Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast
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Take the path less traveled (because day-use permits kept the crowds at bay). Photo: Kale Williams/Axios
It's not summer yet, despite what the weather tells you, but it's never too early to start planning for the warmer months.
Why it matters: Many of Oregon's most sought-after campsites and trail permits book out months in advance.
State of play: We Oregonians love our wild and scenic places — we have some of the best in the country.
- The most popular places can quickly become overrun, so state and federal land management agencies have created a reservation system to protect those places from crowds ruining their vibes.
- Here are some strategies to make sure your summer is full of the hikes, camping trips and natural beauty Oregon is known for.
⛺ Camping
Oregon State Parks reservations open six months in advance at ReserveAmerica with prime spots like Cape Lookout, Fort Stevens and Trillium Lake often booking out within minutes.
- Camping on some federal lands — National Forests and areas under the Bureau of Land Management — also require a permit.
- The feds use Recreation.gov for reservation spots, which also open six months in advance.
- You'll need to be fast if you want to snag the most coveted spots — like one of the dozens of old wildfire lookouts around the state.
🥾 Hiking
If you're planning a day hike after June 15, you'll need a permit for many of the most popular hikes in the Oregon Cascades as well, especially areas near Mount Jefferson, the Three Sisters and Mount Washington.
- Recreation.gov has you covered there, with permits dropping in a rolling window 10 and two days ahead of the hike date.
- You'll need a separate permit if you're looking to backpack in those areas, with some overnight permits becoming available April 1, and others opening up seven days out from your start date.
🚘 Waterfalls and day-use hot spots
Visitors to Multnomah Falls will need timed-use permits between May 22 and Sept. 7, and some nearby Gorge trailheads require parking reservations in summer, especially on weekends.
- Some locations also require shuttle reservations or restrict roadside parking.
The bottom line: If you want to give yourself the best shot at the best campsite on the best day, create an account ahead of time, save your payment info and set an alarm.