Backcountry Permits
Washington Wilderness
& Backcountry Permits 2026
Reservation systems, lottery windows, permit fees, bear canister requirements, and fire permit rules for wilderness areas in Washington. Washington has some of the most sought-after backcountry in the country. The Enchantments require a lottery permit (one of the most competitive in the US). Olympic and North Cascades National Parks have their own permit systems. Self-issue available at ranger stations for lower-demand areas.
USFS / NPS (multiple agencies)
Lottery System Active
Bear Canister Required
Fire Permit Required
2026 Permit Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Permit Fee
$8
per person
Lottery?
Yes
February (Enchantments core zone lottery)
Self-Issue?
Yes
40% of areas
Wilderness Acres
4.5M
25 designated areas
Permit System
Washington Permit & Reservation System
Details on how to obtain a wilderness permit in Washington, including reservation windows, lottery systems, and walk-up availability.
Managing Agency
USFS / NPS (multiple agencies)
— Official Site
Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Book online →
Reservation Window
Up to 180 days in advance (approximately 6 months)
Lottery System
Lottery Active
Application window: February (Enchantments core zone lottery)
Daily Quota
Varies by trailhead and area — check permit system for current quotas
Self-Issue Permits
Available
Available at approximately 40% of areas — fill out permit at trailhead kiosk; no advance reservation needed
Popular Areas
The Enchantments (Okanogan-Wenatchee NF), Olympic Wilderness, Glacier Peak Wilderness, Pasayten Wilderness, Mount Rainier backcountry
Designated Areas
Permit Fees
Washington Wilderness Permit Fees
Per Person Fee
$8.00
Fee per person per entry or per night depending on area regulations.
Reservation Window
180d
How far in advance you can book on recreation.gov or equivalent system.
Safety & Leave No Trace
Bear Canister, Fire & Leave No Trace Requirements
Bear Canister
Required — hard-sided bear canister (or bear box) mandatory for food, scented items, and trash. Approved canisters include BearVault, Garcia, Counter Assault, and others. Check specific area for approved list.
Fire Permit
Required — obtain a free fire permit before any open flame on federal land outside developed campgrounds.
Check notes below for seasonal restrictions.
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace principles apply throughout all designated wilderness. Camp 200+ feet from water, trails, and other parties. Pack out all waste.
Washington Wilderness System
Total Designated Wilderness in Washington
Total Wilderness Acres
4,500,000
Total acres of federally and state designated wilderness in Washington.
Designated Areas
25
Number of separately designated wilderness areas in Washington.
Important Notes
Washington-Specific Wilderness Rules
Bear canisters required in the Enchantments core zone. Fire permits required in most eastern Washington USFS areas. The Enchantments lottery (recreation.gov) receives 7,000+ applications for ~70 daily spaces — apply in February. Walk-up permits release the day before at Leavenworth ranger station.
Source: USFS / NPS (multiple agencies) (www.fs.usda.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Permit systems and quotas change frequently — always confirm current availability directly with the managing agency before your trip.