Enchantment Permit Area Advanced Lottery
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Near Leavenworth, Washington
Enchantment Permit Area Advanced Lottery does not offer reservations through Recreation.gov. Please take a look at the area details below for more information about visiting this location. Enjoy your visit!
Overview
There are two options to get an overnight Enchantment Area permit: 1. Enchantment Permit Area Advanced Lottery (offered annually in February); apply on this webpage. 2. Enchantment Permit Area Daily Lottery (open May – October); must be in the geofence area to apply 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.Weather in the Cascades can change rapidly and be extreme. There are no refunds for no shows or for adverse weather conditions . People hiking in May, June, September and October should be prepared to camp on snow and pack out human waste using a WAG bag. If you are unable to use your permit, please take the time to cancel your reservation through Recreation.gov or the reservation line (1-877-444-6777), even when a refund is not due, so that another group will have a chance to book a permit. If you do not show up for your trip, you cannot reserve a permit for a later date during the same season unless you cancel the permit. Cancellations and Changes: Confirmed and awarded trips may be cancelled up to 22 days before the trip with a refund. The $6 application fee is nonrefundable. There is no refund if the trip is cancelled within 21 days of the entry date. There are no refunds for unfavorable weather conditions . You can cancel or change your reservation online. Permits are non-transferable. Only permit holder or alternate group leader may use the permit. Cannot add or change alternate group leader after the initial lottery. Group size for the Core cannot be increased. Permit is based on people entering not groups. Once a permit reservation is made, no changes may be made to the permit zone or entry date. You may print your permit within 14 days of the trip start date. Once a permit is printed , changes can only be made at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. 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. Rules and regulations for the Enchantment Permit area are strictly enforced. Failure to comply with regulations may result in citations for all group members, termination of trip, and denial of future permits. Watch Enchantments Educational Video! Conditions of Use Person making the reservation is the permit holder. Permit holder must be 18 years or older. Permit must be printed, read and signed. Unsigned permits on cell phones are not valid. Permit holder must carry photo ID with permit and show it to a Ranger upon request. All group members must begin on reserved trip start date only and must camp with the permit holder, no exceptions. Maximum group size is eight, including stock. No dogs No campfires above 5,000 feet or within 1/2 mile of any lakes. Quota The Core Zone entry is by people, not group . For example each day up to 16 people are allowed entry in the advanced lottery and up to 8 people are allowed in the daily lottery. This can be any combination, up to a group size of eight, as long as the total number does not exceed 24 people in one day entering the Core Zone. 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 cannot add more at a later date. Colchuck, Stuart, Snow and Eightmile/Caroline Zones: More individuals can be added to a permit up to a maximum of 8. Allocation is by group not people. Alternate Group Leader Alternate group leader can only be identified during the lottery application process. An alternate may not apply for a permit or reserve a permit in the same season. A person may not both APPLY for a permit and be an alternate. Alternate group leaders cannot be added or changed after the permits are awarded. No exceptions. 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. Remember You can only print permits within 14 days of the trip start date. Once you print your permit, you can no longer make changes. Camp in previously impacted campsites, never on vegetation. 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. Pack out your toilet paper. Do not urinate on vegetation or soils. 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. The parking pass is only valid for dates listed on the permit. Make sure the pass is displayed clearly on dashboard to avoid a citation. You can purchase a Northwest Forest Pass at the trailhead, online, or at the Wenatchee River Ranger District Station in Leavenworth. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics. Risk and Responsibility The Enchantment Permit Area is a remote alpine environment with potential hazards and risks. Being prepared and knowing your skill level and ability and the skill level and abilities of all of your group members is imperative. Aasgard Pass is not advised for hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel. Use extreme caution when climbing or descending steep snow slopes, exposed and hidden creeks and waterfalls are present. In recent years, hikers have died after glissading and falling into a creek or hole in the snowpack. There are no refunds for unfavorable weather conditions . The Application period for the Enchantments lottery is February 15 through March 1, 2026. Notifications of lottery results are sent on March 17, 2026. View lottery results: Login to your Recreation.gov account to view lottery results on/after March 17, 2026. The lottery process requires two-steps: 1. The applicant must select an entry date, group size, permit zone and pay the $6 non-refundable application fee. 2. 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, 2026, 11:59 pm PT. All unclaimed lottery awards will be returned to the advance reservation system April 1 around 7am PT. An alternate group leader cannot be added/changed after the lottery application process. No exceptions. Learn more about how to obtain a permit.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 three methods of obtaining an overnight permit: 1. Apply during the annual advanced permit lottery. 2. Make a reservation online. 3. Use a location-enabled mobile device to apply to the Enchantment Permit Area Daily Lottery Find detailed information and instructions on how to obtain a permit. Visitors may only obtain ONE permit, per season.Lottery Application: $6.00 non-refundable fee (Note: reservation fee is non-refundable even if you are unsuccessful in the lottery.) Recreation Fee: Overnight Enchantment permits are $5.00 per person, per day, May 15th - October 31st. *The recreation fee finances on-the-ground administration and management of the Enchantment Permit Area. 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 , available online, at the ranger station, or at the trailhead. Parking is prohibited along the lefthand side FS Road 7601. All users must display a valid day or overnight parking pass and park in designated areas. Violators will be ticketed and towed at owner's expense. Select an entry date.To enhance opportunities for solitude and protect the fragile environment in the Enchantments, there is a limited number of overnight groups that may enter a given zone each day. A group may consist of up to eight people and 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 One permit from each zone is reserved for the daily lottery. *Core Zone: A total of 24 visitors are permitted to enter the Core zone per day. Sixteen visitor spaces are available through the advanced lottery, while the remaining eight spaces are available through the daily lottery. Group size cannot be increased after the 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. 