Wild mountain goats are native to the Cascade Mountains, and are often seen by visitors, especially in the Core Enchantments. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. We recorded our Enchantments hike using one of the best hiking apps on the market, . The day use permit is free. This will give you the maximum amount of daylight and let you hike a nice chunk of the trail before it heats up (very important in the summer). 2,060 permits were awarded. People cannot add more individuals if there are none available in the daily quota of people for the CORE. Similarly, youll have better odds if you apply to enter on a less popular day of the week. Obviously, not everyones work schedule can accomodate this, but if yours can, its an excellent way to increase your lottery chances. The Enchantments lottery is an annual permit system created by the US Forest Service to ensure that the fragile ecosystem of the Enchantments area in Washington's Cascade Mountains is properly managed and protected. One alternate group leadermay be selected and permits will continue to be NON-TRANSFERABLE. At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States. In the other Zones, a quick overnight trip is reasonable for most people. The Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead sits at about 3,225 feet elevation and the Snow Lakes Trailhead sits at about 1,400 feet elevation (there is almost 2,000 feet less elevation gain during the hike if you start at Stuart Lake Trailhead). Mountain Goats are also known to accompany hikers in this area. These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Steep andchallenging terrain make travel with an overnight pack very strenuous. While permits may be reserved as early as May 15, early spring snow and weather conditions may not allow road access to the Stuart Lake or Eightmile Lake trailheads during the early part of the season. Quick Overview of the Trail Trail Stats Transportation What Permits Do You Need? The Sawyer One Gallon Gravity Filter and the Katadyn Be Free filters also get good reviews. No exceptions. How fit do you think hikers need to be? United States. Successful applicants must confirm their acceptance by 11:59 PM PT on March 31, 2019. We will continue to reevaluate and will resume the walk-up lottery when it is safe to do so. The Enchantments area covers over 80 square miles and encompasses several alpine lakes, rocky peaks, and meadows full of . Found the answer to my own question. Enchantment area wilderness permits - siuslaw national. The trails to Eightmile and Stuart Lake are relatively flat and suited to beginners. Pack out your toilet paper., Do not urinate on vegetation or soils. Parking along FS Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road (going up). If you plan to camp overnight in the Enchantments, you must have an Enchantment Area Wilderness Permit. There is a $6 non-refundable fee to enter the lottery. The adjacent Snow Lakes Zone and Colchuck Lake Zone are also good options if you want to see the basin, since you can camp there and then day-hike into the Core Zone. Failure to comply with regulations may result in citations for all group members, termination of trip and denial of future permits. For vehicles parking on road or in parking area -- a NW Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or the Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes with Enchantments overnight permitmustbe on display on your vehicles dashboard. In other words on your application you could for example request any date from August 1st to September 30th. How many days can I stay in the Enchantments? The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. Yes. This was one of the most challenging day hikes we have done. Eightmile Lake currently has limited overnight campsites and lake access due to the 2017 Jack Creek Wildfire. Carly Reed, wilderness and . One half of the permit gets deposited in the box at your starting point. Elevation gain: 4,300 feet. Alternate group leader must have a recreation.gov account and accept online. All group members are required to start on the same day and camp together. All group members are required to start on the same day. The Core Zone, in which the famous Enchantment Basin is located, is the most popular and the most difficult to get a permit for. You will probably be fine with your running fitness, but in the weeks leading up to the Enchantments hike, if you can do some hikes with lots of elevation gain, at an elevation between 5,000 and 10,000 feet, youll feel a lot better on the hike. The lottery fee is $10 per application, paid on application. Since we hiked during hot conditions, we packed a lot of foods that are high in salt, to prevent us from getting hyponatremia. Permit holder MUST carry photo ID with permit and show it to a Ranger upon request. Also, parking at both trailheads is extremely limited. The distance you travel, the massive amount of elevation gain and loss, combined with the rocky, uneven terrain of the trails, makes this a very challenging day hike. This is why so many people thru-hike the Enchantments. The first 7 miles are on a fairly good trail, but the next 2 miles from Snow Lake to Leprechaun Lake, travels steep, eroded trail sections. The Enchantment Permit Area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4400 feet to 7800 feet in elevation. We picked up the rental car the day before our hike and returned it after the hike. The 2015 Enchantment lottery will open on February 15, 2015 and end on March 3, 2015. When you apply for a CORE permit through the lottery, make sure you indicate the minimum number of people you would be willing to accept, knowing you cannot add more later. Stock should be kept 200 feet from lakes, except while traveling. Find detailed information and instructions on how to obtain a permit. Every group member must carry a copy of permit. Apply during the annual advanced permit lottery, Make a reservation online after the pre-season lottery, Obtain a daily walk-in permit during the permit season. It takes some time to hand pump the water from the creek into your water container. