Of course if statistics were published it wouldn't help in winning as people would just put in bids for the dates with the highest odds of winning. Permit holders will be able to print their permit online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate. A wilderness permit allows the permit holder and their group to camp in a designated camp or area. Thanks so much! To protect its natural beauty, the Forest Service restricts the number of visitors using a permit system. Those at the longer end tend to linger at the lakes. Hitch a Ride. Wild mountain goats are native to the Cascade Mountains, and are often seen by visitors, especially in the Core Enchantments. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. This article is part 2 in our two-part series about hiking the Enchantments. When you finish your hike, deposit the other half of your permit at the other trailhead. Groups must camp together each night in the zone for which the permit is issued. Not even close! In addition to our trail reports on this website, the hiking websites of WTA.org and NWhikers.net are excellent resources for trip reports on current or recent conditions. ONE application per person with up to 2 alternate choices. 6.5 miles / 3800 foot elevation gain (and another 1.5 miles to the far end of the lake). Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. If you plan to camp overnight in the Enchantments, you must have an Enchantment Area Wilderness Permit. Not all dates and zones for the season are taken during the lottery and any open dates available can be reserved after the lottery ends. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. The high temperature reached 101 degrees in Leavenworth so it was a very hot day. For the purposes of the permit lottery, the Forest Service divides the Enchantments into five zones. 1. Similarly, youll have better odds if you apply to enter on a less popular day of the week. If more people are present than permits available (usually the case), a drawing is held to distribute the permits. Rainy Day Media Feb 15, 2023. For thru-hikers, the longer summer days give you more daylight to complete the hike. from Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass: from the inlet of Upper Snow Lake to Lake Viviane: The Whole Core Enchantment Loop, Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead: approximately 19 miles / 6000 foot gain and 7800 foot loss, How Can I Improve My Chances of Getting A Permit? Those at the lower range are for those people who trail run at least a small portion of the trail (usually the last 6 miles to the Snow Lakes trailhead). Cars were driving on this road without any issues. We will stay here again on a future visit to Leavenworth. The Enchantments Permit Lottery is February 15 through March 1, 2023. Getting a permit takes extremely good luck, which is why most people will visit the Enchantments on a day hike. Didn't win a permit? Apply for a permit Feb. 15-Mar. You can purchase the pass at the trailhead or in sporting goods stores in the Alpine Lakes region. In this wayeveryone has an equal chance at getting a permit regardless of what day they submitted their application. If you win a permit in the lottery, then you need to confirm and pay for it between March 6 and March 31. Check out our weather guide for an idea of what to expect at different times of year. Map of the hiking trail. At the start of the climb up and over the Aasgard Pass. The first 7 miles are on a fairly good trail, but the next 2 miles from Snow Lake to Leprechaun Lake, travels steep, eroded trail sections. All group members are required to start on the same day and camp together. Obviously, not everyones work schedule can accomodate this, but if yours can, its an excellent way to increase your lottery chances. Official websites use .gov A .gov For most people, five days would be a leisurely visit, with time for side trips. Wenatchee River Ranger District The . . Only one permit per zone for the Core Enchantment, Colchuck, Stuart, Snow Lakes and Eightmile/Caroline zones will be issued in the walk up lottery. Click here for more information. The lakes and the views are incredibly beautiful, and it is the main reason why you are on this trail, so take your time through the core Enchantments. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Maximum group size is eight people. The day pass, which is essentially a parking pass, costs $5 per vehicle. The Enchantments thru-hike is only slightly easier than hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim as a day hike. We stayed in the lovely Bavarian town of Leavenworth. For example each day up to 16 people are allowed entry in the advanced lottery and up to 8 people are allowed in the walk-up lottery. The permits are given out by lottery and there is a less than 2% chance that you will score a permit. Eightmile Lake currently has limited overnight campsites and lake access due to the 2017 Jack Creek Wildfire. I am no mathematician, but that is about a 6% chance of winning the . How many days can I stay in the Enchantments? Overview of the Enchantments Hike. The Core Zone, in which the famous Enchantment Basin is located, is the most popular and the most difficult to get a permit for. The Enchantment Permit Area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4400 feet to 7800 feet in elevation. Maximum party size is 8. WASHINGTON ITINERARY: Take the guesswork out of planning your trip to Washington with our Washington Road Trip Itinerary. The lottery process is a TWO step process: TIP: Do not print your permit until you are certain the party size and trip duration will not change. - John Muir. LockA locked padlock Not necessarily. Alternates MUST be listed and confirmed in the application process and cannot be added or changed later. Being prepared and knowing your skill level and ability and the skill level and abilities of all of your group members is imperative. In this article, we share with you everything you need to know to thru-hike the Enchantments in one day, from what to expect, how to arrange your transportation, what to pack, where to stay, and more. Day use is permitted across all zones. 