Beginning on January 1, Mt. Hood climbers going above an elevation of 9,500 ft. will need a climbing permit.  The Mt. Hood Climbing Permit will be available for online purchase as a single trip three-day pass for $20, or an annual pass for $50.  The Forest Service says permit fees will fund additional climbing rangers, climbing safety information, and natural resources protection.  Every year around 10,000 people attempt to climb Mt. Hood, and in the spring and summer, it is not uncommon for visitors with little or no mountaineering experience to attempt to climb the 11,240-ft. peak.  Information from the permit system will also help the forest determine program improvements into the future.  No advance reservations are needed.  Climbing permits will be available for purchase on Recreation.gov beginning January 1, up to the start of one’s climb.  There is no limit on the number of permits issued.  More information is available on the Mt. Hood National Forest website.