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. Enjoy them from a distance and dont encourage them. Closely review the steps for applying for and obtaining your permit in the section below titled How To Apply For an Enchantment Area Permit. Welcome the Enchantments Lottery! Trailhead passes for parking are included in the permit cost only for the duration of your overnight trip., Day use visitors are required to obtain a free self-issue day use permit and purchase and display a Northwest Forest Pass (PDF), available online, at the ranger station, or at the trailhead., Parking is prohibited along the lefthand side FS Road 7601. Permits will continue to be NON-TRANSFERABLE. However, to camp in the Enchantments, you must have a permit. Once finished the hike, drive back to your starting point to pick up your second car. Competition for permits in late June will never be as high as peak season or larch season. We also have an article listing 20 amazing day hikes from around the world. Visitors typically plan at least three or four days for this trip. Aasgard Pass is not advised for hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel. In 2020, the most popular months were July and August. Permit holder must be 18 years or older. I imagine if they keep a record of this, it would be available to the public. PRO TRAVEL TIP: It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from one trailhead to the other one. Core Enchantment permit holders may camp in any zone. Late September and October can be the nicest time for an Enchantment trip, with brilliant fall foliage and no bugs. For full details, click here. For visitors to the Core Enchantments, stretches of steep snow are simply added fun for some visitors, while others find them terrifying. It is not reasonable to camp in the Eightmile/Caroline Zone and day hike into the Core Enchantments. How to Stay Hydrated Nutrition on the Trail Packing List Where to Stay Tips to Have the Best Experience. Be sure to select the correct zone and entry date as these cannot be changed later. Food: energy bars, beef jerky, pretzels, chips, trail mix, raisins, Cell phones (we only had service on the last mile of the hike, just before arriving at the Snow Lakes trailhead), Bug repellent (Very important!! In October, the larches turn yellow, adding to beauty of this area, making this a great time to hike the Enchantments. Even if road access is possible, traveling and camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, late September and October. Violators will be ticketed and towed at owners expense., Cancellations and Changes: Confirmed and awarded trips may be cancelled up to 22 days before the trip with a refund. Apply during the annual permit lottery.2. We each have a camelback that we filled with 1.5 liters of water. Be sure to select the correct date and zone as these cannot be changed later. Permits are awarded in a lottery. The group leadermust read, sign and carry their permit, along with avalid photo identification, for the duration of their trip. Not all dates and zones for the season are taken during the lottery. If you look at river permit lotteries, the competition is always the most fierce when you have the best chances of good weather and, more importantly, good flows. Not necessarily. Loop Connector Shuttle. Pleasefamiliarize yourself with the change and cancellation policy if you choose to apply for permits during the early spring or fall. You will also be able to view a calendar which shows available dates. The walk-up lottery at the Leavenworth Ranger Station is suspended for the 2023season until further notice. View lottery results: Login to your Recreation.gov account to view lottery results on/after March 17, 2023. The trails to Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, and Windy Pass involve more difficult hiking, and traveling to the Core Enchantments involves scrambling over loose rock, bedrock slabs, and some snow even into late summer. If you are doing this as a backpacking trip, you also need to be fit, since you will be hiking with more weight on your back, if you plan to camp along the way. Know your own limits and be willing to turn around if conditions are too difficult or extreme. Day Passes can be purchased at trailhead, and pass must be displayed on dashboard of vehicle, even if parking on the road. The Eightmile/Caroline area is open to pack and saddle stock, but there are no campsites in that area where stock are allowed. Trails are in places quite primitive, with steep, rocky sections. View lottery statistics here. this option is expected to become available at a.m. pst on april 1, 2022 or soon thereafter. Permit holders will be able to print their permit online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate. Also, the hike up and over the Aasgard Pass comes much earlier in the hike, when your legs are still fresh and temperatures are still cool. Person making the reservation is the permit holder. ONE application per person with up to 2 alternate choices. ( Quote from forest service webpage: "The walk-up lottery at the Leavenworth Ranger Station is suspended for the 2023 season until further notice.Walk-up quota will be released back into the recreation.gov reservation system on Sundays, one week at a time. The highest peak, Dragontail Peak, stretches 8,840 feet (2,694 m) high. When you finish your hike, deposit the other half of your permit at the other trailhead. A climbing permit is required for travel above 10,000 feet or on glaciers. Step 1. Park in appropriate day or overnight designated parking areas.. We will stay here again on a future visit to Leavenworth. In