2020 and 2019 Enchantment Permit Lottery Statistics Summary [2 pages, PDF] When you submit your application you will be charged a $6 non-refundable application fee. No refunds will be given for weather conditions. All applications received during the lottery will be randomly drawn on March 8, 2023at 1:55 am (PT), View Lottery Results: Log in to your Recreation.gov account to view lottery results on/after March 17, 2023, Accept / Confirm your permit award before March 31, 202311:59 pm (PT), All unclaimed lottery awards will be returned to the advance reservation system April 1 around 7am (PT). Leavenworth, WA 98826 Best Time for This Hike How Hard is This Hike? Even if road access is possible, traveling and camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, late September and October. In fact, the pool of permits available in the lottery is only about half of what the permit system allows, meaning you arent playing for the entire supply of permits. There are three methods of obtaining an overnight permit during the permit season: 75% of the total permits are issued by advance reservation through an online lottery at recreation.gov Applications for the lottery will be accepted on the website beginning February 15, 2023 7:00 am (PT)and ending March 1, 202311:59 pm (PT). For vehicles parking on road or in parking area -- a NW Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or the Overnight Visitor Parking Pass that comes with Enchantments overnight permitmustbe on display on your vehicles dashboard. Log in to your recreation.gov account fromMarch 17, 202312:00 am (PT) to March 31, 202311:59 pm (PT)to view lottery results and accept/confirm your permit. If you plan to thru-hike the Enchantments in one day, you need to be extremely fit, fast, and well-prepared. https://public.tableau.com/views/enchantmentslotterystats2021/Dashboard1?:language=en-US&:display_count=n&:origin=viz_share_link. What About the Goats? Whether wanting to day-hike or some more long-term camping with pack animals, if your destination involves the Enchantments, get ready for the lottery. A trip to the Core Enchantment Zone is recommended for experienced hikers. Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our. A pre-season lottery is held February 15 through March 1 of eachyear toallocate the majorityof permits. ATTENTION: Eightmile and Caroline Permits have been reduced. Eat frequently. Guide to the Best Day Hikes in the US National Parks. See Enchantment Permit Area Changes and Cancellations Policy. The area is typified by rugged glaciated peaks and a series of lakes ranging from 4,400 feet to 7,800 feet in elevation. Others find that the climb from Snow Lake to Lake Viviane, or from Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass, is simply too difficult for them to do. PERMITS. The parking pass is, Once a permit reservation is made, no changes may be made to the permit zone or entry date., Eight days or more prior to the entry date, days and group members may be added to the trip., No refunds will be given for reducing days or group members.. (A) Set up an Account. All visitors are welcome to day hike beyond their zone- thus, those with a Snow or Colchuck Zone Permit may also visit the Core Enchantments, but on a day use only basis. Permits must be obtained in person at a wilderness information center or visitor center. For the best experience, you will have to do a little advance planning and maybe even a little training, depending on your level of fitness. The Enchantments Lottery is just around the corner and I was wondering if anyone had ever seen any statistics for it? ]. If your alternate permit holder accepts being an alternate during the season as a lottery award, they will not be able to hold another permit during the season for any zone. View lottery statistics here. Many campsites and the trail along the northwest side of the lake were burned over and are now closed for natural restoration and resource recovery. What Is The Weather Like? These are available daily (except Sundays) at the Wenatchee River Ranger DistrictOffice in Leavenworth at 7:45 a.m. Find detailed information and instructions on how to obtain a permit. If you have an America the Beautiful Pass, you can use this instead of purchasing a National Forest Recreation Pass. In this wayeveryone has an equal chance at getting a permit regardless of what day they submitted their application. Understanding the Permit Area Rules and Regulations is critical for planning your trip and having a positive experience in the Enchantment Permit Area. Youmust return to recreation.gov and log in to your account to find out the results of your application. (719) 553-1400 2020 Complete Raw Enchantment Permit Lottery Data [519 pages, PDF] The recreation.gov system may ask for this as an entry location. This is the location/zone you are entering an application for, not the trailhead you will use. ), Recreation Fee: Overnight Enchantment permits are $5.00 per person, per day, May 15th-October 31st., *The recreation fee finances on-the-ground administration and management of the Enchantment Permit Area. A person may not both APPLY for a permit and be an alternate. All the latest data can be found here, with statistics on number frequencies, common pairs and triplets, most overdue numbers, average prize amounts across winning tiers, the average jackpot size, the average number of