Inyo NF Wilderness Permit — Birch Lake
Inyo National Forest · California
Wilderness permit for entry via Birch Lake in Inyo National Forest. Access to John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Get an alert when Birch Lake opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Birch Lake were gone within 10 minutes.
Birch Lake reservation dates
- max group size
- 15people
How to get a Birch Lake permit
As of September 2026, Birch Lake in Inyo National Forest, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Birch Lake rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Birch Lake permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.
- Type
- Overnight
- Location
- CA
Step 1: Create an account before permits drop
Find this permit on the managing agency's booking system and set up an account with your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
More on Birch Lake: Live availability activityWhen Birch Lake permits open up
When to hike Birch Lake
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Today
73°
55°
Tue
81°
50°
Wed
87°
56°
Thu
90°
62°
Fri
90°
64°
Sat
89°
67°
Sun
88°
66°
Birch Lake rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Birch Lake.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Birch Lake · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Birch Lake FAQ
How do I get a Birch Lake permit?
PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Birch Lake cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Birch Lake permits use a reservation system.
When is the best time to visit Birch Lake?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Birch Lake permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Birch Lake permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.
Birch Lake trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
Sign in to report trail conditions.
Questions
No questions yet
Be the first to ask about Birch Lake.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Birch Lake permit
Where to stay near Birch Lake
- Pleasant Valley Pit CampgroundAlabama Hills
- Horton Creek CampgroundAlabama Hills
- Four Jeffrey campgroundInyo National Forest
- All California campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.
No permit needed to start
One tick helps us more than you’d think
Google lets you pick the sites it highlights for you. Add PermitSnag and our permit pages get marked as one of yours in AI Overviews and AI Mode.
Takes less than a minute.