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Permits for High Divide Trail Olympic National Park: Essential Guide

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Permits for High Divide Trail Olympic National Park are essential for overnight stays in the wilderness area. The process involves reserving through Recreation.gov, paying associated fees, and adhering to specific regulations. Permits are required year-round, with a competitive reservation system opening on April 15th for the peak summer season. Understanding the permit process, fees, and regulations is crucial for a successful backpacking experience on this popular trail.

What Are the Specific Requirements for High Divide Trail Permits?

permits for high divide trail olympic national park
Image ‘File:Olympic National Park (22476957334).jpg’ by Olympic National Park, licensed under Public domain

Obtaining a permit for the High Divide Trail in Olympic National Park involves several key steps and requirements:

  1. Wilderness Permit: A Wilderness Permit is mandatory for all overnight stays in the Olympic National Park wilderness.

  2. Reservation Process:

  3. Online: Through Recreation.gov
  4. Phone: Call (360) 565-3100

  5. In-person: Visit a Wilderness Information Center

  6. Reservation Timeline:

  7. Summer season (May 15 – October 15): Reservations open on April 15 at 7:00 AM PST

  8. It’s highly recommended to reserve as early as possible, especially for popular areas like Sol Duc / Seven Lakes Basin

  9. Required Information:

  10. Trip dates
  11. Group size

  12. Preferred campsites (you can use “X” or “TBD” if unsure about specific members)

  13. Fees:

  14. $6 non-refundable reservation fee per overnight permit
  15. $8 per person, per night camping fee (ages 15 and under are free)
  16. Olympic National Park annual pass holders are exempt from the camping fee

How Does the Quota System Work for High Divide Trail Permits?

permits for high divide trail olympic national park
Image ‘File:Olympic National Park (22656679908).jpg’ by Olympic National Park, licensed under Public domain

The High Divide Trail, particularly the Sol Duc / Seven Lakes Basin area, operates under a quota system:

  • 50% of campsites can be reserved in advance
  • Remaining 50% are available on a first-come, first-served basis
  • This system helps manage visitor impact and preserve the wilderness experience

What Types of Camping Permits Are Available for Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park offers various camping permit options:

  1. Quota Area Permits: For popular areas like Sol Duc / Seven Lakes Basin
  2. Non-Quota Area Permits: For less crowded wilderness areas
  3. Multi-Night Permits: Specify your entire itinerary when applying
Permit Type Reservation Availability
Quota Area 50% in advance 50% first-come, first-served
Non-Quota Area Not limited Available until capacity
Multi-Night Based on itinerary Subject to availability

What Are the Access Fees for High Divide Trail?

Accessing the High Divide Trail involves several fees:

  1. Park Entrance Fee:
  2. $30 per vehicle
  3. Purchasable online or at the gate

  4. Olympic National Park annual pass or America the Beautiful pass accepted

  5. Camping Fee:

  6. $8 per person, per night
  7. Ages 15 and under: Free

  8. Olympic National Park annual pass holders: Exempt

  9. Permit Reservation Fee:

  10. $6 non-refundable fee per overnight permit

  11. Day Use:

  12. No additional fees beyond park entrance fee
  13. No permit required for day hiking

What Are the Specific Trail Regulations for High Divide?

When hiking and camping on the High Divide Trail, adhere to these regulations:

  1. Group Size:
  2. No specific limits mentioned

  3. Check with Wilderness Information Center for current recommendations

  4. Campfire Rules:

  5. Follow Leave No Trace principles
  6. Minimize campfire impacts

  7. Respect any fire restrictions in place

  8. General Wilderness Etiquette:

  9. Plan ahead and prepare
  10. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
  11. Dispose of waste properly
  12. Leave what you find
  13. Respect wildlife and other visitors

How Can I Increase My Chances of Getting a High Divide Trail Permit?

To improve your odds of securing a permit for the High Divide Trail:

  1. Be Prepared: Have all necessary information ready before the reservation window opens
  2. Act Fast: Reservations for popular dates fill quickly, often within minutes
  3. Be Flexible: Consider alternative dates or less popular entry points
  4. Check for Cancellations: Regularly check for cancelled reservations, especially closer to your desired dates
  5. Consider Shoulder Seasons: May and September can offer great hiking conditions with less competition for permits

What Should I Do If I Can’t Get a High Divide Trail Permit?

If you’re unable to secure a permit for the High Divide Trail, consider these alternatives:

  1. Walk-Up Permits: Try for a first-come, first-served permit at a Wilderness Information Center
  2. Alternative Trails: Explore other beautiful areas of Olympic National Park
  3. Day Hike: Experience parts of the trail without needing an overnight permit
  4. Nearby National Forests: Check out wilderness areas in surrounding national forests with different permit systems

Remember, the permit system is in place to protect the wilderness and ensure a quality experience for all visitors. Always respect park regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles, regardless of where you hike.

References:

  1. https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/backpacking-faq.htm
  2. https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/wilderness-reservations.htm
  3. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4098362

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