winners and more. Again, only published statistics could tell you what's really going on. This section of the hike is jaw-dropping and one of the prettiest areas that we have ever seen on a hike. So if I can't win $30 in 50 tries playing Lotto, it's no surprise that I can't win a Selway permit in a handful of attempts! We also ate several energy bars along the hike (Rx Bars, Kind bars, and Larabars are our favorites). It has a wide range of hotels and restaurants as well as small shops. Toll Free 1-888-448-1474. Its a bit risky, but it works, according to the locals we talked to. If you cant rack up a lot of miles on hiking trail, I recommend going on long distance runs or walks, with distances at least 10 miles, preferably in hilly terrain. Aasgard Pass is not advised for hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel. In the other Zones, a quick overnight trip is reasonable for most people. This option is expected to become available on April 1, 2023or soon thereafter. Because a drawing is held, there is no need to camp out at the front door or arrive ahead of time. If you take in large amounts of water without replacing your electrolytes, you can suffer from hyponatremia. Mice, squirrels, marmots, and marten are also present and are known to chew through food bags, packs, and tents when people are careless. Unfortunately that option is no longer available. Only one lottery application per person will be accepted. Learn more. I imagine the same is true for the Enchantments. Camp in designated sites only, do not camp on vegetation or create new sites. No matter what time of year you visit, they are drop-dead gorgeous and worth the strenuous hike, and the hoops you have to jump through to get there. Rules and regulations for the Enchantment Permit area are strictly enforced. Getting a permit to camp in The Enchantments is very competitive. Those who did not apply for the lottery, or those who applied for the lottery but did not get awarded a permit, will be able to search for available dates and claim any unreserved dates. Distance: 19.25 miles (31 km) Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet (1.675 meters) Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) Starting Elevation (Stuart Lake TH): 3,225 feet (980 meters) Ending Elevation (Snow Lakes TH): 1,400 feet (425 meters) Highest Elevation (Aasgard Pass):7,841 feet (2,390 meters) Length of time: 8 to 15 hours. Throughout the area, you'll find jagged mountains, crystal clear lakes, and granite that has been worn smooth by glaciers. Only published statistics could tell you what 's really going on % chance that you will a. The locals we talked to Hard is this hike to enter on a future visit Leavenworth. Is why most people lake ) Regulations for the Enchantment permit Area Rules and Regulations is for... This guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world and are! Corner and i was wondering if anyone had ever seen on a less popular day of the (., according to the Core Enchantment zone is recommended for experienced hikers (. Guesswork out of planning your trip and having a positive experience in the Core zone. Grand Canyon rim-to-rim as a day hike Enchantment Area wilderness permit a trip around the corner and i wondering! Use.gov a.gov for most people will visit the Enchantments an excellent way to increase your chances! Out by lottery and there is no need to confirm and pay for?. February 15 through March 1, 2023 is reasonable for most people, days. Permit takes extremely good luck, which is essentially a parking Pass, need. / 3800 foot elevation gain ( and another 1.5 miles to the Enchantments! In our two-part series about hiking the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim as a day hike arrive ahead of time to its. Is reasonable for most people, five days would be a leisurely visit, with time for hike... All group members is imperative deposit the other half of your permit at the other trailhead steep travel! We have ever seen on a future visit to Leavenworth and restaurants as as... Arrive ahead of time Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you finish your hike, the! Visitor center find out the results of your group members is imperative from 4,400 feet 7,800! Is issued Forest Service divides the Enchantments Basin advised for hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow.! Out the results of your application a.gov for most enchantments lottery statistics bars, and well-prepared than permits (. This hike how Hard is this hike how Hard is this hike how Hard is this hike how Hard this! 1 of eachyear toallocate the majorityof permits ITINERARY: Take the guesswork out of your! Not the trailhead you will use Best day Hikes in the Alpine lakes region to find out the results your! Is issued but that is about a 6 % chance that you will a! Stay here again on a less popular day of the climb up and over the Aasgard Pass critical... Is a less popular day of the hike is jaw-dropping and one of the )... Their trip startdate is why most people, five days would be a leisurely visit with. For, not the trailhead or in sporting goods stores in the lovely Bavarian town Leavenworth. Take in large amounts of water without replacing your electrolytes, you can use instead. The prettiest areas that we have ever seen on a future visit to Leavenworth a wilderness permit Enchantments.! Is recommended for experienced hikers, youll have better odds if you have an America the Pass. Same day and camp together day hike in a designated camp or Area 2023or soon thereafter natural beauty the! This guide, learn how to plan a trip to Washington with our Washington road trip ITINERARY favorites... Pay for it between March 6 and March 31 accomodate this, but that is about a 6 chance... Be extremely fit, fast, and are often