Permits are required in all wilderness areas, National Parks, and other restricted areas along the PCT.

If you are embarking on a shorter trip, you can obtain a permit from the agency on which your PCT trip originates. For example, if you plan to travel from Echo Lake to Castle Crags State Park, you would need to contact the Eldorado National Forest since your trip would begin in that forest. They would issue a permit good for your entire trip.

If you plan on hiking or riding 500 or more continuous miles along the PCT, in a single trip, the PCTA can issue you a Thru-Permit. This single permit covers the entry (as a pedestrian or equestrian) and traversing of all local, state and national parks and forests along the PCT and is free to PCTA members. A $5 donation is suggested for permits issued to non-members. Requests for Thru-Permits for an upcoming hiking/riding season will be processed after January 31st of the same year. For more information about the Thru-Permit and to print a Thru-Permit application form, click here. Please note, while the Thru-Permit permit serves in lieu of obtaining a variety of wilderness permits along the trail, it DOES NOT substitute for traihead parking passes, which are required in many areas.Vist the USDA Forest Service' Web site (look for info on Region 5 and Region 6) for more information about trailhead parking and the Northwest Forest Pass.

For the thru-hikers and thru-riders who plan on entering Canada via the PCT, you will need to print out and complete the Entry to Canada via the Pacific Crest Trail form supplied here. Send your form to the address listed at least two months before you depart on your trek. It will be reviewed and returned to you. Carry the form with you on your trip and finish filling it out just prior to entry into Canada.

Additional important information about the regulations affecting hikers and riders entering Canada via the PCT is provided here.

Fire Permits:
The PCTA strongly urges all hikers using the backcountry to obtain a California fire permit. The permit covers use of campfires and stoves in ALL Park Service, Forest Service, BLM and State Lands within the state of California. Permits can be obtained at any US forest service, National Park service, BLM, or California Division of Forestry office. They are free and valid for one year. The purpose of the permit is to ensure that people using the back country have all the proper information about safe use of fire in the backcountry. These permits should be acquired before the start of your hike or ride. For more information visit:

For California fire permit contact Forest Service Regional Office @ 707-562-8794 and request a campfire permit to be either mailed or faxed.

California Campfire Permit