How to Win the Enchantments Permit Lottery

Every year, thousands of hopeful backpackers flock to recreation.gov, vying for a coveted permit to camp in the Enchantments. With only about 10% of applicants winning, the lottery is fiercely competitive. Last year, I finally won, which might not make me a permit expert perse, but it does make me very, very lucky.

The lottery opens on February 15, so if you want a camping permit in the Enchantments this summer, the time to plan is now!

I’ll never forget the morning I checked my email and saw the subject line: “Congratulations!” After years (and years and years) of applying and hoping to win, it felt surreal to finally get a permit - and a Core zone permit on top of that! I immediately squealed with excitement and then texted my husband.

The Enchantments

If you’re wondering what the Enchantments are, you need to do a quick internet search immediately. I promise, it won’t disappoint. Simply put, it’s one of the most magical regions in all of Washington state – and that’s saying a lot.

The Enchantments are a breathtaking region located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which is nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. The area is famous for its dramatic alpine scenery, jagged granite peaks, crystal-clear lakes and tarns, vibrant meadows, and golden larch trees that light up the landscape in the fall.

Access to the Enchantments is challenging and rewarding. There are two main trailheads that grant you access to the other-worldly area — Stuart Lake and Snow Lakes. Reaching the Core Enchantments requires a strenuous hike with significant elevation gain. I prefer to start at Stuart Lake trailhead and ascend up Aasgard Pass, but if you are a glutton for punishment and like hiking endless switchbacks through forests, you can start at Snow lakes.

If you don’t win a permit, you’re in for a lengthy hike that usually adds up to more than 20 miles and quad-burning 5,000 feet of elevation gain. Because of its popularity and fragile ecosystem, overnight stays are strictly regulated through a competitive permit lottery. If you want to camp in this magical area, you need a permit.

Here’s what I learned, and how you can maximize your chances of winning a permit.  

Why the Core Zone Is the Best

The Enchantments are divided into five zones, but the Core zone is the most sought-after. Centrally located, it’s the perfect base camp if you want to explore all the zones or bag multiple peaks. The highest peak in the area, Dragontail Peak, rises to 8,840 feet, and it was on our bucket list to climb for a long time. Winning a Core permit made climbing Dragontail easily attainable and made the trip even more surreal. We also got to hike up to Enchantment Peak during our trip. Both were unbelievable core memories.

If you win a Core permit, you’re allowed to camp in any other zone, making it the most flexible and spectacular option. We camped at Inspiration Lake, but my favorite lake in the Core area is Lake Vivianne.

If you want a better chance of winning the lottery, apply for Stuart Lake or Eightmile zone. Those zones aren’t as desirable, but they are still beautiful in their own right. Eightmile/Caroline was affected by a wildfire and has been recovering ever since. It’s not considered as jaw-droppingly breathtaking as the other zones in the Enchantments, but it’s still a great hike and a pretty place to camp.

Choosing Your Dates

You need to know what dates you’ll be camping when you apply. We won our permit by starting our trip on a Wednesday. If you want a Core zone permit, it's good to know there are only 24 people allowed per day. It makes sense that smaller groups may have a better chance of winning. Remember, you have to start on the day you specified in the application, and you have to have everyone in your group. 
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Most people apply for permits in July and August, when the weather is warm and the snow has melted. These months are the most competitive, so your odds are lower. I opted for an October permit, hoping to catch the larches at their peak, and we timed it perfectly—mountains blanketed in gold were spectacular. If you’re flexible, consider shoulder seasons for a better chance and a unique experience.

Applying for the Lottery: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand the Zones: Decide which of the five zones best fits your trip goals. The Core zone is the most coveted and allows camping in any other zone if you win, so if you want flexibility and a prime camping location, the Core is for you.
2. Choose Your Dates Wisely: Peak season (July/August) is highly competitive. Shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) offer unique experiences but may mean you’re trekking and camping in snow or colder weather. If you decided to apply for a permit during early or late season, you’re likely going to be carrying a heavier pack filled with a bit more gear.
3. Apply Online: Go to recreation.gov, create an account, select your preferred zone and dates, and submit your application. The lottery opens on February 15. Specify your party size (there are limits), and if you win, you can choose your length of stay.
4. Prepare for Variable Conditions: Weather changes quickly. Snow often lingers in the Core zone until late June. Your packing list should reflect the season: microspikes and an ice axe may be needed, and layers are essential for warmth. Also, campfires are not allowed so bringing your own heat source is important.
5. If You Win: Confirm your trip dates and finalize your itinerary. Review all regulations, including party size and gear requirements. You need to stick with your party when you camp and start at the same time, so plan logistics ahead of time – like where you’re parking and staying the night before you start.

The Reality of Early-Season Hiking:

A few years earlier, I attempted a through-hike on June 20. The Core zone was still frozen, and I trudged solo up a snow-covered Aasgard Pass. The Core felt more like a snowfield than a landscape littered with sparkling lakes. It was tough but also exhilarating.

Weather Surprises and Trail Magic:

The Enchantments are notorious for unpredictable weather. When we went in October, we woke up on our last morning to snow covering the ground. Be prepared for changing weather and always remember to bring the 10 essentials.
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If you have any questions, feel free to ask. The Enchantments trip was one I’ll never forget. Good luck!