I booked a permit for Hog Creek for Aug 4 a couple weeks ago. We expected it to be busy, but checking today, I see that nearly all entry points are full that week now. Looking at next week, roughly July 27/28-Aug 2, there appears to be a decent number of permits across entries still available. Why is this? Would you try try to rally your group (family) around going up earlier? Thanks.

If you do go to Hog Creek, let me know how it goes. I was going to pull a permit and go up around the 16 of aug. like you said, most of the EPS are booked and if I’m going to get on the water it looks like Hog Creek is we’re I’m heading too.

Unless there's a huge difference in number of permits left, I wouldn't bother changing. Now if you're talking July/Aug vs. mid september or later then there's likely to be a bigger difference felt and seen. If it makes you feel better and everyone can swing the last minute change, go for it. But how will you feel if that date fills up by the time it gets here too? (so no real gain in swapping)

Thanks folks. I might be overthinking it. :) Will definitely post a quick follow-up (if not full trip report) by August 10. Current plan is we'll exit Aug 8, but it could be Aug 1 if we bump up by a week.

I say full steam ahead. There's no guarantees anyways that it won't fill up by the time you get up there next week if you do change it. Just so many variables might as well stick to the plan and hope for the best.