Washington’s Backcountry Permit System
Backcountry camping in Washington is something you don’t want to miss. But many require permits—and some of those require a lottery system. For first timers the process can seem daunting and confusing to say the least. (I was initially even struggling to explain it) Thats why I put together this complete guide to Washington’s backcountry permit system.
Here’s how it works for the Enchantments, Mount Rainier National Park, the North Cascades National Park and the Olympic National Park in Washington.
Mount Rainier National Park – Washington’s Permit System explained
Mount Rainier’s backcountry is known for its glaciers, wildflower meadows, and jaw-dropping summit views. (It’s kinda amazing how often you get INCREDIBLE views of Rainier in one park.) It’s one of Washington’s most iconic landscapes, and getting a permit for backcountry camping here requires planning. Especially if you want to hike the Wonderland Trail. (A 93 mile trail that circumnavigates the entire mountain)
Mount Rainier requires permits for ALL back country campsites. And some of them are very sought after so its important to get early access.
How the Backcountry Permits work at Mount Rainier National Park.
About two-thirds of wilderness permits are up for grabs in advance for the backcountry. These permits are for the season running from the end of May through Columbus Day. You’ll need to reserve your spot at least two days before your trip starts.
Reservations for these sites open up on April 25, and there’s also an Early Access Lottery if you want a better chance at snagging a permit. And it can make all the difference. More details on that below.
The other third of the permits? They’re available on-site, first-come, first-served. So, if you’re feeling spontaneous, you’ve still got a shot! Just stop by any of the ranger stations.
Whats is early access?
Wilderness camp permits can fill up fast, so they created an early access lottery to give you a better chance at booking. It helps spread out the demand for multi-night trips and makes it easier to get a complete itinerary.
Once you’re picked, (Yay, you won the lottery) you’ll get a date and time when you can start booking. You can only make one reservation during the early access period, but after April 25, you can book more trips if spots are open.
If you get a later access time, you might not get your first choice, but you can still find a good spot. Don’t stress!
When to apply and when do you find out?
The early access permit lottery for Mount Rainier usually opens in February. Check out HERE for the exact date for the current year.
Results are usually announced by mid-March. Check the same website as above for the exact date.
You might be interested in: THE BEST HIKES IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Olympic National Park – Washington’s Permit System explained
Olympic National Park is like the ultimate backcountry playground—forests, coastlines, mountains, and even alpine lakes. Because of its popularity, certain areas have limited access, and require permits. Unlike Mount Rainier National park, NCNP and the Enchantments, the Olympic National Park opens its permits in Mid April for the season.
They keep it easy.
North Cascades National Park
North Cascades is known for its rugged beauty and relatively low visitor numbers compared to places like Mount Rainier and Olympic. I often scratch my head that its one of the least visited parks in the country. Say what?
How the Backcountry Permits work at Mount Rainier National Park
In the North Cascades National Park about 60% of backcountry sites are available to reserve in advance for peak season trips. The other 40% of sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis through walk-up permits at the permit station.
They also operate an early access lottery, similar to Mount Rainier National Park.
EARLY ACCESS RECAP: Wilderness camp permits can fill up fast, so they created an early access lottery to give you a better chance at booking. It helps spread out the demand for multi-night trips and makes it easier to get a complete itinerary.
Once you’re picked, (Yay, you won the lottery) you’ll get a date and time when you can start booking.
If you aren’t picked, you will need to apply for a permit on the general open registration day.
The Enchantment Lottery – Washington’s Permit System explained
Every year, the lottery for the Enchantments usually opens in February. The exact dates can change, so you need to stay on top of it. You’ll enter through the Recreation.gov system.
Choosing your dates: This lottery works a little differently in that you pre select your preferred dates for your trip and how many people will be in your group as well as the zone you would like to camp in.
Once the lottery is open, you can apply for a permit. The process is like entering a lottery—you don’t need to pay up front for the permit, just the lottery fee. Enter your info and desired dates. After the application window closes, the lottery randomly selects winners.
Results:
The lottery results are released after the deadline. If you’re lucky, you’ll get an email confirming that you’ve won a permit. If not, you’ll be notified that you didn’t win this round.
Costs and permits: Once you win a spot, you’ll pay for your permit. The fees can vary depending on the length of your stay and how many people are in your group. You have to make sure to follow the rules on campfires, group size, and wilderness ethics, or you could risk getting fined or kicked out.
Why is there a lottery for the Enchantments?
Because this area is so popular, there are way more applicants than there are permits available. That’s why it’s all about the luck of the draw! Without a lottery system, people would flood the area, potentially ruining the experience for everyone. The lottery helps to keep the wilderness preserved and ensure everyone has a fair chance.
Alternatives if you don’t win: If you don’t get a permit in the lottery, there’s always the chance of cancellation spots opening up later, or you could try thru hiking the Enchantments in one day.
Chances of getting an permit for the Enchantments
The chances of getting a permit for the Enchantments lottery can vary significantly each year, depending on several factors like how many people apply, how many permits are available, and how many people enter for the same dates.
On average, for peak season dates (like the summer months), the chances of winning a permit can be relatively low. There are only about 40 permits available per day for each of the core Enchantment camping zones and the demand is extremely high.
Here are a few rough estimates to give you an idea:
- If you’re applying for a weekend or holiday date: Your chances might be as low as 5-10%. These dates are the most popular, so there are lots of applicants.
- For mid-week dates: Your odds might increase a little bit, to maybe 10-15%, since fewer people apply for dates that fall on weekdays.
- Off-season dates: If you’re applying for early or late-season dates (before the peak summer rush or into the fall), your chances can go up, as fewer people are vying for those dates. In these cases, your chances could be 20-30% or better, depending on demand.
General Tips for Navigating the Backcountry Permit Lottery Process in Washington
- Plan Ahead: Lotteries for Washington’s national parks are often competitive, especially during the prime summer months. Make sure to apply as soon as the window opens, and be ready with backup options for your trips.
- Be Flexible: If you don’t get your first choice, don’t get discouraged. Many times, permits for less popular routes are available, and if you’re flexible on your dates, you might have better luck.
- Don’t Forget About Walk-Up Permits: Many parks (especially Olympic) reserve some permits for walk-up campers. If you don’t win a lottery spot, keep your plans flexible enough to try for a walk-up permit at the ranger station.
- Double-Check the Dates: Keep in mind that lottery deadlines vary, so be sure you know exactly when you need to submit your application. And don’t forget to follow up—if you’re selected, make sure you confirm and pay for your permits!
Good luck!
Hopefully this gave you a better idea into Washington’s backcountry lottery and permit system.
