Hiker Navigates Enchantments Permit Limits and Stevens Pass

A Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hiker spent three days exploring Washington's Enchantments under a restricted camping permit before hiking a section near Stevens Pass. According to a personal account published on The Trek, the hiker's permit only allowed camping in the 'Snow' zone, not the coveted alpine core.

The strategy involved hiking 9.02 miles from the Snow Creek trailhead to Upper Snow Lake, gaining 4,379 feet in elevation. The hiker noted the trail was in excellent condition compared to the PCT's Section K, with only a couple of minor downed tree obstacles. Several other hiking groups reported seeing non-aggressive bears, including a cub, in the area.

Camping Under Permit Restrictions

With camping confined to the Snow zone, the hiker set up camp at Upper Snow Lake by 2:30 PM, observing a steady stream of groups completing the popular 18-mile downhill traverse through the Enchantments. The early camp allowed time to relax but highlighted the permit's limitation, preventing an overnight stay in the core alpine area.

A Smoky Trek to the Core Zone

The following day was a 11.04-mile out-and-back day hike into the core Enchantments, climbing 3,172 feet to Asgard Pass. Smoke hampered views and photography, and the route proved difficult to handle. The trail to Lake Viviane required scrambling, with cairns often blending into the rocky landscape. The hike took five hours to cover 5.5 miles one way.

Despite the haze, the hiker spotted two sets of mountain goats near Inspiration Lake. The return trip was easier, and the hiker encountered several other groups, including some curious about the PCT experience.

Exiting and a Clear Day at Stevens Pass

On the third day, the hiker descended 4,382 feet over 8.73 miles back to the Snow Creek trailhead under clear, smoke-free skies. A close encounter with a mountain goat on the trail was a highlight. The final day of the trip featured an 11.11-mile out-and-back hike south from Stevens Pass.

There, the hiker met another PCT traveler named Dave, who reported significantly improved trail conditions since their northbound hike earlier. Dave said trail crews had cleared downed trees near Milk Creek and cut back encroaching brush by about four feet. The hike offered views of Lake Josephine before the hiker returned to Stevens Pass.

The account presents the Enchantments trip as a challenging and beautiful substitute for reaching the PCT's Canadian terminus, which was likely inaccessible. The Stevens Pass hike confirmed ongoing trail maintenance efforts benefiting later-season hikers.