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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