Why do we need a climbing permit?
- Mt. Hood’s popularity as a climbing destination has resulted in public health and safety issues, including increased technical search and rescue operations and human waste in sensitive ecosystems. The Mt. Hood climbing ranger program needs financial support to help manage and address these issues.
- Many peaks in the Cascades Range already have a required climbing permit fee, including Mt. Rainier, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Shasta. Permit fees help the Forest Service and National Park Service manage climbing opportunities for the benefit of the public.
Who needs a climbing permit?
- Beginning January 1, 2024, a climbing permit will be required for anyone traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation. Timberline Trail, forest trailheads, and all of the ski areas on Mt. Hood are below this elevation and don't require a climbing permit.
- There is no limit on the number of climbing permits issued.
How does the climbing permit work? How do I buy a permit?
- The Forest will offer a single trip 3-day permit and an annual permit. Single trip climbers will select a 3-day window for their climbing permit to allow for climbing in safer conditions if one day of the window has poor conditions.
- Single trip 3-day permits are $20. Annual permits are $50 and are good for 12 months from the date of purchase.
- Permits will be for sale on www.recreation.gov starting January 1, 2024.
- Climbers will be able to purchase permits online up to the start of their climb (no advance reservations required).
- You can save a digital pass to your mobile device or print a copy and bring it with you.
- 9,500 ft. is well above all of the ski areas and the Timberline Trail. A climbing permit will only be required for those traveling above 9,500 ft. elevation. On the South Climbing Route, 9,500 ft. is roughly at the top of Triangle Moraine.
What should new climbers know before attempting to summit Mt. Hood?
- Every route on Mt. Hood is a technical climb requiring appropriate experience and equipment.
- Mt. Hood is not an appropriate first peak for those new to alpine climbing. New climbers should consider a less technical peak or a guided trip on Mt. Hood.
- Pre-trip planning and preparation is essential for any climb on Mt. Hood. This is not a mountain you can just “show up” and hike to the summit.
- Additional climber information is available on the Mt. Hood National Forest and Portland Mountain Rescue websites.
Where will the permit money go?
Permit fees will directly fund the Mt. Hood climbing program. Among other improvements, permit fees will be used to:
- Hire additional climbing rangers to increase climbing ranger patrol along popular routes.
- Increase climbing conditions reports & other public climbing condition information.
- Improve climber safety education.
- Reduce human impacts on the natural landscape.
