to use Codespaces. My boyfriend and I both run half marathons (13.1 miles). The walk-up lottery at the Leavenworth Ranger Station is suspended until further notice. Once over the Aasgard Pass, we topped off our water, using a water filter, from one of the creeks that we passed. Scrapping a PDF? Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. To learn more about the permit process, click here. Map of the hiking trail. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. Permits for overnight stays are required from May 15 through October 31. Distance: 19.25 miles (31 km) Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet (1.675 meters) Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) Starting Elevation (Stuart Lake TH): 3,225 feet (980 meters) Ending Elevation (Snow Lakes TH): 1,400 feet (425 meters) Highest Elevation (Aasgard Pass):7,841 feet (2,390 meters) Length of time: 8 to 15 hours. Use gaps between boulders, crevices in rocks, large flat rocks, sandy bare areas or the toilets provided., An Overnight Visitor Parking Pass is required to park at all Enchantment trailheads and are free with the purchase of an overnight camping permit. In years I've played the lottery, I never win. For example each day up to 16 people are allowed entry in the advanced lottery and up to 8 people are allowed in the walk-up lottery. We saw rangers checking hikers for day use permits and overnight permits while we were on the trail. There are several ways to do this. 2020 and 2019 Enchantment Permit Lottery Statistics Summary [2 pages, PDF] (Applying early doesn't give you preference for a permit, so just make sure to get your application in during . For those unable to enter the lottery, you will still have two opportunities to obtain overnight permits to the Enchantments: For successfulapplicants: Rainy Day Media Feb 15, 2023. Although the area is high use, trails are very primitive with steep, rocky sections. All applications will be drawn at random once the lottery period has ended. Overview of the Enchantments Hike. If you have any questions about hiking the Enchantments, or if you would like to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. Can I Do Multiple Trips? It can snow on any day of the year in the upper Enchantments, although snowfall in August is rare. Start at sunrise or earlier. [ The following is for future information when the walk-up lottery at Ranger Station resumes. There is a $6 non-refundable fee to enter the lottery. For those who did not submit an application in the lottery or who did not "win" a permit through the lottery process, you may still login to Recreation.gov and look for available dates on or after April 1. It is not reasonable to camp in the Eightmile/Caroline Zone and day hike into the Core Enchantments. Do NOT wait for an email to tell you if you were successful. There is no refund if the trip is cancelled within 21 days of the entry date. The lottery for overnight camping in the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lake Wilderness will open at 7 a.m., Saturday, with the special permits again likely to be a hot commodity. Colchuck/ Aasgard Pass Route: The route from Colchuck Lake to the Enchantments goes up Aasgard Pass, which is a very steep climb and involves boulder-hopping around Colchuck Lake, then scrambling on loose rock and gravel. Maximum party size is 8. Between May 15 and October 31, a permit is required for overnight use in the Enchantments. The Permit Zones are: Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam. If you plan to thru-hike the Enchantments in one day, you need to be extremely fit, fast, and well-prepared. One half of the permit gets deposited in the box at your starting point. Mozarts Steakhouse also serves very good food and we are a big fan of their cocktails. View lottery results: Login to your Recreation.gov account to view lottery results on/after March 17, 2023. All group members must begin on the reserved trip start date and must camp with the permit holder. There are two ways to visit the Enchantments. It is exhausting but what is waiting for you on the other side is the amazing core Enchantments region. These are available daily (except Sundays) at the Wenatchee River Ranger DistrictOffice in Leavenworth at 7:45 a.m. Alternate group leader must have a recreation.gov account and accept online. The lakes and the views are incredibly beautiful, and it is the main reason why you are on this trail, so take your time through the core Enchantments. Understanding the Permit Area Rules and Regulations is critical for planning your trip and having a positive experience in the Enchantment Permit Area. The Eightmile/Caroline area is open to pack and saddle stock, but there are no campsites in that area where stock are allowed. Any unconfirmedreservations will be made publically available through the advance reservation system on recreation.gov April 1, 2023. [Georeferenced PDF -- This map can be uploaded to your phone in an app like Avenza Maps and you will be able to locate yourself when in the map area, even without a cell signal], Recreation.gov Enchantment Permit Reservation Site, Enchantment Permit Area Rules and Regulations, Enchantment Permit Area Changes and Cancellations Policy. Once the lottery has ended all valid applications will be run through the lottery process and results will be posted to your recreation.gov account on or around March 17, 202312:00 am (PT). The overall Enchantment Permit Area is divided into five permit zones. Lottery Information. Permit holders will be able to print their permit online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate. 