The PCTA site is still your best resource for all things PCT.
You do not need to get PCTA long distance permit to hike the PCT. Though it’s easier if you do.
After Cheryl but before Reece, people were hiking, running, cycling and riding their way from Mexico to Canada with a combination of the 33 local separate national park and forest permits.
Since the ladies put those 2650 miles firmly on the map the PCTA long distance permit aims to take the hassle out and keep the numbers sustainable - Providing you can get one.
Northbounders (NOBO) won’t need a permit (of any kind) until you hit Cleveland National Forest.
Is there someone at the terminus checking you are there when your permit says you can be? No. You can wrestle with the ethics. Two of the twenty who started from Scout and Frodo's the morning we did had alternate dates on their permits.
A permit allows you to hike and camp only. Drone pilots, fire starters and animal lovers keep reading.
Local Permits
Each has its own cost, available number and date restrictions. Not all are available online or from the local ranger station. See each link for their specific requirements.
If you’re doing a series of shorter hikes (under 500 miles), or you can’t get a PCTA long distance permit, these are for you.
Southern California
Sierra Nevada
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Hoover Wilderness in Humboldt-Toiyabe and Inyo National Forests
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Carson-Iceberg Wilderness in Humboldt-Toiyabe and Stanislaus National Forests
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Mokelumne Wilderness in Eldorado, Stanislaus and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forests
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Desolation Wilderness in Eldorado National Forest and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Northern California
Oregon
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Mount Thielsen Wilderness in Fremont-Winema, Umpqua and Deschutes National Forests
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Diamond Peak Wilderness in Deschutes and Willamette National Forests
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Three Sisters Wilderness in Deschutes and Willamette National Forests
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Mount Washington Wilderness in Deschutes and Willamette National Forests
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Mount Jefferson Wilderness in Deschutes and Willamette National Forests
Washington
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Goat Rocks Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
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William O. Douglas Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
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Norse Peak Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests
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Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
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Pasayten Wilderness in Okanogan-Wenatchee and Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests
Canada
PCTA Long Distance Permit Application
For anyone hiking or riding more than 500 miles continuously in the months of March, April or May. One per adult is required and they’re free. The process also gives you an opportunity to donate to the PCTA.
50 are issued to Northbound hikers starting between March 1 and May 31.
15 are issued to Southbound hikers starting between June 15 and July 31.
You must register prior to Permit Day.
Permit Day 1 is the second week of November, where 35 NOBO permits are released
Permit Day 2 is the second week of January, where the remaining 15 permits are released. You may also change an existing permit date.
If you’re hiking in a group you can now apply for the same date. The number of permits remain the same so it will rely on availability. Simply register, then link your registrations before permit day.
Permit Day
It's like trying to get a Glastonbury ticket but with a much better queuing system. You get given a random place in the queue, once there you may opt to receive an email notification when its your turn and continue watching wanderlonger videos on Youtube.
The queuing system is excellent but the permits are oversubscribed. If your wait time is less than an hour you’re in with a shot.
Once in, pick your date ASAP, you’ll see the numbers turning from green, to amber, red, then gone. You have 20 minutes to conclude your application which is plenty.
You’ll be asked your intended daily milage as well as your expected finish date. This is the PCTA checking that you’ve done your homework.
There’s value to opening several web browsers on several devices. The system also works well on your smart phone. Once you’re in, pick the shortest line and close the others down to speed up everyone else’s wait.
The wait accelerates so don’t be put off by an initial long wait time.
If you’re unsuccessful on the day keep checking the site, people cancel their permits all the time, you may get lucky.
Amy and I got our ideal start date in 2022 but not until the January release.
Top Tip: if you’re in a group, once your own process is complete you may log out. The system keeps you at the front of the queue. Your buddy may then log in and snap up a matching date avoiding their own queue.
The Permit
So you got your Permit, congratulations! The PCTA still have to review and approve it. Your confirmation takes between 2/3 weeks.
You will get confirmation (of application) within 24 hours.
The permit will arrive only 3 weeks prior to your start date and needs printing and taking with you. Digital and laminated copies are not permitted. Ours were never checked in 2650 miles. Ranger Alan asked to see them at about 500, though he worked on honesty. A hiker behind us didn't have one and was lectured but not turned around.
You may shrink it to a handy fanny packable size.
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Other Permits
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The California Fire Permit – You’ll still only be able to have campfires where permitted. The permit is required in most of California to cook on a camp stove, print it off and take it with you.
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If you’re entering Canada via the PCT, you’ll need a Canada PCT Entry Permit AND an eVISA. See our Visa page for more.