I keep seeing people post about the 'Enchantments' in Washington without mentioning the permit system

Just saw another trip report from someone who 'just showed up' at the trailhead for the core zone. They got lucky with a walk-up, but that's not the norm. The Forest Service website clearly states you need a permit from June 15th to October 15th, and the lottery fills up months ahead. Telling people to wing it sets them up for a huge letdown or a hefty fine. How do you all plan for these high-demand routes?

3 comments

3 Comments

grantw328d ago

Yeah, that three year wait is rough. What gets me is the people who don't even know about the permit system until they're turned around at the trailhead, that's a brutal way to find out.

jana_hart187d ago

Lotteries are fine but @ninas67 is right, you always need a solid backup plan ready to go.

ninas678d ago

My buddy and I put in for the Enchantments lottery three years straight before we got a spot. We had backup plans for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness outside the core zone every single time. The walk-up system is a total gamble, I wouldn't drive more than a couple hours hoping for that. Honestly, applying for the lottery in February and just expecting to not get it is the only sane way to go. You gotta have a plan B trail you're just as excited to hike.