Required for climbing above 9,500 feet year-round. The Forest Service says thousands of people climb Mt. Hood every year, and there is no limit on the number of permits issued.
Plan your Mount Hood National Forest trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Plan your trip
How to get Mt. Hood
The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass with no limit, so it cannot sell out. Buy it any time before you climb. A 3-day permit is $20 and an annual is $50, and it is valid the moment you buy it. One permit per climber, required for travel above 9,500 feet in the Mount Hood Wilderness.
Official permit pagePlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
How to get a Mt. Hood permit
- Type
- Mountaineering
- Location
- OR
Step 1: Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at Recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Have 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.
Mt. Hood 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
More on Mt. Hood: Live availability activityWhen Mt. Hood permits open up
How much a Mt. Hood permit costs
Mt. Hood permit fee: $20 (3-day) or $50 (annual).
The Mt. Hood climb
Mt. Hood landmarks
- 1Trailhead
Starting point for South Side (Hogsback/Pearly Gates). Elevation: 5,949 ft.
- 2Summit
Summit of Mt. Hood at 11,249 ft.
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.
Mt. Hood climb highlights
- Single-day climb from Timberline Lodge
- Technical snow/ice with exposure
- Early starts (midnight-2am) essential
- Objective hazards including rockfall and ice
Summit information
Mt. Hood
Climbing RoutesClick for details
Technical Gear Required
How hard the Mt. Hood climb is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required4/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills3/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity4/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
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.
When to climb Mt. Hood
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Wind gusts to 42mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
- Windy conditions: Bring wind-resistant shelter if camping.
Today
34°
26°
Wed
35°
29°
Thu
43°
25°
Fri
43°
24°
Sat
43°
23°
Sun
49°
24°
Mon
42°
23°
Mt. Hood rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01Climbing permit required above 9,500 feet
- 02WAG bags required (free at Timberline Lodge)
- 03Sno-Park permit November - April
Hazards & considerations
- Unstable ice seracs at Pearly Gates
- Rockfall (especially afternoon)
- Bergschrund crossing
- Avalanche risk
Mountaineering resources
Guide Services
Find authorized guide services and mountaineering schools for this peak.
Authorized guide services:
- The ranger station has the current list
- Verify NPS/USFS authorization
Gear Rentals
Find rental shops near the trailhead.
Required gear you can rent:
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Helmet (rockfall common)
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
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Mt. Hood.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Mt. Hood · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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Mt. Hood FAQ
How do I get a Mt. Hood permit?
Mt. Hood is issued directly by the agency. The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit is a Recreation.gov Activity Pass with no limit, so it cannot sell out. Buy it any time before you climb. A 3-day permit is $20 and an annual is $50, and it is valid the moment you buy it. One permit per climber, required for travel above 9,500 feet in the Mount Hood Wilderness. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit Mt. Hood?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays 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?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
Mt. Hood route 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 Mt. Hood.
Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Mt. Hood permit
Where to stay near Mt. Hood
- Tilly Jane Guard StationMt. Hood National Forest
- Still Creek campgroundMt. Hood National Forest
- Kinnikinnick (Laurance Lake) CampgroundMt. Hood National Forest
- All Oregon campgrounds
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