Do I need a permit to backpack Enchanted Valley?

What the Enchanted Valley permit costs and covers

Fee

$6 non-refundable reservation fee per permit, plus $8 per person per night for adults 16 and over. Under 16 camp free.

Group size limit

12 people

Issued per day

208 people

Applications open

Not a lottery - summer reservations are released April 15 at 7:00 am Pacific

Season starts

May 15

Season ends

October 15

What the rules require

• A wilderness permit is required for every overnight trip and must be reserved on Recreation.gov
• Group size is limited to 12 people and 8 stock; affiliated groups may not combine and must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart
• Parties of 7 to 12 must use designated group sites; the park names the Sol Duc/Seven Lakes Basin, Hoh Lake Trail, Hoh River Trail, Grand Valley, Upper Lena Lake and Lake Constance areas specifically
• Bear canisters are required; hanging food, garbage or scented items in bags is prohibited in this area
• Stay at least 50 yards from the bears in the valley
• Permits are issued around 3 days before your trip start date
• No sites are held as same-day walk-ups, and there is no paper self-registration at trailheads

Published rules for the Enchanted Valley Permit, quoted as written.

Getting one

Dates for Enchanted Valley sell out and then come back as people cancel. PermitSnag watches Enchanted Valley Permit and sends you an alert the moment one reappears.

Common questions about the Enchanted Valley permit