Mount Hood Climbing Permit
Required for climbing above 9,500 feet year-round. The most-climbed glaciated peak in North America with 10,000+ attempts annually.
“Experience Mt. Hood in Mt. Hood.”
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Be notified instantly when Mt. Hood permits become available due to cancellations.
Get Availability Alerts
Be notified instantly when Mt. Hood permits become available.
Mt. Hood Quick Facts
Key Information
Permit Details
Pro Tips
- •Start between midnight and 2am to climb frozen conditions
- •Always wear a helmet - rockfall is constant
- •Check conditions at the Pearly Gates before committing
- •WAG bags are free at Timberline Lodge
What to Expect
Highlights
- •Single-day climb from Timberline Lodge
- •Technical snow/ice with exposure
- •Early starts (midnight-2am) essential
- •Objective hazards including rockfall and ice
Hazards & Considerations
- !Unstable ice seracs at Pearly Gates
- !Rockfall (especially afternoon)
- !Bergschrund crossing
- !Avalanche risk
Summit Information
Mt. Hood
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Technical Gear Required
How to Get This Permit
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Know the release schedule
Permits typically release on a rolling basis. Check the specific release time for your desired dates.
Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
When to Go
Conditions
Early season climbing. Snow routes may be in prime condition.
Crowd Level
ModerateAdvantages
- +Technical routes in condition
- +Fewer crowds
- +Cooler approach temps
Challenges
- !Avalanche hazard
- !Variable conditions
- !Winter skills required
Difficulty Assessment
Fitness and endurance required
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Route finding and trail clarity
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Fit hikers with mountain experience ready to step into mountaineering.
Recommended Experience
Glacier travel training required. Must be competent with crampons, ice axe, and rope work.
About This Permit
Despite accessibility (car access to 6,000 ft via Timberline Lodge), Hood is statistically one of the deadliest mountains in the US due to objective hazards and high traffic. The Pearly Gates requires navigating ice towers and a bergschrund.
The Experience
Why It Matters
Mt. Hood in Mt. Hood offers a wilderness experience protected by the permit system. Quotas help maintain trail conditions and ensure visitors can enjoy the natural setting without overcrowding.
Rules & Regulations
- •Climbing permit required above 9,500 feet
- •WAG bags required (free at Timberline Lodge)
- •Sno-Park permit November - April
Key Landmarks
Safety & Planning
Emergency Info
Download the PermitSnag app for offline access to emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Hood.
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
🏔️Mountaineering Resources
Guide Services
Find authorized guide services and mountaineering schools for this peak.
Authorized guide services:
- • Check with ranger station for current list
- • Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Don't own technical gear? Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
Route Conditions
Real-time route status, snow levels, and climbing conditions.
Current conditions include:
- • Route status (open/closed/caution)
- • Snow level elevation
- • Crevasse and glacier conditions
- • Recent trip reports
Avalanche Forecast
Check avalanche conditions before winter and spring climbs.
Avalanche info includes:
- • Current danger level
- • Avalanche problems (wind slab, persistent slab)
- • Travel advice
- • Links to regional avalanche centers
Mt. Hood FAQ
How do I get a Mt. Hood permit?
Mt. Hood permits are obtained through a first-come, first-served system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Mt. Hood?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Mt. Hood permit?
This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a Mt. Hood permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Golden hour at Mt. Hood offers the best photography conditions with warm, directional light.
Best Light
Early morning typically provides the clearest conditions and best light quality.
Beat the Crowds
Weekdays and early mornings see fewer visitors for cleaner compositions.
Classic Shots
- 📍Classic view of Mt. Hood
- 📍Mt. Hood scenery
- 📍Trail or route documentation