Overview
The Enchantments are a chain of granite basins and glacial lakes above Leavenworth, and the overnight permit for the Core Enchantments zone is one of the hardest to win in North America — success rates for the best dates sit in the low single digits.
The lottery, run through recreation.gov, covers the June 15–October 31 season and splits the area into zones: Core Enchantments, Colchuck, Snow, Stuart and Eightmile/Caroline. You apply for one zone with ranked dates, and the non-core zones are meaningfully more winnable. Day hiking the same terrain needs no permit at all.
How the permit works
- 1Apply in the annual window — usually mid-February to early March — on recreation.gov.
- 2Choose a zone. Core Enchantments is the trophy and the longest shot; Snow and Stuart draw better.
- 3Submit ranked date preferences; results are posted in March.
- 4Winners confirm and pay the per-person, per-night fee, then print or download the permit.
- 5If you miss, watch the daily walk-up allocation at the Leavenworth ranger station — a genuine long shot, but people do get in.
Required documents
- recreation.gov account
- Photo ID for the permit holder, who must be on the trip
- Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent for trailhead parking
Insider tips
- Day hiking the Enchantments through-route needs no permit — brutal, but it’s the reliable way in.
- Applying for a smaller group and a non-core zone dramatically improves your odds.
- Larch season in late September is the most oversubscribed period of the year; late June and October draw better.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
What are the real odds for the Core Enchantments?
For popular dates, often in the low single digits. Non-core zones and shoulder dates are far kinder — check the published success rates on recreation.gov.
Can I hike the Enchantments without a permit?
Yes, as a day hike. The permit requirement applies to overnight camping in the permit area during the June 15–October 31 season.
Are walk-up permits worth trying?
They exist and a small number are issued for the next day, but demand is heavy. Treat them as a bonus, not a plan.