Crystal Lake in the Enchantments, Washington, United States  Sep 3, 2024

Pictured in today"s image, Crystal Lake is in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington, United States. The Enchantments is more than 24 kilometres southwest of the charming Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth. It"s considered one of the Cascade Range"s most stunning areas. The Enchantments is home to more than 700 lakes and ponds and some of the best rock climbing in the Western United States. It"s also home to mountain goats, ptarmigan, pikas and numerous types of alpine flowers. If you want to see Alpine Lakes Wilderness yourself, however, be prepared to wait. Few permits are granted for day hikes, and of the 40,000 people who entered last year"s lottery for overnight permits, only 2,558 received one.

© Mitch Pittman/Tandem Stills + Motion

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