Yes, Mt Rainier National Park is still snowed in and will be until the 4th of July. Same with the Enchantments up near Leavenworth WA. In order to stay over night and backpack in these amazing locations, you need to enter a lottery at recreation.gov and see if randomly you get to pre-book you trip. I entered both today. I have tried twice in the past with the Enchantments and failed both times! So now I am hoping for good luck!

The lottery system was developed in order to help create sustainability at these highly desirable locations. The alternative is overuse, and basically the destruction of national treasures. Alpine areas are especially susceptible to long lasting damage. Trampled flower meadows can take decades to recover if ever. So, this is a gamble that I am willing to support!

You only have a few weeks to put in for the lottery at both locations, so now is the time.

Mt Rainier National Park: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

Enchantments: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_053607

That means that hiking season is right around the corner. It’s time to start the plans, check my gear, and get others excited about the great outdoors! What better way to promote a healthy lifestyle than to engage with some natural wonder!

Feel free to share your plans below in comments. I would love to hear what others are plotting…