Covering a distance of 1,200 miles, the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNNST) extends through Montana, Idaho, and Washington. It starts from Glacier National Park near the Continental Divide and ends at the Pacific Ocean on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Within Olympic National Park, approximately 130 miles of the trail can be found, including a 38-mile portion along Olympic’s Wilderness Coast which holds the distinction of being the longest stretch of wilderness coast in the contiguous 48 states.
Camping along the PNNST within Olympic National Park is a popular activity, as the park is known for its wild and pristine environment, attracting a large number of campers each year, with over 100,000 camper nights recorded annually. In order to preserve the park’s natural beauty and ensure a consistent wilderness experience for all, we have established certain requirements. Therefore, it is mandatory for all backpackers to obtain a backpacking permit and adhere to the standard regulations. Failure to comply with these guidelines has consequences for other visitors who have acquired the necessary permits, as it can lead to overcrowding at campsites and the unexpected sharing of designated camping areas. The overall quality of each visitor’s wilderness experience is affected when individuals neglect to follow the established regulations and Leave No Trace principles.
Which permit(s) are necessary for me to travel on the PNNST within Olympic National Park?
In order to camp overnight in Olympic National Park, a wilderness camping permit must be obtained from The Park. Permits are limited in the Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin and the Ozette Coast areas, but not in other parts of the Pacific Northwest Trail. The cost for all permits is $8 per adult per night for individuals 16 years and older. Thru hikers who plan to stay in Olympic’s Wilderness for seven nights or more may want to consider purchasing our $45 Wilderness Annual Pass.
Areas for reservations should be considered in a systematic manner, without disregarding or omitting any information.
Limited availability of Red campsites on our Campsite Map, such as the Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin area southwest of Port Angeles and the Ozette Coast from Yellowbanks north through Cape Alava. Permits must be obtained in advance, either through a reservation request or in person within 24 hours of your trip at the Port Angeles WIC or Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station on North Shore Road. Please note that submitting a reservation request does not guarantee a permit. Camping in reservation areas is only allowed at designated sites. If you have completed a reservation form in advance and it has been approved, we can make arrangements to email or fax your permit, if necessary, provided that you are not passing through Port Angeles or Quinault.
Areas where reservations are not made.
Permits for non-limited use areas (represented as brown camps on the Campsite Map) can be acquired at any time from our Wilderness Information Center (WIC). In case rangers are present, we can arrange for the permits to be sent to you via phone or email. It is important to note that responding to phone messages may take over 24 hours during the busy summer season due to the high influx of visitors. For areas where there are no restrictions on the number of permits issued, it is strongly encouraged to camp in established sites. However, if you have a wilderness camping permit, dispersed camping is allowed on durable surfaces. It is crucial to remember that camping is not permitted at trailheads – campers must continue at least one mile beyond trailheads. If all the designated campsites are occupied and you cannot find a suitable spot that does not damage fragile vegetation, it is necessary to continue searching for an appropriate site. Additionally, always remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace.
The majority of PNNST hikers contact the WIC from Port Townsend, WA in order to arrange their permit via telephone. Subsequently, the WIC will send the permit to the hiker via email, allowing them to store it digitally on their phone. In cases where individuals can receive faxes, we can also transmit a hard copy of the permit upon request. Many PNNST hikers also choose to traverse the limited use areas, such as the Sol Duc/High Divide area, in order to avoid being restricted to camping in specific locations on certain nights. This decision results in a more adaptable journey throughout the park. The distance from Appleton Pass camp to the Bogachiel River in the 21-Mile area is roughly 16 miles.
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PNNST hikers often wait until they arrive in Port Townsend before arranging permits. It is unlikely to secure reservations in popular quota areas a few days before your arrival. However, it may be possible to receive a permit via email for printing after your reservation is processed. Without a confirmed reservation from the WIC, staying overnight in the Sol Duc or Ozette Coast quota areas is not permitted. Reservations open on March 15th and tend to fill up quickly, so it is recommended to send in a reservation form well in advance of your arrival on the Peninsula.
To avoid the limited use area in the Sol Duc/High Divide area, we suggest that thru-hikers hike between Appleton Pass and 21-mile camp on the Bogachiel River within one day. It is highly unlikely to obtain a reservation in advance due to the area’s popularity.
Moving in the direction of the east.
To begin their backpacking journey at Cape Alava, individuals are required to obtain permits beforehand from either the Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center or the Quinualt Rain Forest Ranger Station. It is important to note that permits cannot be obtained at the Ozette Ranger Station, and the Forks WIC is currently not operational.
