Lakes Plan Delayed

Backpacking

A limited-entry permit system for portions of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness has been delayed for at least a year, the U.S. Forest Service said.

This summer, hikers in the popular wilderness area southwest of Leavenworth will be required only to fill out self-issued permits at trail heads.

The delay was prompted by staffing limitations caused by last summer’s massive wildfires and a reduction in funds for wilderness trails and recreation programs.

But by 1998, everyone going into the 393,000-acre Cascades forest wilderness will be required to purchase a permit, even for day use, agency officials said.

Permits and reservations are already required in the high-use Enchantment Lakes area.

The new plan calls for issuing a limited number of day and overnight permits for all visitors. Reservations will be required in the most popular areas. A fee amount hasn’t been decided.