Do I need a permit to backpack Colchuck Zone?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Colchuck Zone in The Enchantments, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Colchuck Zone Permit.
Lottery permit
What the Colchuck Zone permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $6 non-refundable lottery application fee, then $5.00 per person per day May 15 - October 31 if you draw a permit
- Group size limit
- 8 people
- Issued per day
- 3 groups
- Applications open
- February 15
- Applications close
- March 1
- Results
- March 17
- Season starts
- May 15
- Season ends
- October 31
What the rules require
- Maximum group size is eight people, including stock
- Dogs are prohibited throughout the Enchantment Permit Area
- No campfires above 5,000 feet or within half a mile of any lake
- Camping immediately below Aasgard Pass is not allowed on a Colchuck permit — the zone stops at the 6,500-foot contour
- The permit must be printed and signed; an unsigned permit on a cell phone is not valid
- All group members must begin on the reserved trip start date and camp with the permit holder
- One permit per person per season, including serving as an alternate group leader
- Day use across all five zones needs a free self-issued permit from any of the three trailheads, plus a Northwest Forest Pass for parking
Published rules for the Colchuck Zone Permit, quoted as written.
Getting one
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates go back into the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Colchuck Zone Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Colchuck Zone permit
Do I need a permit to backpack Colchuck Zone?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Colchuck Zone in The Enchantments, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Colchuck Zone Permit.
How much does a Colchuck Zone permit cost?
$6 non-refundable lottery application fee, then $5.00 per person per day May 15 - October 31 if you draw a permit.
When can I apply for a Colchuck Zone permit?
The application window opens February 15. It closes March 1. Results: March 17.
How many people can be on one Colchuck Zone permit?
8 people.
When is the Colchuck Zone permit season?
Season starts: May 15. Season ends: October 31.
What if I lose the Colchuck Zone lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Colchuck Zone Permit for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.