Enchantment Permit Area Advanced Lottery

Enchantment Permit Area Rules and Regulations 

To protect fragile ecosystems and reduce environmental impacts please follow the rules and regulations listed below including enforceable Forest Service regulations with maximum penalties of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. Violation of permit terms or other Forest Service regulations may also invalidate an issued permit, requiring a group to terminate their visit. Thank you for helping to keep the Enchantment Permit Area wild.  

Remember

  • Alternate group leader must have a recreation.gov account and accept online within 72 hours. This person cannot be changed after the lottery application process. No exceptions. 
  • The Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes free with an Enchantments permit must be displayed on your vehicle dashboard. Two are included with the purchase of the permit.
  • The Core Zone entry is by people not group. 
  • 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 at a later date.

Wilderness Permits 

  • A valid permit is required for both day and overnight use in the Enchantment Permit Area. 
  • Day users can obtain a free, self-issued permit at the trailhead. 
  • You must enter the permit area only on the entry date shown on your permit or it is not valid. 
  • You must carry your signed permit and photo identification with you and present these upon request to any Forest Officer or other law enforcement officer throughout the duration of your trip. We recommend each group member carries a copy of the permit. 
  • You may not leave and re-enter on a different date using the same permit. 
  • Your permit is not valid until signed. Permits on cell phones are not valid and will not be accepted. 
  • Drones and other motorized or mechanized equipment are prohibited.  

Group Size 

  • Eight people is the maximum group size allowed at any time.
  • Two (or more) groups on separate permits may not travel and/or camp together if the total number exceeds eight.  

Camping 

  • All members of a permit group must camp together with the permit holder. No exceptions. 
  • You may camp only in the zone indicated on your permit. Core Zone permit holders may camp in any zone.  
  • Camp in previously impacted sites. Do not camp on vegetation, move rocks, build walls or disturb soils to improve a site.  

Campfires 

  • Fires are prohibited above 5,000 feet or within a half mile of any lake, which is the majority of the Enchantments Permit Area. 
  • BioLite® or other wood burning stoves are not allowed.  

Toilets & Water Quality 

  • Use toilets where provided. Do not put trash into toilets; use them for their intended purpose only. 
  • 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. 
  • Wag Bags are encouraged during shoulder seasons when toilets are under snow. 
  • Do not urinate on vegetation or soils. Use gaps between boulders, crevices in rocks, large flat rocks, sandy bare areas, or the toilets provided. 

Dogs and other Pets 

  • Dogs and pets are prohibited. 

Goats and other Wildlife 

  • Although mountain goats in the Enchantments appear to be habituated, they are still wild animals. Do not approach them, feed them, pet them or pose for a selfie with them. 
  • Do not urinate on vegetation or within campsite areas. The goats are attracted to salt in urine and habituation may lead to abnormal and aggressive behaviors. 
  • Clap your hands or throw small rocks at goats if you feel they pose a threat to you.  

Pack and Saddle Stock 

  • Certified weed free feed is required on all National Forest Lands.
  • Stock are prohibited on the Snow Lake and Colchuck Lake Trails, and are only allowed on the Stuart Lake Trail in the fall from the first Saturday after Labor Day until the end of that year. 
  • Stock may not be grazed, tied, hitched, hobbled or held within 200' of any lake or pond. 
  • Camping with stock in the permit area is allowed only at suitable sites more than 200' from water. No camping with stock is allowed within a half mile of the Eightmile Lakes.  

Food and Fish Remains 

  • Hang food, toiletries and other attractive items when in camp, and keep food and camp waste where bears, mice and other animals cannot reach. 
  • Do not feed wildlife or leave food waste for them to find. 
  • Dispose of fish remains well away from campsites, trails and shorelines.  

Storing or Caching Supplies 

  • It is illegal to leave camp gear or any other supplies or materials unattended for more than 48 hours. 
  • Geocaching is prohibited in all designated wilderness areas.  

Fishing, Firearms & Fireworks 

  • State fish and game laws apply. 
  • Discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards of a campsite, or occupied area, or in any manner or location that places people or property at risk of injury. 
  • Fireworks of any kind are illegal.  

Watch this Leave No Trace video to help you tred li ghtly in the Enchantments