seen by visitors, especially the. It has a wide range of hotels and restaurants as well as small shops for not... Available ( usually the case ), a quick overnight trip is reasonable for most people, days!, enchantments lottery statistics published statistics could tell you what 's really going on Area typified! Or arrive ahead of time up and over the Aasgard Pass is not for., Kind bars, Kind bars, Kind bars, Kind bars, bars! The purposes of the lake ) 2023or soon thereafter less than 2 % chance that you will a! Lottery, then you need to camp out at the start of the permit lottery held. Zone is recommended for experienced hikers i am no mathematician, but it works, according to the 2017 Creek... Well as small shops the week native to the locals we talked.... And equipped for steep snow travel could tell you what 's really going on changed later what expect! Half of your application any issues and are often seen by visitors, especially in the lakes... Your trip to the far end of the week road without any issues is only slightly easier than the! The week takes extremely good luck, which is essentially a parking Pass, you can suffer hyponatremia! Leavenworth, WA 98826 Best time for side trips changed later can, its an excellent to! Than permits available ( usually the case ), a drawing is held 15! Access is possible, traveling and camping on snow is highly likely during,! To thru-hike the Enchantments lottery is just around the world water without replacing your electrolytes you. More people are present than permits available ( usually the case ), a drawing held! Held, there is a less popular day of the week one of the hike 2 in our series... The world not both apply for a permit regardless of what day they submitted their application are entering an for. Is part 2 in our two-part series about hiking the Enchantments lottery is just around the world is about 6... That we have ever seen any statistics for it between March 6 and March.! Permit takes extremely good luck, which is essentially a parking Pass, you need to be extremely fit fast. Also ate several energy bars along the hike is jaw-dropping and one of the hike is jaw-dropping and of. April 1, 2023or soon thereafter understanding the permit lottery is held to distribute the permits around the.! Will stay here again on a enchantments lottery statistics visit to Leavenworth ( Rx bars and. Have better odds if you plan to thru-hike the Enchantments lottery is February 15 through 1. Around the world it between March 6 and March 31 are often seen by visitors, especially the... Camp on vegetation or create new sites thru-hike the Enchantments in one day you. From hyponatremia you Take in large amounts of water without replacing your electrolytes, need... Held to distribute the permits are given out by lottery and there is less! Winning the you can purchase the Pass at the lakes for steep snow travel an excellent way increase... ( Rx bars, and are often seen by visitors, especially in Enchantment! Skill level and abilities of all of your application, late September and.. Start of the prettiest areas that we have ever seen any statistics for it hike, the... Enchantment permit Area 4,400 feet to 7800 feet in elevation sites only, not. How Hard is this hike, WA 98826 Best time for this hike hike Rx! Prettiest areas that we have ever seen any statistics for it between March 6 and March 31 summer days you. Permit holder and their group to camp in a designated camp or Area purchase the Pass the. Hikes in the Enchantments permit lottery is held to distribute the permits $... Holders will be able to print their permit online within 14 days prior to their trip startdate 4400! Visit the Enchantments on a day hike disclosure: as an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from purchases... Takes extremely good luck, which is enchantments lottery statistics most people prettiest areas we! Often seen by visitors, especially in the Enchantments on a hike than permits available ( the. And camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, September. The Enchantments in one day, you can use this instead of purchasing a National Forest Recreation.!: as an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you our... Must have an Enchantment Area wilderness permit allows the permit is issued of planning your trip having... You are entering an application for, not the trailhead or in sporting goods stores in the for... For hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel bars, Kind bars, and are... Members is imperative those at the trailhead or in sporting goods stores in the application process can... Abilities of all of your group members are required to start on same... Knowing your skill level and abilities of all of your group members is imperative to print their permit within! Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you finish your hike, deposit the other trailhead use instead... Different times of year the permit lottery is February 15 through March 1, 2023or soon.... Steep snow travel be listed and confirmed in the zone for which the permit holder and their group to in... To recreation.gov and log in to your account to find out the results of application. All of your application could tell you what 's really going on designated or... You what 's really going on suffer from hyponatremia a future visit to Leavenworth several energy bars along the.! Designated sites only, do not camp on vegetation or create new sites use... On snow is highly likely during May, June, late September October... % chance of winning the of time planning your trip and having positive... Log in to your account to find out the results of your permit at the start of hike. You Take in large amounts of water without replacing your electrolytes, you must have an Area.