Ah… just the name alone makes the place seem magical. Magical or to some more like MYTHICAL as getting access to this place can be extremely difficult. In fact everything about the Enchantments may seem difficult! But I can tell you that every bit as difficult as accessing and hiking this place may be, it is just as much every bit worth it if not more. The Enchantments are part of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (Alpine Lakes Wilderness) in the Cascade Mountains, and they boast beautiful peaks, expansive vistas, crystal clear blue waters and curious mountain goats all throughout. Just Google “the Enchantments Washington” and the images will blow you away, I promise!
The most popular way to experience The Enchantments is via an 18-mile hike, starting at the Stuart Lake Trailhead ( or 27 miles if you only have one car and need to make it a loop!). However, because most hikers don’t want to start before sunrise and attempt 18 miles and 4,500 feet of elevation gain in one day, many try and secure overnight hiking permits. Permits also allow you to fully explore the different trails and alpine lakes once you get into the “core-zone”. The only downside is that EVERYONE is trying to secure a permit. Last year there were 21,605 people who applied for a permit!!! See more stats and facts on permit applications for last year here.
Here’s what you need to know about securing a permit:
Permits are required to stay overnight in the Enchantments between May 15th and October 31st. There are five permit zones within the Enchantments:
- Core Enchantment Zone (with this zone permit you can camp in any of the 5 zones!)
- Snow Lake Zone
- Colchuck Lake Zone
- Stuart Lake Zone
- Eightmile/Caroline Zone
The lottery is open from Feb 15th to March 2nd. During that time you can go online to recreation.gov to create a profile and apply for a permit (there is a $10 fee for the application) Permits allow groups of 8 people max (no dogs allowed) and give you up to 14 nights to explore. Applicants are able to select their preferred zone plus 2 alternatives. The drawing occurs March 13th at 9:01 PM PST at which time you can log in to see if you are a lucky winner. IF you do win a permit you MUST go back in and confirm your acceptance of the permit by 11:59 PST on March 31, 2019 otherwise your permit will be forfeited. Here is a link to more detailed information on the application process, be sure to check this link as specific dates and times undoubtedly get tweaked from year to year.
Here is my advice on how to increase your chances of securing a permit:
1. Make a pact with up to 7 other friends that if you win the lottery that you will bring them along as a part of your group and if they win, they will do the same.
2. If at all possible pick start dates that begin in the middle of the week. As you can imagine the weekend permits are the most popular and harder to acquire.
3. While the Core Zone gives you the most flexibility on where you can camp, it is also the most desirable permit to attain and therefore you have smaller chances of winning. I suggest researching what hikes you want to do once in the Enchantments and picking a zone that gets you in the area.
4.Pray, Pray and Pray some more! It is a completely randomized drawing so there is no true way of beating the system.
5. If all else fails you have a few options:
- You can attempt to get a daily permit from the walk-in lottery every Monday – Saturday at 7:45 at Wenatchee River Ranger District Office in Leavenworth. People sleep overnight nearby to be the first to get these and quantities are extremely limited.
- Pro-tip and how I secured my permit last year is to practice your speed fingers on April 1st around 7 am PST when they release all the permits that winners never confirmed. Be ready to pick any date that is available because these go in LITERALLY seconds!
Lastly, you can of course explore the Enchantments in a day. Day use passes are free and unlimited, and there are many experienced hikers who choose this option.
Don’t forget, as with many Washington hikes, you will also need a Northwest Forest Pass to access the area. This can be purchased at National Forest offices, REI, visitor centers, or online. Cost is $30 for an annual pass or $5 per day. You can also use the America the Beautiful Pass!
I hope you get the opportunity to experience this majestic place and feel free to share with us any tips and tricks of your own!