Lottery10/10
Enchantments Thru
18-mile point-to-point traverse through the Enchantments, from Snow Lakes to Stu...
View Enchantments Through-Hike Permit permit details and availability
LotteryOvernightVery High Demand
Enchantments Core Zone Permit
Overnight permits for the legendary Core Zone—one of America's most spectacular alpine destinations and most competitive permit lotteries.
“Camp among the spires and alpine lakes of Washington's most legendary wilderness—where granite towers rise above turquoise waters in a landscape of pure magic.”
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Core Zone Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelExtremely High10/10
SeasonJune - October
Cost$5/person/night
Daily Quota150 permits
Lottery Odds3-5%
Max Group Size8 people
Key Information
Key Dates
Lottery OpensFebruary 15
Lottery ClosesMarch 2
SeasonJune - October
Permit Details
TypeOvernight
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level10/10
LocationUSFS
Pro Tips
- •Apply for all zones
- •Colchuck Zone is easier
- •Day hiking is permit-free
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
18 miles
Elevation Gain
4,500 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
2-4 days
Difficulty
StrenuousElevation Range
3,200 - 7,800 ft
Highlights
- •High alpine terrain with jagged granite peaks and turquoise lakes
- •The notorious Aasgard Pass—2,200 feet of gain in one mile with no maintained trail
- •Variable weather including afternoon thunderstorms and snow at elevation
- •Mountain goats are common and can be aggressive around camps
- •No facilities or services within the permit area
- •October brings spectacular golden larch color
Best Time to Visit
Late July through September for snow-free conditions. Late September through early October offers golden larch season but shorter days and potential early snow. August has the most reliable weather.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Aasgard Pass—steep, loose rock with no maintained trail; requires scrambling skills
- !Afternoon thunderstorms—exposed alpine terrain; no shelter
- !Snow—Aasgard can hold snow into August; ice axe may be needed
- !Mountain goats—can be aggressive around camps; do not approach or feed
- !Hypothermia—cold nights and sudden weather changes at elevation
How to Get This Permit
1
Create a Recreation.gov account
Sign up at recreation.gov if you don't have an account. Verify your email and add payment info ahead of time.
2
Apply during the lottery window
Submit your application between February 15 and March 2. Apply for multiple dates to increase your odds.
3
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
4
Set up PermitSnag alerts
Get instant notifications when cancellations happen. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
When to Go
Peak: AugustShoulder: Late September for larch color
Conditions
Warmest and driest season. Snow-free at most elevations by late July.
Crowd Level
HighAdvantages
- +Best weather
- +Snow-free travel
- +Long days
Challenges
- !Bugs in early season
- !Crowded popular trails
- !Permit demand peaks
Difficulty Assessment
Physical Demand5/5
Fitness and endurance required
Technical Skill3/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk3/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation2/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment4/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced backpackers comfortable with Class 3 scrambling and high-alpine conditions.
Recommended Experience
Should have scrambling experience and prior backpacking trips at elevation. Ability to navigate off-trail terrain essential for Aasgard Pass.
Not Recommended For
First-time backpackers or those uncomfortable with steep, loose rock travel.
About This Permit
The Enchantments is a high alpine area within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington State's Cascade Range. The area encompasses roughly 30 square miles of alpine lakes, granite peaks, and pristine wilderness at elevations between 4,400 and 7,800 feet.
Due to the area's extreme popularity and fragile ecosystem, overnight camping is strictly regulated through a lottery permit system. The lottery is one of the most competitive in the country, with success rates typically between 3-5% for the Core Zone.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Enchantments is widely considered the crown jewel of Washington hiking and one of the most beautiful alpine areas in North America. The name says it all—the landscape of jagged granite peaks, impossibly blue alpine lakes, and golden larches in autumn has an almost supernatural beauty. The difficulty of obtaining permits only adds to the mystique.
The Route
From Stuart Lake Trailhead, the classic traverse climbs through forest along the Stuart Lake Trail before reaching the junction to Colchuck Lake—an emerald gem beneath the walls of Dragontail Peak.
Then comes Aasgard Pass: 2,200 feet of relentless, ankle-twisting scree and rock scrambling compressed into a single brutal mile. At the top, you enter the Upper Enchantments—a high alpine wonderland of permanent snowfields and sparse vegetation.
The trail descends through a progression of lakes: Tranquil and Isolation at the highest reaches, then Inspiration and Perfection near the iconic Prusik Peak, and finally Leprechaun and Lake Viviane before the long descent past the Snow Lakes to the Snow Lake Trailhead.
