Wilderness Camping Permits are required for all overnight stays in the Olympic National Park wilderness (backcountry) year-round. Permits are limited year-round in some areas.
Wilderness Camping Permits are used to track the numbers of visitors in different areas in order to prevent overcrowding and damage. Wilderness permits are also used to locate overdue or lost parties; as well as in case of a family emergency. If you have not filled out a permit, searchers may not know where to start looking for you.
Be sure to check if reservations are needed.
Due to staffing levels, self-registration permits may not be available at remote self-registration boxes.
Please refer to our current hours and locations to decide where to obtain a permit.
If you are not passing by a park wilderness office on your way to the trailhead, call the WIC to find out the best way to get your permit.
Wilderness Use Fee
Wilderness permit reservation requests can be submitted beginning at noon PDT on March 18 for the 2019 season, going forward, reservations will be available on a rolling six month window. Reservations will be accepted online at www.recreation.gov or in person at a park Wilderness Information Center during business hours.
For new users to Recreation.gov, we recommend you create an account and get familiar with the new site which was launched on October 1, 2018. Once you have reserved your permit you will receive a confirmation from Recreation.gov which you can bring with you to pick up your permit at one of the Wilderness Information Centers.
Camping fees are $8 per person per night plus a flat $6 permit fee. For example, the fee for 2 adults camping for 4 nights will be $70 ($64 camping fee + $6 permit fee). Those 15 years old and younger are free but are still counted in the group size. Olympic Annual Wilderness Passes are $45 per person. Wilderness Passes cover one individual's per night camping fees for 12 months from the month of purchase; permits and reservations are still required with Wilderness passes. Wilderness fees are non-refundable.
Please note that Bear Canisters are required at many wilderness camp areas. They are available for loan at no charge from at Wilderness Information Centers.
Wilderness use fees help support visitor management projects like trail maintenance, pit toilets, revegetation projects and Wilderness Information Centers.
How to pay:
For walk up and self registration permits, the Port Angeles, Hoodsport and Quinault WICs accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, checks and cash. Also, some ranger stations and a few trailheads have self-registration permit boxes. Contact the WIC for locations via email. Upon completion of your outing, mail your payment in the envelope. Do not leave payment in trailhead permit boxes.
U.S. Forest Service Northwest Forest Passes
US Forest Service Northwest Forest Passes are required when parking at some Olympic National Forest (USFS) trailheads. Some areas of Olympic National Park are accessed by trails originating in USFS areas. Both Park Service and Forest Service registration and fee procedures may apply.
