The Enchantment Permit Area lies within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. It is managed according to the Wilderness Management Plan and the 1964 Wilderness Act, to provide protection of fragile resources and preservation of wilderness character for generations to come.
The area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4,400 feet to 7,800 feet in elevation. Lower elevation trails and lakes are forested, while the upper lakes are within an alpine environment. Although the area is high use, trails are very primitive with steep, rocky sections. Travel is difficult in areas.
The weather can vary in the Cascade Mountains. May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season.
Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all visitors must obtain a permit if visiting from May 15 through October 31. Through the remainder of the year, permits are not required. During this time, visitors are requested to self-register at the trailhead registration box.
Day users need only fill out a free day-use permit, available at any of the three trailheads accessing the Enchantment Permit Area. A Northwest Forest Pass is required and visitors must park in the designated day use parking areas at the Stuart Lake Trailhead.
Demand for overnight permits far exceeds the number available, therefore advanced reservations are recommended. View historical lottery statistics (PDF).
Trips into the Enchantment Permit Area can range from overnight to multiple days. 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. Visitors typically plan at least three or four days for this trip. Steep and challenging terrain make travel with an overnight pack very strenuous.
The Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes free with an Enchantments permit must be on display on your vehicle’s dashboard. Park in appropriate day or overnight designated parking areas.
Alternate group leader must have a recreation.gov account and accept online. This person cannot be changed after the lottery application process.
Permit & Season Information
Between May 15 and October 31, a permit is required for overnight use in the Enchantments. Permits allow the permit holder and their group to camp overnight in one of the five zones:
- Core Enchantment Zone
- Snow Lake Zone
- Colchuck Lake Zone
- Stuart Lake Zone
- Eightmile/Caroline Zone
View a map of the permit zones.
Groups must camp together each night in the zone for which the permit is issued. Core Enchantment permit holders may camp in any zone. Day use is permitted across all zones.
There are two methods of obtaining an overnight permit:
1. Apply during the annual advanced permit lottery.
2. Make a reservation online throughout the season when available.
Find detailed information and instructions on how to obtain a permit.
**Visitors may only obtain ONE permit, per season.**
Important Dates
| Dates | Information |
|---|---|
| February 15, 2025 | Lottery opens at 7:00 a.m. PT |
| March 1, 2025 | Lottery closes at 11:59 p.m. PT |
| March 17, 2025 | Applicants are notified of results |
| March 17, 2025 - March 31, 2025 | Confirmation period |
| April 1, 2025 | Unclaimed permits will be returned to the reservation system at 7:00 a.m. PT |
| May 15, 2025 - October 31, 2025 | Permits are required for overnight camping |
Lottery Information
The Application period for the Enchantments lottery is February 15 through March 1, 2025. Notifications of lottery results are sent on March 17, 2025.
View lottery results: Login to your Recreation.gov account to view lottery results on/after March 17, 2025.
The lottery process requires two-steps:
- During the advanced lottery, the applicant must select an entry date, group size, permit zone and pay the $6 non-refundable application fee.
- After March 17, applicants must return to Recreation.gov and login to their account to view the results of the lottery. Successful applicants must accept/confirm their permit and provide an exit date and pay for their permit ($5 per person/per day) by March 31, 2025, 11:59 p.m. PT.
All unclaimed lottery awards will be returned to the advance reservation system April 1 around 7a.m. PT.
- Alternate group leader cannot be added or changed after the lottery application process. No exceptions.
Learn more about how to obtain a permit.
How Does the Quota Work for this Permit?
To enhance opportunities for solitude and protect the fragile environment from in the Enchantments, there is a l imited number of overnight groups that may enter a given zone each day. A group may consist of up to eight people, must camp in the Zone indicated on their permit for up to 14 days. The number of overnight groups/people that may enter each day is split by zone during permit season:
- *Core Enchantments Zone : 24 people per day (cannot increase group size after lottery)
- Colchuck Lake Zone: three groups per day
- Stuart Lake Zone: four groups per day
- Snow Lakes Zone: five groups per day
- Eightmile/Caroline Zone: three groups per day
