The Enchantments are one of Washington State’s most popular hiking destinations. But right now, the alpine wilderness area is far from the pristine escape visitors are hoping for. Bathroom pits are overflowing, there’s garbage on the trails, and it’s overcrowded. There’s only one forest ranger to patrol more than 900 miles of terrain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The problems stem from federal budget cuts. Seattle Times outdoors reporter Gregory Scruggs is here to tell us more.

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The Enchantments are one of Washington State&rsquo;s most popular hiking destinations. But right now, the alpine wilderness area is far from the pristine escape visitors are hoping for. <a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/life/outdoors/the-enchantments-face-dire-conditions-amid-staffing-shortage/">Bathroom pits are overflowing, there&rsquo;s garbage on the trails, and it&rsquo;s overcrowded</a>. There&rsquo;s only one forest ranger to patrol more than 900 miles of terrain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The problems stem from federal budget cuts. Seattle Times outdoors reporter Gregory Scruggs is here to tell us more.
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Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:seattlenow@kuow.org">seattlenow@kuow.org</a>, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or<a href="https://www.kuow.org/feedback">&nbsp;leave us feedback online</a>.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

Seattle Now is KUOW's flagship daily news podcast. Seattle Now brings you quick headlines, smart analysis, and award-winning local news. New episodes every weekday morning and afternoon. Start and end your day with Seattle Now, from KUOW and the NPR Network.

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The Enchantments are one of Washington State’s most popular hiking destinations. But right now, the alpine wilderness area is far from the pristine escape visitors are hoping for. Bathroom pits are overflowing, there’s garbage on the trails, and it’s overcrowded. There’s only one forest ranger to patrol more than 900 miles of terrain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The problems stem from federal budget cuts.

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