The Enchantments Hiking Guide

The Enchantments is the most sought-after backcountry permit in Washington State, and arguably in the entire Pacific Northwest. For good reason: the Core Zone sits above 7,000 feet in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, a surreal landscape of crystal-clear lakes, polished granite, and mountain goats that have never learned to be afraid of people. Here is everything you need to plan this trip.

Overview: What Are The Enchantments?

The Enchantments refers to a collection of alpine lakes and tarns in the Stuart Range of the Cascades, near Leavenworth, WA. The area is divided into four permit zones: Core Zone (the high alpine lakes), Colchuck Zone (Colchuck Lake and surrounding terrain), Snow Zone (below the Core, above the valley), and Stuart Zone (around Lake Stuart and Ingalls Lake).

The classic through-hike traverses all four zones over 18-19 miles with approximately 7,000 ft of cumulative elevation gain. Most hikers do it as an overnight or multi-night trip, but it can be done as an extreme day hike for very fit, experienced hikers.

The Permit System

Overnight permits are required in all zones from May 15 through October 31. Day hiking in the Core Zone also requires a permit during this window.

Annual Overnight Lottery (Primary Method)

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest runs an annual permit lottery each March at recreation.gov. Applications open in early March and close mid-March. Results are announced in April. The lottery is extremely competitive: acceptance rates for the Core Zone have historically been under 5%.

• Apply for 2-4 nights to maximize your chances of getting mid-week dates
• Core Zone permits sell out entirely in the lottery most years
• Colchuck and Snow Zone permits are less competitive
• You can increase odds by applying with multiple party members as separate applicants

Walk-Up Permits

A small number of walk-up permits are released daily at the Leavenworth Ranger Station (600 Sherbourne St, Leavenworth, WA). Distribution begins at 7:45am. Arrive by 6am during peak season (late September) to have a realistic chance. Walk-ups are almost never available for weekends in September and October.

Check the recreation.gov for current lottery dates and walk-up availability windows.

Zone Breakdown

Core Zone

The upper alpine area with Perfection Lake, Inspiration Lake, Leprechaun Lake, and the iconic Prusik Peak backdrop. This is what everyone is trying to reach. Campsites are dispersed and beautiful. Mountain goats are everywhere and are completely habituated to humans. Snow Lakes and Nada Lake sit at the base of the zone.

Colchuck Zone

Colchuck Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Cascades and can be reached as a 9-mile roundtrip day hike with 2,280 ft gain. The Asgard Pass route from Colchuck Lake is the standard western approach to the Core Zone. It is steep, loose, and requires hands on rock in places.

Snow Zone

The mid-elevation zone connecting the Core and the Snow Lakes trailhead. Used mostly as a corridor on the through-hike. Camping is permitted but the zone sees less traffic than the Core.

Stuart Zone

Includes Lake Stuart (9.6 miles roundtrip, 1,600 ft gain) and Ingalls Lake (8.5 miles, 2,900 ft gain). No permit required for day hikes in this zone. Good option if you missed the lottery.

The Classic Through-Hike

Most through-hikers go west to east: Stuart Lake trailhead (Asgard Pass approach) to Snow Lakes trailhead, with a car shuttle or hitchhike between the two trailheads, which are about 35 minutes apart by car.

• Distance: 18-19 miles
• Elevation gain: Approximately 7,000 ft cumulative
• Time: 2-4 days for most hikers; one very long day for extreme day hikers
• Hardest section: Asgard Pass (1,800 ft in 1 mile, mostly on loose talus)

Best Season: When to Go

• Late July to mid-August: Snow clears the passes, wildflowers peak, maximum daylight. Bugs can be heavy in July.
• Mid-August to mid-September: Best overall conditions. Bugs are gone, snow is minimal, trails are dry.
• Late September to mid-October: Larch season. The subalpine larches turn gold, and the landscape becomes otherworldly. The most popular and most permit-competitive window.
• Before late July: Asgard Pass often has significant snow. An ice axe may be required. Not recommended without winter skills.

Gear Specific to This Hike

The Enchantments demands more preparation than a typical backcountry trip:

• Microspikes or crampons: Required before late July and sometimes in early October.
• Water filter: The lakes are clear but require filtration. A Sawyer Squeeze or similar is standard.
• Bear canister: Required in the Core Zone. Check current regulations at the ranger station.
• Trekking poles: Essential for the loose rock on Asgard Pass descent.
• Layers for freezing temps: Even in August, nights drop below freezing in the Core Zone. Bring a 20-degree or warmer sleeping bag.
• Sun protection: Full day above treeline means high UV exposure. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses mandatory.

Camping in the Core Zone

Sites are dispersed: there are no designated tent pads. You must camp at least 200 ft from any water source and on durable surfaces (rock or previously impacted areas). The most popular campsites are around Perfection and Inspiration Lakes. They fill fast; arrive early in the day.

Leave No Trace principles are taken seriously here by rangers and other hikers. Pack out all waste. Human waste must be disposed of in the cathole method at least 200 ft from water.

Wildlife: Mountain Goats

The mountain goats in the Core Zone are famous and will walk into your campsite looking for salt. Do not feed them, do not let them lick your gear or sweat-soaked clothing, and never approach them. They are wild animals and can be dangerous at close range. Store your gear secured when you are away from camp.

Trail Conditions by Month

• May-June: Mostly snow-covered above 5,000 ft. Permits required May 15+. Not recommended without winter experience.
• July: Snow clears from Asgard Pass by late July most years. Bugs peak.
• August: Best conditions. Dry, clear, minimal bugs. High competition for walk-up permits.
• September: Shoulder period begins. Early snow possible by late September. Larch season starts.
• October: Larches at peak color early-mid October. Snow can arrive any time. Permits no longer required after October 31.

Ready to plan your Pacific Northwest adventure? Use our Trip Finder to build a custom itinerary, or browse all hiking itineraries for more Pacific Northwest inspiration. Apply for the Enchantments lottery at recreation.gov each March.