Broken Top/Crater Ditch

Central Cascades Wilderness · Oregon

Broken Top/Crater Ditch is one of the permitted entry points in Central Cascades Wilderness on recreation.gov. Its current demand score is 77/100. Permit Ranger watches this pass around the clock and alerts you the moment a sold-out date opens up.

When permits are released

Quota season is June 15 – October 15: about 40% of each trailhead's overnight quota goes on sale for the whole season in one early-April opening at 7:00 AM Pacific (2026: April 7); the remaining ~60% is released rolling 7 days before entry at 7:00 AM Pacific. Off-season, permits are still required (and still bought on recreation.gov) but have no quota - they never sell out.

Demand

High demand (77/100)

Dogs

Dogs are allowed in this area.

Popular trails nearby

Frequently asked questions

When do Broken Top/Crater Ditch permits open?

Quota season is June 15 – October 15: about 40% of each trailhead's overnight quota goes on sale for the whole season in one early-April opening at 7:00 AM Pacific (2026: April 7); the remaining ~60% is released rolling 7 days before entry at 7:00 AM Pacific. Off-season, permits are still required (and still bought on recreation.gov) but have no quota - they never sell out. Check the recreation.gov page for the exact on-sale details for your dates.

What if my dates are sold out?

Cancellations happen all season as plans change. Add Broken Top/Crater Ditch to a trip window on Permit Ranger and you get an instant alert the moment a date you need opens back up.

How competitive is Broken Top/Crater Ditch?

The live demand score is 77/100. Odds of catching an opening are low - most dates book up well ahead.

Does Permit Ranger book the permit for me?

No. Permit Ranger never books on your behalf. When a watched date opens, you get an alert with a direct link so you can book it yourself on recreation.gov.

Nearby passes

Book on recreation.gov · All Central Cascades Wilderness passes · Central Cascades Wilderness permit guide