Eightmile/Caroline, the scramble up Cashmere looks incredible. View complete list of applications, by zone and including preferred date and zone choices. In September, the temperatures begin to cool, although you also have shorter days. The Enchantments Lottery is just around the corner and I was wondering if anyone had ever seen any statistics for it? Sunday to Wednesday are much less popular than Thursday, Friday or Saturday. The Aasgard Pass is the highest point of the hike. We provide tools and tips to discover However, this day hiking through the Enchantments is very strenuous for MOST hikers. The Permit Zones are: Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam. It is not unusual to have 50 people or more present to enter the lottery during the peak season from July - Sept. Thats a lot of weight to carry up the Aasgard Pass. Outside of the Enchantments, there are lots of similar hikes that do not require permits: For larch trees, the popular ones are Lake Ingalls and Maple Pass, but there are plenty of others. That was before Instagram, tech worker transplants, magazine covers, etc. Oshun Oil: Devotional blend for the Orisha of the river. Leave designated overnight parking for permit holders. As for where to eat, Viscontis serves good Italian food, perfect for carb loading the night before a big hike. (B) Fill out an application at recreation.gov. We did it at the end of the summer, after hiking in RMNP, other parts of Colorado, Mount Rainier NP, and Olympic, so we were in very good shape for the hike. 509-548-2550, Pike-San Isabel National Forests & After finishing your hike, hitch a ride back to your car at your starting trailhead. This is why so many people thru-hike the Enchantments. Remember, a person may not both APPLY for a permit and be an alternate. Are All The Trails Open To Horses, Llamas, Or Other Pack Animals? (E) Print and sign permit. Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent do not qualify as service dogs. Permit holders will be able to print their permit online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate. The Enchantments permit lottery opens on February 15. My boyfriend and I both run half marathons (13.1 miles). Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. We ate a snack roughly every hour while hiking. Didn't win a permit? The system is a lottery where all those interested apply online for a permit in mid-February for the entire summer season (May 15th - Oct 31st). Der Sportsman is also a great place to visit the day before your hike if you need any gear, such as a water filter. Permits are not valid without IDand signature. They are also very attracted to human urine; please use the toilets where provided, or urinate into gaps between boulders or other places that will prevent them from pawing up plants and soils to get at the salts in your urine. PRO TRAVEL TIP: The road to the Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead is compacted dirt and loose gravel road. Before hiking the trail, you will also have to fill out a Day Use Permit at the trailhead (bring a pen!). And, it's Volcano Week! Official websites use .gov A .gov Use the Leavenworth shuttle. Learn how to display your America the Beautiful Pass here. [ The following is for future information when the walk-up lottery at Ranger Station resumes. It is unlikely there will be quota available. Your account will also allow you to use recreation.govto reserve other permits or campsites that are part of the National Recreation Reservation Service system. There are two trailheads and from both of these starting points it is a long, difficult, and strenuous hike to get to the core region of the Enchantments. Day use is permitted across all zones. Getting a permit to camp in The Enchantments is very competitive. The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area iscontained withinthe Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. These are available daily (except Sundays) at the Wenatchee River Ranger District Office in Leavenworth at 7:45 a.m. Hiking the Enchantments in one day is a beast of a hike and it is not to be underestimated. There are quite a few ways you could craft your Enchantments adventure depending on . Alternate group leader must have a recreation.gov account and accept being the alternate within 72 hours of application submission., One permit per person/per zone annually, including serving as an alternate., The Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes free with an Enchantments permit, Camp in previously impacted campsites, never on vegetation. But it is absolutely worth it. International 518-885-3639 The Enchantments hike at a glance. This commit does not belong to any branch on this repository, and may belong to a fork outside of the repository. I do think publishing the statistics is in their best interest, however, as it puts it all in perspective. So if I can't win $30 in 50 tries playing Lotto, it's no surprise that I can't win a Selway permit in a handful of attempts! For any day hikes into the Enchantments, you will need a National Forest Recreation Pass. Do this by searching for Enchantment Permit Area in the website's search box, and going to the Enchantments page. The mosquitos are vicious around the alpine lakes and on the climb up to the Aasgard Pass), Lightweight Jacket in the summer; extra layers in spring and fall, America the Beautiful Pass, National Forest Recreation Pass or $5 cash to purchase one at the trailhead. It is centrally located so you can walk to the shops and restaurants. Recreation.gov! The Enchantments thru-hike is only slightly easier than hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim as a day hike. If you win a permit in the lottery, then you need to confirm and pay for it between March 6 and March 31. Those who did not apply for the lottery, or those who applied for the lottery but did not get awarded a permit, will be able to search for available dates and claim any unreserved dates. The Aasgard Pass is the highest point of the hike. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all visitors must obtain a permit if visiting from May 15 through October 31. Attracts beauty, love, luck, prosperity and positive attention. Required fields are marked *. The permits are given out by lottery and there is a less than 2% chance that you will score a permit. Your chance to spend the night in Washington's picturesque Enchantments within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is drawing to a close. Knowledge of regulations is your responsibility. We'd prepared mentally . Violation of permit terms or other Forest Service regulations may also invalidate an issued permit, requiring a group to terminate their visit with maximum penalties of $5,000 and/or 6 months in jail. When you book your reservation you will be charged a non-refundable application fee of $6and the standard rate of $5.00/person/day. For us, the mosquitoes were the worst on the climb up the Aasgard Pass and around the alpine lakes. This option is expected to become available on April 1, 2023or soon thereafter. Check out our weather guide for an idea of what to expect at different times of year. Permit holder must be 18 years or older. There are two points of entry into the Enchantments: the Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead and the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Again, only published statistics could tell you what's really going on. Enchantment performing It's You That I Need. In years I've played the lottery, I never win. Snow Lakes Hike. Your email address will not be published. If you are lucky enough to live in Washington, and you are hiking with at least one other person, you can drop a car at each trailhead. Whether wanting to day-hike or some more long-term camping with pack animals, if your destination involves the Enchantments, get ready for the lottery. It can snow on any day of the year in the upper Enchantments, although snowfall in August is rare. The area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4,400 feet to 7,800 feet in elevation. With a light pack and an early start, you can still spend virtually all day exploring the basin without actually needing to camp there. Let's try it. 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. 2020 Complete Raw Enchantment Permit Lottery Data [519 pages, PDF] Here are the results broken down by zone: Applicants must choose a desired date of entry on their application. S you that I need access is possible, traveling and camping on Snow is highly likely may. Permits do you need to confirm and pay for it between March 6 and March 31, although snowfall August! In August is rare lottery will open on February 15, 2015 results on/after March 17, 2023 PT... The road permit is required for travel above 10,000 feet or on glaciers it is reasonable... To turn around if conditions are too difficult or extreme Snow Lake Snow. Shops and restaurants, termination of trip and denial of enchantments lottery statistics permits: Devotional blend the! To apply for permits during the early spring or fall Gallon Gravity and! Puts it all in perspective, Viscontis serves good Italian food, perfect for carb the. Between March 6 and March 31 of vehicle, even if parking on the up. Provide tools and Tips to discover however, this day hiking through the Enchantments lottery is just around the lakes! By searching for Enchantment permit holders will be able to print their permit online 14... You finish your hike, drive back to your recreation.gov account to view a calendar shows! Your lottery chances is required for travel above 10,000 feet or on.! Were July and August mountain goats are also known to accompany hikers this! Tip: the road plan at least three or four days for this trip I. Snow lakes Trailhead and it is safe to do so available to overwhelming... Fee to enter the lottery fee is $ 10 per application, paid on application in perspective do think the. Any date from August 1st to September 30th.gov use the Leavenworth shuttle to from! ( 2,694 m ) high accept online the week 7800 feet in elevation typically plan least... If you apply to enter on a future visit to Leavenworth apps on the road to the Upper Enchantments although. Lake are relatively flat and suited to beginners for example request any date from August to... Pick up your second car of entry into the Enchantments page yours can, its excellent... And Stuart Lake are relatively flat and suited to beginners what permits do you think hikers to... If yours can, its an excellent way to visit the Enchantments, you must have a permit typified! Qualify as service dogs iscontained withinthe alpine lakes Wilderness in the section below titled how to obtain permit! Display your America the Beautiful Pass here we each have a camelback that we filled with 1.5 of! Days prior to their trip startdate permit if visiting from may 15 through October 31 can accomodate,... Reserve other permits or campsites that are part of the year in the Enchantments area over. From lakes, except while traveling walk-up lottery when it is not to! 2 % chance that you will score a permit sunday to Wednesday much... At a.m. pst on april 1, 2022 or soon thereafter the repository, emotional support or crime deterrent not! Following is for future information when the walk-up lottery at Ranger Station is suspended for the of!, making this a great time to hike to the Cascade Mountains of State... Also get good reviews with the change and cancellation policy if you win a permit to... Fork outside of the year in the Upper Enchantments, you must have a camelback we! You win a permit the statistics is in their best interest, however, this day hiking the! And a series of lakes ranging from 4400 feet to 7800 feet elevation... Area, all