If you walk into the Lone Pine Visitor center on a mid-week day, there will be permits available. Look up the
Unused Whitney Permits pages, and see for yourself.
Also, start watching
Mt Whitney Trail Overnight availability two weeks before you want to hike. A few people will log in and cancel their reservations, so if you check often (bookmark that link), you may be able to reserve some permits.
You should plan on getting permits! Have fun!!
