Use
Overnight permits are not intended for Day Use.
The Central Cascades wilderness areas of Oregon are home to iconic mountain peaks, high alpine meadows and lakes, and old growth forests. Crystal clear streams, wildflower meadows, rugged mountain views, young lava flows, and much more can be found in the Mount Jefferson, Mount Washington and Three Sisters Wilderness areas
Backpacking, day hiking, mountaineering and horseback riding are the most common forms of recreation in the area during the short summer season, after snow has receded. Opportunities for nature photography also abound. Cross-country travel skills are necessary to access many of the high lakes and mountain peaks.
Easily accessed by population centers in central and western Oregon, while drawing visitors from around the world, the wilderness permit system was established to ensure the protection of these landscapes now and into the future.
Facilities:
There are no facilities within these wilderness areas. Visitors must practice "Leave No Trace" skills, including properly disposing of human and pet waste and carrying out all trash. Depending on the trailhead used for entry, facilities may include parking, bathrooms, picnic tables, stock hitching posts and wilderness and interpretive information about the area.
Permit & Season Information
A Central Cascades Wilderness Overnight Permit allows the permit holder and their group to travel in these wilderness areas for overnight trips. Overnight permits are required for all overnight visitors to the Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, and Three Sisters Wildernesses between June 15th and October 15th.
Permits reserved on this page are available for reservations starting on the first Tuesday in April and include approximately 40% of available quota space each day, at each trailhead.
Additional permits will be released 7 days prior to the start of a trip include approximately 60% of the quota space available each day, at each trailhead.
Permits are limited to reserving 3 at one time. Additional permits can be reserved once the dates have been observed or a permit is cancelled.
The permit holder must have a digital or paper copy of the permit with them during their visit.
Important Dates
| Dates | Information |
|---|---|
| June 15, 2025 | First day permits are required. |
| October 15, 2025 | Last day permits are required. |
| April 1, 2025 | First day overnight permits are available for full season advance. |
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?
Overnight quota is by groups, based on entry date and entry trailhead.
Each trailhead has a quota assigned.
Groups can be up to 12 people.
Groups must enter on their entry date, and the permit indicates the length of their trip (how many nights)
