🏔 Wilderness
Central Cascades Wilderness (Three Sisters / Jefferson)
About This Permit
A single permit covers three Oregon Cascades wilderness areas: Three Sisters, Mount Jefferson, and Mount Washington. South Sister (10,358 ft) is the most popular summit climb in Oregon, and Green Lakes basin delivers stunning volcanic scenery just miles from the trailhead. Daily trailhead quotas fill most summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What trailheads require a Central Cascades Wilderness permit?
The permit is required at all regulated trailheads within the control zone: Green Lakes, South Sister Climb (Devils Lake), Obsidian Falls, Scott Lake, and multiple PCT access points. Permits are required June 15 – October 15 for both day and overnight use at high-demand trailheads.
Is a permit required for a day hike to South Sister?
Yes. During the control season, a permit is required for day hikes as well as overnight trips at the regulated trailheads. Book in advance on recreation.gov. Verify current permit window dates at recreation.gov as the exact season dates may change year to year.
Key Facts
- State
- OR
- Season
- June 15 – October 15 (permit required)
- Quota
- Trailhead-specific quotas; South Sister summit approaches most limited
- Trailhead
- Green Lakes, South Sister Summit, Devils Lake, Obsidian Falls, PCT trailheads
- Entry Point
- Devils Lake Trailhead (South Sister) or Obsidian TH (North Sister)
- Difficulty
- 3/5(Competitive)
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