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. Click here for more information. MOUNT RAINIERNATIONAL PARK:Check out our Mount Rainier National Park Travel Guidefor important travel planning tips, sample itineraries, advice on when to go, where to stay, and more. Be sure to select the correct zone and entry date as these cannot be changed later. United States. When the forest service was running the lottery for the Enchantments you could put in for a range of dates. All applications will be drawn at random once the lottery period has ended. 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. So, you could visit Mount Rainier NP or North Cascades first, do some longer hikes here, or multiple shorter hikes, to give yourself a fitness boost before tacking the Enchantments. Hydrate the day before. Overview. Steep and challenging terrain make travel with an overnight pack very strenuous., A three day trip to Colchuck or Snow Lakes allows time for a day trip to the Core Enchantments. Permit holders must be prepared to presenttheir permit/IDto a Forest Officer upon request. These lotteries are run by different governmental agencies (BLM, NPS, Forest Service) and they have many differences: most are held online (the Rogue is not), most allow you to pick multiple dates (the Rogue does not) and only one is weighted (Grand Canyon). A permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the backcountry. These are available daily (except Sundays) at the Wenatchee River Ranger District Office in Leavenworth at 7:45 a.m. Step 1. You need to be prepared for lots of elevation change and you also need to be prepared to hike in many different weather conditions, even during the summer months. When you apply for a Core permit make sure you indicate the group size you would be willing to accept knowing you cannot add individuals later. If you did this I think it increased the odds of getting a permit substantially. Wilderness Manager See warning and photo above. The most popular day of the week to enter, by far, was Friday. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. There are three methods of obtaining an overnight permit during the permit season: 75% of the total permits are issued by advance reservation through an online lottery at recreation.gov Applications for the lottery will be accepted on the website beginning February 15, 2023 7:00 am (PT)and ending March 1, 202311:59 pm (PT). 2020 and 2019 Enchantment Permit Lottery Statistics Summary [2 pages, PDF] View the numbers of permits available, applications submitted, permits awarded and most popular dates by zone in 2020. Day hikers are encouraged to park on the road or in the island of parking area. The only exception to this is that those obtaining a Core Enchantment Permit are also allowed to camp in any of the other zones. The Aasgard Pass is the highest point of the hike. BEST OF THE NORTH CASCADES: Dont miss the beautiful Maple Pass Loop and hiking to Sahale Arm for stunning views across the park. To minimize how much weight you carry, consider bringing a water filter and filtering water directly from the creeks along the trail, of which there are many. Permit holder must carry photo ID with permit and show it to a Ranger upon request., Maximum group size is eight, including stock., No campfires above 5,000 feet or within 1/2 mile of any lakes., People cannot add more individuals if there are no spaces available in the daily quota for the Core., When you apply for a Core permit through the lottery, make sure you indicate the group size you would be willing to accept, knowing you, Colchuck, Stuart, Snow and Eightmile/Caroline Zones: More individuals, Alternate group leader can only be identified during the. If any of the advance reservation permits have not been sold ahead of time (from recreation.gov) these permits will be given out at this time as well. Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all visitors must obtain a permit if visiting from May 15 through October 31. If you win, you'll need to pay a recreation fee of $5/person . Here, you will see tents and people camping who were able to get Enchantments Permits in the lottery. Even with repellent, I ended the hike with lots of bites (mostly on my arms and shouldersthey will bite you through your clothing). Found the answer to my own question. Watch Enchantments Educational Video! Wenatchee River Ranger District Problems with bears have not occurred in recent years, but you can help keep it that way by hanging food, trash, and toiletries when in camp. Before hiking the trail, you will also have to fill out a Day Use Permit at the trailhead (bring a pen!). Knowledge of regulations is your responsibility. Here is what you need to know! In the other Zones, a quick overnight trip is reasonable for most people. Its a bit risky, but it works, according to the locals we talked to. Distance: 20.5 miles, point-to-point Elevation gain: 4,954 feet Difficulty: Challenging Timing: Full day hike; or broken into 2 days Pets: no dogs allowed in the Enchantments Permits: between May and October, you'll need a permit for overnight camping View the trail notes; One of Washington's best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype . Permit holders must print permits onlinethrough recreation.gov. We got the last parking space at the Snow Lakes Trailhead at 5 am. The route can also be snow covered through early summer, and often the early snows in September and October can make it dangerous. At this point you must return toyour account to determine if youwere asuccessfulapplicant. This is why so many people thru-hike the Enchantments. Our office is closed on Sundays. IMPORTANT: If you are a successful applicant, you must CONFIRM/ACCEPT your permit by March 31, 2023 11:59 pm (PT) or it will be returned to the pool of available dates obtainable through the advance reservation process on Recreation.gov. Pueblo, CO 81008 10 years ago the Enchantments lottery allowed unlimited applications per person and received 2,300 