[MooseAndSquirrel]

The permit system came about because of overcrowding in the Enchantments, and I've been up there 4 times over 15 years during the permit system and found little crowding- the area is big enough that folks can find reasonable enough solitude, especially in the upper Enchantments. If one is a respectable outdoorsperson then following a list of do's and don'ts is no big deal- it's just common sense really. It's a spectacular area worthy of a visit and one probably won't be enough.

[Dean]

I'd rather spend my money to be "crowded in" with 100 other people than to spend my money to be "crowded in" with thousands at DisneyLand or even Federal's enchanted village. There are adequate places to camp and if you use Hennessey Hammocks, you can even be a little creative about where you camp. Randy pointed out the Crystal creek route which is a route I've done and we dry camped in an area below Crystal creek which is out of the permit zone. Lots of possibilities. You don't have to camp at Leprechaun, consider going over to Shields or Earle-Mesa. It is beautiful and it is worth the effort and unfortunately that is why there is a permit system in place. Prior to the permit system the place swarmed with people like you wouldn't believe. You can bet I've put in for my permit again this year.

[Lead Dog]

I understand the permit system to keep down the people. It's the $60.00 that bothers me. Why aren't they free? Like everywhere else!

[-lol-]

[Backpacker Joe]

Yes sir, dumping thems crappers must be a bumemr! Not the kind of duty I'd want to have! TB

[Allison]

It's nice to know that by paying my fees, I am paying for enforcement for all of my climber friends, who are in large part 'above getting permits' because climbers 'impact less'. Matter of fact, I had an interesting conversation tonight at the cc.com weekly drinking thing about what is hiking and what is climbing, and the character I was talking with said 'if they are in jeans, they are tourist hikers, and if they are in Goretex, they are climbers!'. I'm thinking that in the lightweight crowd that makes us NEITHER, and in the regular crowd, we are all suddenly climbers, even if we don't know our third from our fifth, and our Munter from our Altimeter.

[Backpacker Joe]

Well the funny thing is this; unless they (climbers) get helicoptered in there, they *are* hikers until the climb begins. Then they're hikers again until they get into their cars.... We hikers may not be climbers, but those climbers *are* hikers too. So let's have them pay their bloody fees like the rest of us aye!!! TB

[salish]

I just got my permit in the mail today, and I'll be up there Aug. 28th-31st. Dean, I'll visit your Yahoo Enchantments site, and I'll be in touch about yet another route. Lot's of wonderful info in this thread, thanks! Cliff

[Dean]

BPJ, I too look forward to spending some time with another Enchantment addict. Lots of nooks and crannies to explore still plus our G3 cameras will need to get a good workout. Cliff: I just got my permit in the mail, same time frame, Aug 28 - Sept 2. Maybe we can have a NWHiker social up there. All are welcome to check out the yahoo group on the Enchantments, it is perking up some. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/enchantmentlakesofwashington/

[Backpacker Joe]

How's this for irony, I just recieved my permits too! Aug 25th through Aug 29th We'll all be up there at the same bloody time! What a country! TB

[Tom]

What a shame, I think we're heading up to Silver Lake at that time.

[Randy]

There's gonna be a crowd at Silver Lake at the end of August then!

[Tom]

Hah, Randy maybe I'm sandbagging you by a month.

[Backpacker Joe]

Oh, that's ok. Somebody can have my Chantments permits if I can get a shot at silver lake! TB

[Randy]

For your sake I hope not. Don't think your few mountains would be as fun. Besides it's no contest! BPJ, forget the Enchanments -- you've been there 50 times anyhow. They're nice, but don't compare to being really "out there".