Entry Permits Debut

Wilderness

The “no vacancy” sign will be on at a pair of popular Oregon wilderness destinations at times this summer, the result of a new limited-entry permit system being implemented by national forest officials.

A maximum of 20 groups a day will be issued permits to visit the Obsidian area in the Three Sisters Wilderness Area east of Eugene. Another 20 groups per day will be allowed at Pamelia Lake in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness Area east of Salem.

In addition, campfires will be banned at seven alpine or subalpine areas popular with hikers and backpackers in western Oregon. In 14 wilderness lake basins, overnight users will be directed to set up their camps only at designated campsites marked by rangers.

All new rules are part of a continuing effort to reduce damage that fragile wilderness destinations are suffering due to overuse, according to officials of the Willamette and Deschutes National Forests.