Storage of food items
Food storage is crucial in Olympic National Park. Bear canisters are necessary for all food, garbage, scented items, and non-water beverages in the Sol Duc area (from Sol Duc side of Appleton Pass to Mink Lake trail junction on Little Divide) and along the entire wilderness coast. In other regions, food should either be stored in bear canisters or hung 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree. In places where proper hanging is not possible, like areas above the tree line, bear canisters must be used for food storage. Bear canisters can be borrowed from the Port Angeles WIC or Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station, or they can be rented from private establishments when they are available.
Due to the abundance of breathtaking trails available, it can be challenging to locate the perfect hike. This is why we have compiled a compilation of our preferred backpacking trips in the Pacific Northwest. These trails are renowned for their beauty and magnificence, thus it is recommended to include one of these remarkable experiences in your itinerary for the summer.
WONDERLAND TRAIL
The length of the object is 93 miles.
The average duration for most individuals to complete the journey ranges from 8 to 13 days, with the majority typically taking approximately 10 days.
The location is Mount Rainier National Park.
The optimal time for hiking is from late July through mid-September.
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The Wonderland trail encircles the enormous and awe-inspiring Mount Rainier for a total distance of 93 miles. Although it is a highly demanding hike, involving a remarkable elevation change of over 23,000 feet, the benefits are abundant. The trail showcases magnificent glacier sights, vibrant wildflower meadows, unspoiled lakes, and extensive stretches of verdant rainforests, ensuring that the diverse scenery of the Wonderland Trail remains astonishing.
Permits for this highly sought-after hike can be obtained beforehand by participating in an annual lottery, but the park also reserves a portion of permits for those who arrive without prior arrangements. In 2016, no permits were granted in advance; hence, all permits are now being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
TIMBERLINE TRAIl
The length of the trip is approximately 40 miles in total.
The loop typically takes most people 4 days to complete, although it can be done in 3-5 days.
The location is in the Mount Hood Area.
The ideal time to go hiking is from the end of July until late September.
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The Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood is a well-known and picturesque route in Oregon. It offers a great opportunity to appreciate the impressive scale and attractiveness of Mt. Hood. While hiking on the Timberline, you will come across thriving ancient forests, untouched alpine waterfalls, meadows adorned with wildflowers, majestic glaciers, rugged volcanic terrains, and breathtaking views of cascades. The journey may be challenging due to frequent changes in elevation, but the ultimate benefits far outweigh the difficulties.
ENCHANTMENT LAKES
The distance from Stuart Lakes Trailhead to Snow Lakes Trailhead is 19 miles.
In order to explore the entire area, it will take approximately 3 to 4 days.
The location is Leavenworth.
The best time for hiking is during the permit timeframe, which runs from May 15th until October 31st.
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The Enchantment Lakes in Washington offer a truly enchanting view, with majestic mountain goats, immense granite peaks, and crystal clear alpine lakes. One can expect challenging climbs and rugged peaks on well-maintained trails. Ambitious hikers can also take advantage of remarkable side trips, like the must-do ascent to the summit of Little Annapurna for breathtaking panoramic vistas. Due to the strict permitting process, this area is not overcrowded, although obtaining overnight permits during peak season may require some luck. Any backpacker should definitely include this hike in their bucket list.
WALLOWA RIVER LOOP
The length is 36 miles when considering each step of the thinking process.
The number of days required is 4 to 5 days.
The location is the Eagle Cap Wilderness in Wallawa-Whitman National Forest.
The optimal time for hiking is from late July to September.
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The Wallowa Mountain Range in Oregon is a great place for backpacking. You will pass through the beautiful Lakes Basin Area and cross stunning mountain passes on this loop. Along the way, you will see clear lakes, streams, meadows full of wildflowers, and granite peaks that may make you question if you are actually in Oregon. Additionally, there are side trips to the summit of Eagle Cap and Matterhorn which will make you appreciate the Wallowas even more. Despite attracting a good number of hikers, this trail is still worth visiting.
HIGH DIVIDE – SEVEN LAKES BASIN LOOP
The length of the loop is 19 miles.
The number of days required is from 2 to 4 days.
The location is Olympic National Park.
The optimal period for hiking is from mid-July until September.
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For this hike, it is mandatory to have bear canisters.
One of the most scenic backpacking trails in the Pacific Northwest can be found in Olympic National Park, known for its stunning diversity. The High Divide Trail, while not a hidden gem, is still worth exploring despite lacking solitude. As you hike through ancient forests, you’ll be treated to breathtaking alpine landscapes. Upon reaching the lakes basin, prepare to be enchanted by crystal-clear pools, enchanting meadows, and captivating views of Mt. Olympus.