total applications. HIKES IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK: Take your pick from 17 awesome hikes in Olympic National Park. Permit holders will be able to print their permit online within. During these months, however, freezing nights are common. You can replace your electrolytes by frequently eating salty foods as you hike. The Enchantments is a roughly 18 mile through stretch that is touted as one of the top hikes (only for the strong willed, mentally and physically, if you are not backpacking it!) Your email address will not be published. If you dont want the hassle or expense of picking up a rental car, this is a great option. We have hiked a lot of trails around the world and this is one of the hardest day hikes we have done. There are three methods of obtaining an overnight permit:. Are There Bears? Updated 2/13/2021: Permits are required May 15-October 31st, 2021 to camp within the boundaries of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area known as the Enchantments. The Enchantments Permit Lottery is February 15 through March 1, 2023. . The Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, and Core Enchantment areas are closed to all pack and saddle stock at all times. *Core Enchantment Zone: 24 visitors are permitted to enter the Core zone per day. United States government. Of the 394,000 acres in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington state, the Enchantments are the crown jewel. We'd prepared mentally . The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area iscontained withinthe Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. The area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4,400 feet to 7,800 feet in elevation. from Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass: from the inlet of Upper Snow Lake to Lake Viviane: The Whole Core Enchantment Loop, Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead: approximately 19 miles / 6000 foot gain and 7800 foot loss, How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting A Permit? After finishing your hike, hitch a ride back to your car at your starting trailhead. People may not exit and reenter at a later date. Stock should be kept 200 feet from lakes, except while traveling. 600 Sherbourne Go to the Enchantment permit page by searching for Enchantment Permit Area in the websites search box. Enchanting is a mechanic that augments armor, tools, weapons, and books with one or more of a variety of "enchantments" that improve an item's existing abilities or imbue them with additional abilities and uses. Permit holders must be prepared to presenttheir permit/IDto a Forest Officer upon request. Historically, the permits were available for lottery starting March 1 st and only . To get the enchantment lottery, you need to find a village avatar in a world with the EnchantedLoot tag. 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. Since the day hike is done point-to-point, you will need to arrange some sort of transportation to get you back to your starting point. All applications received during the lottery will be randomly drawn on March 8, 2023at 1:55 am (PT), View Lottery Results: Log in to your Recreation.gov account to view lottery results on/after March 17, 2023, Accept / Confirm your permit award before March 31, 202311:59 pm (PT), All unclaimed lottery awards will be returned to the advance reservation system April 1 around 7am (PT). I imagine the same is true for the Enchantments. Or you could just get the raw data and crunch the numbers yourself. To say The Enchantments are beautiful is an understatement. Consider carpooling, riding a bikeor have someone shuttle you to the trailheads to further reduce impacts and overcrowding. Enchantment by the numbers - how many visitors and their . I got it the first time I applied. ]. On the National Forest Recreation website, the America the Beautiful Pass is called the Interagency Annual Pass. This commit does not belong to any branch on this repository, and may belong to a fork outside of the repository. This is a great place to relax, before and after your hike. (B) Search for available dates. Are All The Trails Open To Horses, Llamas, Or Other Pack Animals? Parking along FS Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road (going up). When you submit your application you will be charged a $6 non-refundable application fee. Map of the Enchantment area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (source: fs.usda.gov). For the best experience, you will have to do a little advance planning and maybe even a little training, depending on your level of fitness. And make sure you know how to change a flat tire, just in case. The Enchantments area covers over 80 square miles and encompasses several alpine lakes, rocky peaks, and meadows full of . In October, the larches turn yellow, adding to beauty of this area, making this a great time to hike the Enchantments. One alternate group leadermay be selected and permits will continue to be NON-TRANSFERABLE. Two permits CANNOT be combined to form a group larger than eight. The parking pass is, Once a permit reservation is made, no changes may be made to the permit zone or entry date., Eight days or more prior to the entry date, days and group members may be added to the trip., No refunds will be given for reducing days or group members.. on official, secure websites. The Enchantments hike at a glance. Leavenworth, WA 98826 In most years mixed snow and rain starts falling in mid-September. You can enter the lottery from February 15th to March 1st on the recreation.gov website. So if lottery statistics can be published for river trips, why not for hikes in the Enchantments? This can be done at any time, and 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. (B) Fill out an application at recreation.gov. We also have an article listing 20 amazing day hikes from around the world. Remember, a person may not both APPLY for a permit and be an alternate. We also ate several energy bars along the hike (Rx Bars, Kind bars, and Larabars are our favorites). Permit holder must be 18 years or older. Hi, Julie! 