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Pictures
Check out where else the Hole Stories Travel Troll has been!
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Permitted Season & Conditions
May 15 – October 31
Even during May and June, there is still quite a bit of snow. Do your best to check conditions on forums to see how much snow to expect – specifically for which zone you’ll be staying in.
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Zones
1 ➢ Eightmile / Caroline
The Eightmile Lake area is the only area under 5000 feet, which means this is the only zone where you’re allowed to build a fire… BUT, you’re not allowed to have a fire less than a half mile from any lake, no matter which zone you’re in.
2 ➢ Stuart
3 ➢ Colchuck (my recommendation)
4 ➢ Core Enchantment
Permit to Core Enchantment allows you to camp in ANY of the 5 permit zones
5 ➢ Snow
Map
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Hiking Distances and Elevations
Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam
6.5 miles / 3800 foot elevation gain (and another 1.5 miles to the far end of the lake).
Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake
4.2 miles / 2200 foot elevation gain.
Stuart Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake
4.6 miles / 1600 foot elevation gain.
Eightmile Lake: Eightmile Trailhead to the lake outlet
3.3 miles / 1300 foot elevation gain.
Lake Caroline: Eightmile Trailhead to the lake
5.6 miles / 3100 foot elevation gain.
Core Enchantments:
from Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass:
2.5 miles / 2500 foot elevation gain
from the inlet of Upper Snow Lake to Lake Viviane:
1.5 miles / 1400 foot elevation gain
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The Whole Core Enchantment Loop, Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead:
approximately 19 miles / 6000 foot gain and 7800 foot loss
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Important Info’
★ Fires are prohibited throughout the vast majority of the Enchantment Permit Area; no fires anywhere above 5,000 feet or within 1/2 mile of any lakes. Note: stoves are allowed.
★ Maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive days.
★ Eight people is the maximum group size allowed together in any of the permit zones.
★ Two (or more) groups on separate permits may not travel and/or camp together if the total number exceeds eight.
★ You must carry your permit and photo identification with you and present these upon request to any Forest Officer or other law enforcement officer throughout the duration of your trip.
★ You may not re-enter on a different date using the same permit.
★ Your permit is not valid until signed.
★ A “stock permit” is a permit for animals, such as a horse (dogs and other pets are not allowed, and are not considered as “stock”)
★ It is illegal to leave camp gear or any other supplies or materials unattended for more than 48 hours.
★ Geocaching is prohibited in all designated wilderness areas. Please practice this sport elsewhere.
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How To Apply For a Permit
There are three methods of obtaining an overnight permit during the permit season:
1 ➢ Apply during the annual permit lottery
2 ➢ Make a reservation online after the pre-season lottery
3 ➢ Obtain a daily “walk-in” permit during the permit season
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The Lottery
A pre-season lottery is held around mid-February through early-March of each year to allocate the majority of permits.
CLICK HERE to see the exact dates of the lottery
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Didn’t Win The Lottery?
If you didn’t win the lottery, you’ll have only two more opportunities to obtain a permit:
- Through the walk-up lottery held Monday-Saturday at the Wenatchee River Ranger Station
- Through the advance reservation system beginning April 1 around 7am PT (around 10am ET).
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Weather Conditions
Check the current weekly weather conditions HERE
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What to Bring
Wear:
Wool hiking socks
Good hiking boots
Layers
Pack:
Freeze-dried food
Stove
Water Bottle
Flashlight
Toilet Paper
Tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Extras:
Water filter
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Parking
$5 per day at the trailhead, or purchse a Northwest Forest Pass for $30 and good for one whole year.
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