Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Management

Management

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is managed by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in the west and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in the east. There are four Ranger Districts, Cle Elum, Leavenworth, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish that administer this land. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness area is one of the most popular outdoor recreational areas in the State of Washington. Although this area has the wilderness designation and no motorized vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, or even bicycles can operate in this area, there is heavy foot traffic and camping throughout. Because of this heavy foot traffic managing the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area to preserve its integrity is very challenging. This recreational area's popularity has led to physical, biological and social impacts.

The Forest Service has taken many steps to minimize the environmental impacts due to heavy recreational use. Education and information is a primary method used by the Forest Service. Other methods include Wilderness Ranger contacts, regulation, permits, restoration efforts, and trail clearing. Due to the popularity of the Enchantment Lakes area within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Wilderness Permits are required. These permits must be applied for well in advance of the visit and are selected at random.