Lottery10/10
Core Zone
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View Enchantments Core Zone Permit permit details and availability
LotteryThru-HikeVery High Demand
Enchantments Through-Hike Permit
18-mile point-to-point traverse through the Enchantments, from Snow Lakes to Stuart Lake (or via Aasgard Pass from Colchuck Lake).
“The crown jewel of Washington wilderness—granite spires, turquoise alpine lakes, and the infamous Aasgard Pass create an otherworldly landscape that draws hikers from around the world.”
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Enchantments Thru Quick Facts
Permit RequiredYes
Booking MethodLottery
Demand LevelExtremely High10/10
Cost$5/person/night
Daily Quota150 permits
Lottery Odds3-5% for Core Zone
Max Group Size8 people
Key Information
Permit Details
TypeThru-Hike
Booking MethodLottery
Demand Level10/10
LocationUSFS
What to Expect
Route Details
Distance
19 miles
Elevation Gain
4,500 ft
Route Type
Point to Point
Duration
12-15 hours day hike, or 2-3 days overnight
Difficulty
ExpertElevation Range
1,600 - 7,800 ft
Highlights
- •Initial 4-mile forest hike to Colchuck Lake
- •Aasgard Pass scramble—extremely steep, loose rock, hands-and-feet climbing
- •Alpine lakes and granite basins with no maintained trail
- •Long descent (6+ miles) on rocky switchbacks
- •Mountain goat encounters throughout
Best Time to Visit
Mid-July through mid-October. Late September offers 'Larch Season' when alpine larches turn brilliant gold.
Hazards & Considerations
- !Rockfall on Aasgard Pass
- !Extreme exposure above 7,000 feet
- !Snow and ice can persist into August
- !Mountain goats can become aggressive
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
If unsuccessful, monitor cancellations
Permits get cancelled daily. Peak cancellation times are 24-48 hours before the trip date.
3
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 Skill4/5
Climbing, scrambling, or specialized skills
Exposure Risk4/5
Steep dropoffs and fall potential
Navigation3/5
Route finding and trail clarity
Commitment5/5
Difficulty of bailing out mid-route
Best For
Experienced hikers in excellent physical condition who have completed other strenuous day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips.
Recommended Experience
Should have completed at least one 15+ mile hike with 4,000+ feet of gain. Scrambling experience recommended.
Not Recommended For
Beginners, those uncomfortable with heights or scrambling, anyone with knee problems.
About This Permit
The Enchantments Traverse is widely considered the most spectacular alpine hike in Washington. This 19-mile point-to-point journey crosses the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, ascending through old-growth forest to Colchuck Lake before tackling the notorious Aasgard Pass—a 2,000-foot scramble that delivers you into a granite wonderland of turquoise lakes and jagged peaks.
The Experience
Why It Matters
The Enchantments represent the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest alpine beauty, featuring some of the most photographed mountain scenery in North America. The area's fragile alpine tundra ecosystem makes permit limits essential for preservation.
The Route
From the Stuart/Colchuck Trailhead, the journey begins through dense forest before emerging at pristine Colchuck Lake. Aasgard Pass looms above—2,000 feet of scrambling in less than a mile. Once conquered, the Upper Enchantments unfold: a stark, moonlike landscape of granite and small tarns.
The Feeling
Ascending Aasgard Pass, your lungs burn and legs scream as loose rock shifts beneath each step. Then you crest the ridge and the world transforms—turquoise lakes shimmer between granite towers while mountain goats watch indifferently from nearby outcrops.
Trailhead Information
Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead
3,400 ft elevationPrimary starting point for through-hikers, providing access to Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass
Restrooms
Water Available
Weak Signal
Parking
Very limited parking, fills by 5am on weekends.
Nearest Services
Leavenworth (13 miles) - full services
Snow Lakes Trailhead
1,500 ft elevationExit point for most through-hikers
Restrooms
Water Available
Moderate
Nearest Services
Leavenworth (4 miles)
Rules & Regulations
- •Permit required May 15 - October 31
- •Dogs strictly prohibited
- •Campfires prohibited above 5,000 feet
- •Human waste must be packed out above 6,500 feet
- •Group size limited to 8
Gear Checklist
Required
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Water filter and minimum 3L capacity
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Trekking poles
- Map and compass/GPS
Recommended
- Helmet for rockfall protection
- Gaiters for loose scree
- Microspikes if snow remains
Key Landmarks
↑
4,500ft
Gain↓
4,500ft
Loss⛰️
7,800ft
High📏
13.0mi
Distance📐
8.8%
Avg GradeClick on a marker to view details•7 landmarks
Landmarks (7)
Lottery Statistics
3-5% for Core Zone
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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Enchantments Thru FAQ
How do I get a Enchantments Thru permit?
Enchantments Thru permits are obtained through a lottery system. Use PermitSnag to track availability and get notified when cancellations occur.
When is the best time to visit Enchantments Thru?
Check with the managing agency for current season dates. Weekdays generally have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the Enchantments Thru 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 Enchantments Thru 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
The Upper Enchantments at sunrise offer the most dramatic light, with alpenglow on Prusik Peak and Little Annapurna.
Best Light
Early morning light produces the most vibrant turquoise colors in the lakes. Late September offers golden larch season.
Beat the Crowds
Start before dawn (4am) to reach the Core Enchantments during golden hour. Weekdays see 30-40% fewer hikers.
Classic Shots
- 📍Colchuck Lake reflection with Dragontail Peak
- 📍Looking down Aasgard Pass at Colchuck Lake
- 📍Prusik Peak reflected in Gnome Tarn
- 📍Golden larches at Perfection Lake
Can't Get a Enchantments Thru Permit?
Consider these alternatives if your preferred dates aren't available.
Colchuck Lake Out-and-Back
Easier Alternative8.4-mile round trip to Colchuck Lake without tackling Aasgard Pass.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
Misses Core Enchantments but offers stunning alpine scenery.
Snow Lakes Trail
Easier Alternative12-mile out-and-back to Snow Lakes from the Snow Lakes Trailhead.
No permit needed
Tradeoffs
Gentler grades with access to lower Enchantments lakes.
Other Enchantments Permits
Consider these alternatives or add them to your tracking list