Hiker Headlines: Wildlife March Madness; Enchantments daily lottery change; Heather Lake Trail closed Saturday

It’s March 21. Head to WTA’s Instagram stories over the next few weeks to vote in our March Madness — Washington Wildlife Edition! The daily Enchantments walk-up permit lottery process will be mobile-based this summer. And take note: The Heather Lake Trail and visitor center in Stehekin have upcoming closures. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Get your votes in for March Madness — Washington Wildlife edition! Photos by Chris Neir, Gil Aegerter, Gary Anderson, Angela Davis, Ariana Wood, Kylie Mihld.

Wildlife March Madness: WTA’s March Madness — Washington Wildlife edition is here! Vote for your favorite Washington critters on our Instagram stories over the next few weeks to see who Washington’s favorite critter is. 

Enchantments change: Starting this May, the process to enter the daily Enchantments walk-up permit lottery for an overnight permit is changing. The system is shifting from in-person to a mobile-based geofence system. To enter the lottery, applicants must use a location-enabled mobile device, like a smartphone, and be physically located within a mile of the Wenatchee River Ranger Station. Applicants should be prepared to visit the ranger station to pick up their printed permit if they are selected.

Trail closure: The Heather Lake trail is closed this Saturday, March 23, for search and rescue operations. 

Stehekin visitor center: The Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin will be closed this summer. Local information can still be found online and on bulletin boards and panels in the area. Please note that there is no cell phone service or ATMs, as well as few grocery and food services, in Stehekin. Plan to make lodging reservations before you reach Stehekin as most places require advanced reservations. 

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