Access Permits

Outdoor recreation permits have become an increasingly varied and constantly changing world to navigate.  This spreadsheet helps navigate how, where and when permits are required and obtained.  Always confirm the information in the spreadsheet with the appropriate land manager.  Check with the specific management office for any restrictions that may apply, such as a maximum team size less than 12.  Leaders, please help update this spreadsheet, as the rules and procedures are constantly changing!  

The Mazamas has made special arrangements for our use of certain national forests.  These are increasingly being required separately by each national forest jurisdiction.  Our recent elimination of climbing fees other than on Mt. Hood was forced by changing NF policies.  

The appropriate permit letter must be carried by all climb leaders leading ANY Mt. Hood climb or climbs within the Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (which includes Baker, Baring, Index, Sloan, Del Campo-Gothic, Twins, Chimney, Daniel, Pugh, White Chuck, Forgotten, Vesper, etc.)

Mt. Hood Climbing Permit Letter

Baker-Snoqualmie Permit Letter 

Note that Mazamas climb participants and leaders do NOT have to obtain or pay for climbing permits on Hood.  Just carry a copy of the permit letter. The Mazamas keeps track and pays the forest service at the end of the season.  You DO have to fill out and carry a wilderness permit above 9500 feet, year-round.  Private climb?  You are on your own.

Helpful Rainier permit info

If you encounter issues about access in other National Forests, please refer land managers to the Mazamas office help@mazamas.org, and contact the climbing committee with what you have heard.

Tips:

• Permits for climbs should be acquired by individual team members where possible (except for Mt. Hood).

• Ensure applicants know about the requirement to reimburse the leader for any permit cost *before* they’re accepted on the climb.

• Some climbs may include a combination of individual and group permits so make sure this is all made clear in the Activity Notes. 

• A prospectus sent out in the weeks before the climb is too late to convey this info.

• Cash, PayPal, Venmo, Google Pay, Apple Cash, etc… are all options people will want to use. 

• Consider having at least one cash app option available.

• Reimbursement - Make sure that Activity Notes say that they are on the hook to reimburse you for the permits if if they were accepted  If you absolutely can’t get reimbursed, we’ll have your back.  Same with camping fees.