Permits to hike?

[carver52]

Since being relatively new to the wet side of the state,I'm getting a hint that some of the better hikes, at least on the Oly peninsula may require a special permit.  True?  If so where would the better sources of info or to apply be?  Forest service, NPS?  Or would any hikes that are just pure nat'l forest be without permits?  Any direction, info would be appreciated.

[Shed Stud]

Contact the FS, at least thats who deals with the permit areas in my neck of the woods.

[Bob33]

I'd visit a local REI store, or contact WTA.

http://www.wta.org/

[Knocker of rocks]

There are no hikes in the Cascades or Olympics where any sort of quota system is in place, or where a permit more involved than a trailhead permit is required.  There are quota systems for climbing on Mount Rainier, Saint Helens and Adams.  A quota of camping permits are required and enforced in the National Parks, the Enchantments and Mt. Saint Helens

[swanny]

Yep, in the National Parks you do have to get a permit. Some of the different hikes let you register at the trailhead, especially during the off season. The main office the the Olympic NP is in Port Angeles and getting a permit can be done in person or over the phone. Check out their website for more info.

[carver52]

Thanks everyone.  Appreciate the info.  Aiming for Mt. Constance in august or Sept.

[Knocker of rocks]

Yep, in the National Parks you do have to get a permit

To camp.  For day hiking, all you need to do is park and walk

[JimmyHoffa]

Mt Constance would only need a backcountry permit if you were to camp.  It is considered a day hike, but a very steep one if you take the normal trailhead.  The road washed out about 2.5 miles before the trailhead, so many will ride a bicycle (or push it up to the trailhead and coast down on the return).  For Olympic the only non camping permit I can think of is a climbing permit for Mt Olympus.  If you plan to camp a lot, you could get a backcountry pass--it might save some money, but doesn't override the quota camps.

[danderson]

  Its always a good idea to stop at the local parks head quarters before going into an area that your not familiar with, many of the trails in the park have requirements like number of persons in your party, related to the number of campsites, you cant just pitch a tent in any old place, also theres a requirement to have a bear canister to store your food and anything else that has a sent, you rent the canisters at the park headquarters in port angeles, plus there is a fee for the permit, think we paid around 6 dollars each, that included the bear canister, hiking in the ALW requires a permit that is free, its at the trailhead, fill it out with names of persons names in the party, nights spending out return date, however theres a trailhead parking pass that you will need at any national  forest trailhead.