Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion North Fork: how far up before permit required?

I'm not one of the lucky ones that can frequently partake of the wonder of Mt Whitney. I'm lucky if I can get there once a year. Still I've managed to get there five of the last six years.

Well another year of trips is in the planning and this time I'm wanting to try something different, the North Fork. I figure I'll hang around the Visitors Center and try out for one of the next-day no-show or walk in permits. An then spend the rest of that day exploring the lower parts of the NF trail so that I'm not route finding the first time with a full pack.

However. . . how far can I go up the NF trail before I need a permit?

ADVthaAnksNCE