Wilderness Permits
A Wilderness Permits is required year-round for each party camping overnight in the Hoover Wilderness. Since the East Lake portion of the Hoover Wilderness is in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, they are the agency that issues the permits in partnership with Recreation.gov. The maximum number of people allowed in each group is 15.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest Wilderness Permit Reservations
From the last Friday in June through September 15 there are quotas for the number of overnight campers admitted each day on certain trailheads, including the East Lake trail along Green Creek. There are also quotas on nearby trails such as Buckeye Creek, Horse Creek, and Virginia Lakes.
Trail Quotas
The trail to East Lake along Green Creek is allotted permits for a maximum of 40 overnight backpackers per day. Of those, permits for up to 20 people may be reserved ahead of time Recreation.gov. Reserved permits can be printed at home within 7 days of entry date.
The other 20 slots are set aside as "walk-up" permits, become available "within three days of the date of entry" at Recreation.gov your departure. These permits will be immediately available for printing. "You are responsible to print your permit and maintain a signed hard copy in your possession for the duration of your trip." This is a popular trailhead in the summer and on weekends.
Fees
Currently there is a $6 fee for a permit reservation and $3 more for each person in your party. (These fees may increase from $3 per person to $12 per person over 12 years old in popular areas, including Green Creek.) For more information, call the Bridgeport Ranger Station (760) 932-7070, summer hours 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM 7 days a week. During the winter (Oct. 16 - May 14) they are closed on weekends and holidays.
Hoover Wilderness Permits