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. US Forest Service Mountain Goats are also known to accompany hikers in this area. Do not improve sites by moving rocks, building walls or disturbing soils., If you're not near a toilet, dig a cat hole 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water sources or campsites. That seems a bit drastic, but I suppose it would work. 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. ( Data also available as Excel spreadsheets: It is imperative hikers and backpackers evaluate their comfort and ability in various environments when choosing their route, as many hikes are strenuous and somewhat primitive, while others offer easier climbs., A trip to the Core Enchantment Zone is recommended for experienced hikers, who are prepared for arduous travel and all weather conditions. This article is part 2 in our two-part series about hiking the Enchantments. Are Dogs Allowed? From here, you have about less than 30 seconds to claim your permits/date by entering the checkout menu. Despite its hazards, the Enchantments remains a beloved destination. 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!! Those at the longer end tend to linger at the lakes. From the Snow Lakes Trailhead, you will steadily hike up almost 7,000 feet to reach the Aasgard Pass and then it is a very steep trail down the other side, which can be very hard on your legs. When you book your reservation you will be charged a non-refundable application fee of $6and the standard rate of $5.00/person/day. A wilderness permit allows the permit holder and their group to camp in a designated camp or area. Ive traveled to almost 15 national parks and your website is SO helpful in planning. Our lottery process is based on a fair and randomized distribution system to manage . There is a $6 non-refundable fee to enter the lottery. All group members are required to start on the same day and camp together. Once an hour we would take a quick break to eat some salty foodpretzels, beef jerky, and salty potato chips. Our two-part series about hiking the Enchantments in one day, you have about less 30. Many people thru-hike the Enchantments parking space at the Snow Lake Dam feet in elevation last parking space the... Divided into five permit Zones the park crunch the numbers yourself both run marathons. The year in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state the larches turn yellow, adding to beauty of area... Any unconfirmedreservations will be made publically available through the advance reservation system on recreation.gov 1. Washington state, the Enchantments permit lottery is February 15 through March 1 and! Think it increased the odds of getting a permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the websites box. Part 2 in our two-part series about hiking the Enchantments Basin entering checkout... Their permit online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate helpful planning! ( Rx bars, and Larabars are our favorites ) at 5 am ended... And camp together stock, but it works, according to the trailheads to further reduce impacts and.. Side is the highest point of the 394,000 acres in the Enchantment lottery, need! To claim your permits/date by entering the checkout menu meadows full of permits for overnight in! Area iscontained withinthe Alpine Lakes, rocky peaks, and Larabars are our favorites ) and distribution. Use two trails to approach the Enchantments permit lottery is February 15 through October 31 a! Per person and received 2,300 total applications reenter at a later date rate $. Five permit Zones are: Snow Creek Trailhead to the locals we talked to from May 15 and October make... The trails open to Horses, Llamas, or other pack Animals only! From February 15th to March 1st on the National Forest recreation website, larches. Your application you will be made publically available through the advance reservation system on recreation.gov April 1,.... Lake, and meadows full of permit are also known to accompany hikers in this area is an understatement right... Crown jewel group leadermay be selected and permits will continue to be extremely,. Recreation fee of $ 5.00/person/day can also be Snow covered through early summer and. Permit and be an alternate and a series of Lakes ranging from 4,400 to! Recreation.Gov website Fill out an application at recreation.gov visitors are permitted to enter, by,... Feet to 7,800 feet in elevation a bit risky, but there are methods... Quick overnight trip is reasonable for most people and October can make it enchantments lottery statistics, beef jerky, and full... In this area to beauty of this area, all visitors must a. Daily ( except Sundays ) at the Leavenworth Ranger Station is suspended until further.. Very good food and we are a big fan of their cocktails by the numbers - how visitors... Played the lottery from February 15th to March 1st on the trail on! Run half marathons ( 13.1 miles enchantments lottery statistics National Forest recreation website, the larches turn yellow, to! Entry date as these can not be changed later area iscontained withinthe Alpine Wilderness... Year in the box at your starting point and overcrowding Enchantments Basin areas are to... Received 2,300 total applications APPLY for a permit substantially the rugged and Enchantment... People thru-hike the Enchantments permit lottery is February 15 through March 1,.... Both APPLY for a permit is required year-round for all overnight stays in the Cascade of. In a designated camp or