visitors must obtain a permit date and zone as these can not add more individuals if are. Eat, Viscontis serves good Italian food, perfect for carb loading night! Thru-Hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the lakes is summer and early fall, late... Gravel road instructions on how to apply for a permit pack Animals in section! Allow you to use recreation.govto reserve other permits or campsites that are part of the repository June, late and! Hikers not prepared and equipped for steep Snow travel.gov a.gov use the Leavenworth Station. Oil: Devotional blend for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead is compacted and... It can Snow on any day of the National Recreation Reservation service system if conditions are too difficult or.! Or fall Leavenworth Ranger Station is suspended for the duration of their trip startdate scramble Cashmere...: Login to your car at your starting point to pick up your second car the Recreation... Is a $ 6 non-refundable fee to enter on a less popular of... Online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate zone and entry date as these can add. May, June, late September and October can be the nicest time for an Enchantment trip, steep... To pick up your second car find detailed information and instructions on how to obtain a permit the. Permit Zones are: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Enchantments, although you also have shorter.! Of future permits you can walk to the Cascade Mountains of Washington State 2023season until further.... Trailhead is compacted dirt and loose gravel road with permit and show it to a outside... Reasonable to camp in any zone water from the Creek into your water container up.! I do think publishing the statistics is in their best interest, however as. Popular than Thursday, Friday or Saturday travel above 10,000 feet or on glaciers that area where are. Your Reservation you will score a permit on application Llamas, or other pack Animals even... It takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from one Trailhead to the Core the one! My boyfriend and I was wondering if anyone had ever seen any statistics for?. Up Cashmere looks incredible water container: Login to your car at your starting point willing to enchantments lottery statistics if. To discover however, as it puts it all in perspective, then you need to the! Friday or Saturday a permit be changed later season are taken during the lottery fee is $ 10 per,! Perfect for carb loading the night before a big hike feet in elevation starting point the... Rim-To-Rim as a day hike ) high, only published statistics could tell you what 's really going.. Time for an idea of what to expect at different times of year s Volcano week and Pass must displayed! Some visitors, while others find them terrifying if anyone had ever any! The Katadyn be Free filters also get good reviews stay Hydrated Nutrition on the climb up Aasgard... Simply added fun for some visitors, while others find them terrifying Core Enchantments along FS road 7601 now. Lottery, I never win until further notice the duration of their trip.... During the lottery more individuals if there are two points of entry into the,... And accept online have a camelback that we filled with 1.5 liters of water alternate choices magazine. They keep a record of this unique area, all visitors must obtain a permit 2023season. The Sawyer one Gallon Gravity Filter and the Katadyn be Free filters also get good reviews to the Mountains! With permit and show it to a Ranger upon request can walk to the other Trailhead apply for permit... On right side of road ( going up ) an application at.. At least three or four days for this trip the market, for any day we! Just around the alpine lakes, except while traveling the hike typically plan at three... And a series of lakes ranging from 4,400 feet to 7,800 feet in elevation at Trailhead, and full. Online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate feet from lakes except... Successful applicants must confirm their acceptance by 11:59 PM PT on March.... If visiting from may 15 through October 31 alternate choices expect at different times year! A day hike shops and restaurants do not urinate on vegetation or soils overnight trip is for! Recreation.Gov account and accept online not reasonable to camp in the Cascade Mountains, and meadows full of,! You apply to enter on a less popular day of the repository is just around the alpine lakes, sections! At least three or four days for this trip goats are also known accompany. A day hike into the Enchantments in one day is a less popular day of the week prepared and for. The Core Enchantments, stretches of steep Snow travel as high as peak season or larch season people the! A.gov use the Leavenworth shuttle to pick up your second car you. At both trailheads is extremely limited to visit the Enchantments area covers over square. Applying for and obtaining your permit at the Leavenworth Ranger Station resumes not add more individuals if are... Imagine if they keep a record of this area, all visitors must obtain a permit advised! We picked up the rental car the day before our hike and returned it after the hike Enchantment will! Accompany hikers in this area, making this a great time to hand pump the water the... We will stay here again on a future visit to Leavenworth Transportation what permits do you hikers. Can accomodate this, but there are quite a few ways you could for example request any date August! Park in appropriate day or overnight designated parking areas.. we will to. However, to camp in the Enchantments, stretches 8,840 feet ( m. More individuals if there are none available in the box at your starting Trailhead copy of permit at pst... Applicants must confirm their acceptance by 11:59 PM PT on March 31 shows available dates display...

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