The Feeling
Cresting Aasgard Pass after the brutal 2,200-foot climb, you enter a different world. The alpine basin spreads before you—a necklace of turquoise lakes strung beneath granite spires that look like they were designed by architects from another dimension. Prusik Peak rises in perfect symmetry. Mountain goats pick their way across impossible slopes. And you realize why people enter the lottery year after year after year, hoping for this moment.
Trailhead Information
Stuart Lake Trailhead
3,400 ft elevationMost popular starting point for the Core Zone traverse. Access to Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass.
Restrooms
Water Available
No Service
Parking
Popular trailhead—arrive before 6am on weekends. Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass required.
Getting There
From Leavenworth, take Icicle Creek Road approximately 8 miles to the trailhead.
Nearest Services
Leavenworth (8 miles) has full services including gear shops, restaurants, and lodging.
Snow Lake Trailhead
3,200 ft elevationExit point for most traverse hikers. Also used for direct Snow Zone access.
Restrooms
Water Available
No Service
Parking
Smaller parking area. Northwest Forest Pass required.
Getting There
From Leavenworth, take Icicle Creek Road approximately 4 miles to Snow Lakes Road turnoff.
Nearest Services
Leavenworth (4 miles).
Rules & Regulations
- •Overnight permits required May 15 through October 31
- •Core Zone permit allows camping anywhere within the permit area
- •Maximum group size of 8 people
- •Dogs strictly prohibited in all Enchantments permit zones
- •Human waste must be packed out or deposited in provided backcountry toilets
- •Campfires prohibited throughout the area
- •Northwest Forest Pass required for parking at trailheads
Gear Checklist
Required
- Water filter (many lake sources but all must be treated)
- Rain gear and warm layers (weather can change rapidly)
- Sturdy boots for the rocky Aasgard scramble
- Sun protection (high UV exposure at elevation)
- Bear-resistant food storage or hanging supplies
Recommended
- Trekking poles (invaluable for Aasgard Pass and boulder fields)
- Crampons or microspikes for early season snow
- Camera with wide-angle lens for the scenery
- Lightweight camp shoes for crossing snow and wading
- Emergency bivy/shelter for sudden weather
Key Landmarks
↑
4,500ft
Gain↓
4,500ft
Loss⛰️
7,800ft
High📏
18.0mi
Distance📐
4.5%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•12 landmarks
Landmarks (12)
Lottery Statistics
3-5%
estimated success rate
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Safety & Planning
🚨
Emergency Info
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🐻
Food Storage
Check bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations in the PermitSnag app.
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Core Zone FAQ
How do I get a Core Zone permit?
Core Zone permits are obtained through a lottery system. The lottery typically opens February 15. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Core Zone?
The season typically runs June to October. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Core Zone permit?
This permit has a demand score of 10/10, making it extremely competitive. We recommend having backup dates and using PermitSnag's cancellation alerts.
What if I can't get a Core Zone permit?
Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. We check availability every few minutes, 24/7.
Photography Guide
Golden Hour
Sunrise light on Prusik Peak from Perfection Lake is the signature Enchantments shot. October larch season adds golden color to the alpine scenery.
Best Light
Early morning provides the best reflection shots on the lakes. Evening light illuminates the granite spires from the west.
Beat the Crowds
Weekday permits have slightly better lottery odds. Even with permits, camps fill—claim your spot early in the afternoon.
Classic Shots
- 📍Prusik Peak reflected in Perfection Lake at sunrise
- 📍Colchuck Lake with Dragontail Peak and Colchuck Glacier
- 📍Golden larches at Lake Viviane in October
- 📍Looking down Aasgard Pass from the top
- 📍Mountain goats on granite slabs
- 📍Panoramic view from Little Annapurna summit
Can't Get a Core Zone Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Colchuck Zone Permit
Same AreaCamp at Colchuck Lake without the Core Zone commitment. Still spectacular scenery beneath Dragontail Peak.
Permit required
Tradeoffs
Easier lottery odds. Misses the Core Zone lakes but still provides Enchantments experience.
Day Hike to Colchuck Lake
Easier Alternative8-mile round trip day hike to Colchuck Lake. No permit required for day use.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
No camping but gets you to one of the most beautiful lakes with no lottery hassle.
Lake Ingalls / Stuart Range
Similar ExperienceSimilar alpine scenery with no permit required. Lake Ingalls offers views of Mt. Stuart and larch color.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
No permit needed. Different area but similar alpine beauty and October larch displays.
Other Enchantments Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list