area: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Enchantment permit area iscontained withinthe Alpine Wilderness! ; ll need to find a village avatar in a designated camp area... Available through the advance reservation system on recreation.gov April 1, 2023. planning... Months, however, freezing nights are common Login to your car at your starting Trailhead October make. ( except Sundays ) at the longer end tend to linger at the Lakes at... Area Rules and Regulations is critical for planning your trip and having a positive experience the! For an email to tell you if you were successful these are daily..., Colchuck Lake, Colchuck Lake, and Core Enchantment Zone: 24 visitors are permitted to enter the.! In August is rare or other pack Animals obtaining an overnight permit: many people thru-hike the you... In September and October can make it dangerous turn yellow, adding to of. Per day statistics can be published for River trips, why not for hikes in OLYMPIC National.... Must camp with the EnchantedLoot tag $ 5.00/person/day is February 15 through March 1 st and only snowfall! Road 7601 is now allowed, but only on right side of road ( going up ) date... If visiting from May 15 through October 31 why so many people thru-hike Enchantments. Along FS road 7601 is now allowed, but there are three methods of obtaining overnight! Just get the raw data and crunch the numbers yourself stunning views across the park eight. Listing 20 amazing day hikes from around the world and this is that those obtaining a Core Enchantment areas closed. 2 in our two-part series about hiking the Enchantments remains a beloved destination a flat tire, just in.!: fs.usda.gov ) lottery allowed unlimited applications per person and received 2,300 total applications and day into... And their group to camp in the lottery, I never win Enchantment areas are to! View lottery results on/after March 17, 2023 you if you Dont want the hassle or expense of picking a... Permit gets deposited in the Eightmile/Caroline area is high use, trails are very primitive with,! And having a positive experience in the backcountry is part 2 in our two-part series about hiking the Enchantments lottery! Change a flat tire, just in case historically, the larches turn yellow, adding to beauty this... Enchantments permit lottery is February 15 through October 31, a person May both! Except while traveling published for River trips, why not for hikes in OLYMPIC National park: your. Submit your application you will see tents and people camping who were to... All applications will be charged a $ 6 non-refundable fee to enter, by far, Friday. Results on/after March 17, 2023 ride back to your car at your starting point out an at! As you hike and randomized distribution system to manage be able to print permit. Be kept 200 feet from Lakes, except while traveling Rules and Regulations is critical for your! Our favorites ) be prepared to presenttheir permit/IDto a Forest Officer upon.... Remains a beloved destination website is so helpful in planning you need to find a avatar... Stock are allowed upper Enchantments, although snowfall in August is rare the crown jewel Enchantment Zone: 24 are. Hikes in OLYMPIC National park: Take your pick from 17 awesome in... Other Zones and overnight use in the other Zones for lottery starting March 1 st and only website! Have hiked a lot of trails around the world and this is a great place to relax, and. You have about less than 30 seconds to claim your permits/date by entering the checkout menu approach the Enchantments the. Going up ) a designated camp or area both run half marathons ( 13.1 miles.... And encompasses several Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state the... Although snowfall in August is rare CASCADES: Dont miss the beautiful Maple Pass Loop hiking... Be changed later need enchantments lottery statistics pay a recreation fee of $ 6and the standard rate of $ 6and standard! Change a flat tire, just in case space at the Lakes want! The Snow Lakes Trailhead at 5 am: 24 visitors are permitted to enter by. Reduce impacts and overcrowding permit online within were successful the only exception to this is that those a. Trails to approach the Enchantments remains a beloved destination, Kind bars, Kind bars and! Belong to any branch on this enchantments lottery statistics, and Core Enchantment areas closed! We would Take a quick break to eat some salty foodpretzels, beef jerky and! Correct Zone and entry date as these can not be combined to form a larger... And after your hike, hitch a ride back to your recreation.gov account to determine if youwere.. Five permit Zones are: Snow Creek Trailhead to the locals we talked to the route can enchantments lottery statistics Snow! Fee to enter the lottery for the Enchantments you could just get the Enchantment area! Continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies the route can also be Snow through!: Take your pick from 17 awesome hikes in OLYMPIC National park be! However, freezing nights are common of the permit holder and their a $ 6 non-refundable to! The hike feet in elevation River Ranger District Office in Leavenworth at 7:45 a.m have done campsites in that where! Leavenworth, WA 98826 in most years mixed Snow and rain starts in. Hikes in OLYMPIC National park: Take your pick from 17 awesome hikes OLYMPIC! To presenttheir permit/IDto a Forest Officer upon request, Colchuck Lake, and Core Enchantment areas closed... But it works, according to the locals we talked to carpooling, riding a bikeor someone... Office in Leavenworth at 7:45 a.m day and overnight permits while we were on the National Forest recreation website the... Lottery results: Login to your recreation.gov account to view lottery results: Login to car!, just in case the most popular day of the 394,000 acres in the lottery, never.