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Enchantment Permit Area

Wilderness Permit

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Overview

Zone-based overnight permit for the Enchantment Permit Area in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, Washington. Five zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and Eightmile/Caroline. Core Zone permits allow camping in any zone. Elevations 4,400--7,800 ft, rugged glaciated alpine terrain.

Bottom Line

The advanced lottery success rate is under 10% -- this is one of the hardest overnight permits in the country. 75% of permits are allocated through the February lottery, leaving very little for FCFS. Core Zone is by far the most competitive. After ~Apr 1, unclaimed lottery dates are released FCFS and go almost instantly. Cancellations return to the system immediately with no set schedule -- this is where alerts matter most. Shoulder season dates (mid-May, October) and non-Core zones (Stuart, Eightmile/Caroline) have meaningfully better odds. One permit per person per season, so there are no second chances.

Lottery and Reservations

Permit season May 15 - Oct 31. Primarily lottery-based:

  • Advanced lottery application: Feb 15 - Mar 1 (1 application per person, up to 2 alternate date/zone choices)
  • Results: ~Mar 15 (check recreation.gov -- no email notification)
  • Deadline to confirm/pay: shown in account; unclaimed permits released Apr 1 as FCFS
  • Cancellations return immediately throughout the season -- no fixed schedule

Daily lottery (in-season): small number of permits available day-before via recreation.gov app. Must be within 1 mile of the Leavenworth Ranger Station (geofenced).

Off-season (Nov 1 - May 14): no permit required, self-register at trailhead.

Zones and Quotas

  • Core Enchantment Zone: 24 people/day total (16 advanced lottery + 8 daily lottery). Allocated by person count, not group. Cannot increase group size after award.
  • Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, Eightmile/Caroline: allocated by group (not person). Group size can be increased up to 8 after award if 8+ days before entry.
  • Max group size: 8 (including stock)
  • One permit per person per season (holding or serving as alternate)

Fees and Rules

  • $6 non-refundable application fee (charged even if unsuccessful)
  • $5/person/day recreation fee
  • Cancel 22+ days out for refund of permit fee; no refund within 21 days
  • Must print, sign, and carry permit (phone-only not valid). Printable 14 days before trip.
  • No dogs. No campfires above 5,000 ft or within 1/2 mile of lakes. No drones.
  • Core Zone permit holders may camp in any zone. All others must stay in their permitted zone.

Availability