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. Between May 15 – October 31, overnight users must obtain a permit through Recreation.gov or the Wenatchee River Ranger Station daily lottery. Permits are $5.00/person/day. Permits are non-transferable. You must enter the permit area only on the entry date shown on your permit or it is not valid . You may camp only in the zone indicated on your permit. Core Zone permit holders may camp in any zone. You must carry your signed permit and photo identification with you and present these upon request to a Ranger 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 exit and re-enter on a different date using the same permit. Your permit is not valid without photo ID or until it’s signed. Permits on cell phones are not valid and will not be accepted. Group Size: Eight people is the maximum group size allowed. You may not exceed the limit at any time while camping or travelling. 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 only camp in the permit zone listed on your permit, unless you have a Core Permit. Camp only in previously impacted sites. Do not camp on vegetation, move rocks, build walls, or disturb soils to improve a site. Loss of vegetation in this fragile environment can occur as a result of decisions from one thoughtless group over the course of one weekend. Maximum stay length is 14 days. Campfires: Fires are prohibited above 5,000 feet or within 1/2 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 throw WAG bags in toilets, pack them out. Do not urinate on vegetation or soils. Use gaps between boulders, crevices in rocks, large flat rocks, sandy bare areas or toilets provided. Bathe and wash dishes 200 feet from lakes and streams. Enchantments is a high use area. Treat all water by boiling, using purification tablets or filtering. Dogs and other Pets: Dogs, and all pets, are prohibited, except for Service Dogs as defined by Department of Justice regulations 28 C.F.R. Part 35.136. Dogs whose sole purpose is to provide therapy, comfort, emotional support or crime deterrent do not qualify as service dogs. 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. Never feed the wildlife. Pack and Saddle Stock: Certified weed free feed is required on all National Forest Lands. Groups with pack or saddle stock may not exceed a total of eight persons plus head of stock. 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 1/2 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. Pack out all trash and equipment. 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. Drones Drones are not allowed within Wilderness areas, which includes all of the Enchantment Permit area. Regulation Information: Regulations for the Enchantment Permit area are strictly enforced. Failure to comply with wilderness or permit regulations will result in citations for all group members, termination of trip and denial of future permits. Conditions of Use: I am the permit holder as the person making the reservation I am 18 years or older I have read the rules and regulations and will sign the permit I understand unsigned permits on cell phones are not valid I understand individuals cannot be added to Core permits after the lottery I will carry photo ID and provide it to a Ranger when asked I understand all group members must begin the trip on the reserved date and must camp with the permit holder I understand the maximum group size is 8 I understand dogs are prohibited I understand there are no campfires above 5,000 feet or within ½ mile of any lake Cancellations: Awarded trips may be cancelled up to 22 days before the trip with a refund of the permit fee excluding the $6 application fee. There is no refund of the permit fee if the trip is cancelled within 21 days of the trip start date. There are no refunds for unfavorable weather conditions . If you are unable to use your permit, cancel your reservation online at Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Risk and Responsibility: The Enchantment Permit Area is a remote alpine environment with potential hazards and risks. Being prepared and knowing your skill level and ability and the skill level and abilities of all of your group members is imperative. Aasgard Pass is not advised for hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel. Use extreme caution when climbing or descending steep snow slopes, exposed and hidden creeks and waterfalls are present. In recent years, hikers have died after glissading and falling into a creek or hole in the snowpack. Learn the rules and regulations before your trip.General Information This letter is confirmation of your Enchantment reservation; it is not a permit. Rules and regulations for the Enchantment Permit area are strictly enforced. Remember Permits are non-transferable. Permit only valid for the exact dates and specific permit zone on the permit. Party leader must carry photo ID with permit and show it to a Ranger upon request. All group members must begin on the reserved trip start date only and camp with the permit holder. Permit is not valid if trip is started on date other than what is indicated on permit. Must display parking pass in dashboard. No dogs permitted. No campfires above 5,000 feet or within 1/2 mile of any lakes. Use toilets where provided. Printing Your Permit You may print your permit within 14 days prior to the trip start date. Cancellation Policy Permits may be cancelled with a refund of the recreation fee but not the $6 reservation fee up to 22 days before the trip. There is no refund of the recreation fee if the trip is cancelled within 21 days of the trip start date. Change Policy Cannot add individuals to a Core Zone permit No changes may be made to the zone or entry date. Once a permit is printed, no changes can be made to the permit. Eight days or more prior to the entry date, days may be added to the trip by changing the exit date at the rate of $5/person/day. Maximum number of days that can be reserved is 14. Eight days or more prior to the entry date, group size may be increased, up to the limit of eight total persons per group, at the rate of $5/person/day. No changes will be allowed within seven days of the trip's start date. View detailed information about the Enchantments. Each member of a group entering the Enchantment Permit Area is responsible for understanding and following all the terms and conditions of their permit. Violation of any terms of the permit or violation of any other Forest Service regulations may result in a citation, invalidate a permit and termination of the trip.The Wenatchee River Ranger Station is located on US Highway 2 in Leavenworth, Washington. 600 Sherbourne Leavenworth, WA 98826 Limited Hours.Enchantment Permit Area Rules and Regulations To protect fragile ecosystems and reduce environmental impacts please follow the rules and regulations listed below. Violation of permit terms or other Forest Service regulations may invalidate an issued permit, requiring a group to terminate their visit. Violations could incur penalties of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. 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 Zone permit, 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 tread lightly in the Enchantments.
