Do I need a permit to backpack Enchantments Core Zone?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Enchantments Core Zone in The Enchantments, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Enchantments Core Zone Permit.
Lottery permit
What the Enchantments Core Zone permit costs and covers
- Fee
- $6 lottery application + $5 per person, per day
- Group size limit
- 8 people
- Issued per day
- 24 people
- Applications open
- February 15
- Applications close
- March 1
- Results
- March 17
- Season starts
- May 15
- Season ends
- October 31
What the rules require
- Overnight permits required May 15 through October 31; the rest of the year self-register at the trailhead box
- A total of 24 visitors may enter the Core Zone per day - 16 through the advanced lottery, 8 through the daily lottery
- Eight people is the maximum group size allowed at any time, and group size cannot be increased after the advanced lottery
- Because of the long approach, a Core Zone permit lets you camp in any other zone on your entry or exit
- The permit is valid only for the exact dates and the specific zone printed on it
- Once a reservation is made, the permit zone and entry date cannot be changed
- No dogs permitted
- No campfires above 5,000 feet or within half a mile of any lake
- Use toilets where provided
- Day users need a free self-issued day-use permit from any of the three trailheads, plus a Northwest Forest Pass, parking in the designated day-use areas at the Stuart Lake Trailhead
- A maximum of 14 days can be reserved on one permit
Published rules for the Enchantments Core 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 Enchantments Core Zone Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.
Common questions about the Enchantments Core Zone permit
Do I need a permit to backpack Enchantments Core Zone?
Yes. You need a permit to backpack Enchantments Core Zone in The Enchantments, and it is awarded by lottery rather than first come, first served. The permit is the Enchantments Core Zone Permit.
How much does a Enchantments Core Zone permit cost?
$6 lottery application + $5 per person, per day.
When can I apply for a Enchantments Core Zone permit?
The application window opens February 15. It closes March 1. Results: March 17.
How many people can be on one Enchantments Core Zone permit?
8 people.
When is the Enchantments Core Zone permit season?
Season starts: May 15. Season ends: October 31.
What if I lose the Enchantments Core Zone lottery?
Lottery winners cancel and miss payment deadlines, and those dates return to the booking system through the season. PermitSnag watches Enchantments Core Zone Permit for those cancellations and sends an alert when one appears.