Recreation Report
Ranger District sections on this page
Recreation Rentals of the Pacific Northwest
CURRRENT CONDITIONS
Safety Alerts, Fires, Advisories, Closures, and Restrictions
The Recreation Niche and 5-Year Program of work is now available - Recreation Facility Analysis
Where will you be able to use a motor vehicle on the National Forest?
Learn about and participate in the Access Travel Management process
Wenatchee River Salmon Festival - September 18-21, 2008
October 14, 2008
Recreation Reports are printed every other week.
Vandalism and Thefts – Forest Users Beware!
Fall Colors
Fall has definitely arrived, and visitors to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will see vibrant fall colors in most areas of the forest. Leaves have not yet reached their peak colors in the higher elevation areas of the forests, but will soon do so. Fall colors are still incredibly beautiful in the lower elevations. Every year at this time visitors revel in the beauty of the trees, knowing well that it is only a fleeting pleasure. Before long though, the leaves will flutter away and become a part of the rich carpet that covers the forest floor.
All during spring and summer the leaves have served as factories where most of the foods necessary for the trees' growth are manufactured. This food-making process takes place in the leaf in numerous cells containing the pigment chlorophyll, which gives the leaf its green color. Along with the green pigment, leaves also contain yellow or orange carotenoids--which, for example, give the carrot its familiar color. Most of the year these yellowish colors are masked by the greater amount of green coloring. But in the fall, partly because of changes in the period of daylight and changes in temperature, the leaves stop their food-making process. The chlorophyll breaks down, the green color disappears, and the yellowish colors become visible and give the leaves part of their fall splendor.
At the same time, other chemical changes may occur and cause the formation of additional pigments that vary from yellow to red to blue. Some of them give rise to the reddish and purplish fall colors of leaves of dogwoods, vine maples, and sumacs. Others give the sugar maple its brilliant orange or fiery red and yellow. These colors are due to the mixing of varying amounts of the chlorophyll and other pigments in the leaf during the fall season.
Fall weather conditions favoring formation of brilliant red autumn color are warm sunny days followed by cool nights with temperatures below 45 degrees F. Much sugar is made in the leaves during the daytime, but cool nights prevent movement of sugar from the leaves. From the sugars trapped in the leaves, the red pigment called anthocyanin is formed.
The degree of color may vary from tree to tree. For example, leaves directly exposed to the sun may turn red, while those on the shady side of the same tree or on other trees in the shade may be yellow. Also, the colors on the same tree may vary from year to year depending upon the combination of weather conditions. When there is much warm, cloudy, rainy weather in the fall the leaves may have less red coloration.
Through fallen leaves, nature has provided for a fertile forest floor. Fallen leaves contain relatively large amounts of valuable elements, particularly calcium and potassium, which were originally a part of the soil.
This is the time of year when it is just nice to go out and enjoy the spectacle and beauty of all the colorful leaves in the national forests. Take the time to bask in the fall colors before they are all gone, and enjoy a fall visit to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
OTHER FOREST-RELATED INFORMATION
FALL COLOR PHOTOS:
Be sure to check out fall color photos on our forest web site located at www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/fallcolor. Just click on the picture titled “Fall Color Photos 2008” for the latest pictures of fall colors in the Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest.
FALL COLOR HOTLINE:
The toll-free hotline number is (800) 354-4595 and provides callers with an automated voice system for hearing weekly updates on peak color in different regions of the country. The same information is available on the Forest Service's World Wide Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/news/fall.shtml
PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements
SPECIAL FOREST PRODUCTS:
Permits are required for gathering forest products including firewood, mushrooms, transplants, rocks and minerals, posts and poles, floral cuttings, cones, and boughs. Please contact the district office for specific information. There is a minimum charge of $20.00 per permit. Free use permits are available for small quantities of certain items for personal use. Special forest products permits for personal use firewood, personal use river rock, and commercial use beargrass are available from the Cle Elum Ranger Station.
INTERAGENCY PASS PROGRAM
( America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreation Lands Pass ):
This new pass combines the benefits of existing recreation passes from five federal agencies into one comprehensive Interagency Pass called “ America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.”
- The new pass covers recreation opportunities on public lands managed by National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and U.S. Forest Service.
- The pass applies to those locations that currently have entrance or standard amenity fees.
- The annual pass sells for $80, the lifetime senior pass is $10, and the lifetime access pass and the volunteer passes are free.
- Passes are valid for one full year from the month of purchase.
- Passes provide entrance or access to the pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Federally operated recreation sites across the country.
- Passes cover the pass holder and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee for children 15 and under.
- Passes are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-TRANSFERABLE, and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen.
- The new program replaces the Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and the Golden Access Passports as well as the National Parks Pass. Existing passes will remain valid until expired, lost or stolen.
- These passes can be used in lieu of the Northwest Forest Pass.
NORTHWEST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION (NWIA):
Check out the great selection of books, puzzles, cards, stuffed animals, kids stuff, and much more at each of the NWIA sales outlets located in the reception areas at each ranger district office and at the forest headquarters office!
RECREATION PASS PURCHASE INFORMATION:
Passes are required at most national forest trailheads. Passes are available at all ranger district offices and the forest headquarters office in Wenatchee. The cost is $30 for an annual pass and $5 for a day use pass. For information about the Northwest Forest Pass call 1-800-270-7504 or to order it online go to naturenw.org. America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes will be honored at all Northwest Forest Pass sites.
- Lake Wenatchee area: Passes are available at Cole's Corner Market (Shell gas station), Parkside Grocery, and Plain Hardware.
- Leavenworth area: In Leavenworth passes are available at Der Sportsman, Icicle Quik Stop 76 gas station, Village Mercantile, Leavenworth Mountain Sports, Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat Gift Shop, Pioneer Market in Cashmere, and Ingalls Creek Convenience Center & Lodging at 3057 US Highway 97.
- Cle Elum area Northwest Forest Pass vendors include:
- Sportland Mini Mart, 4402 Bullfrog Road, Cle Elum, WA. Located 1.5 miles north of the Ranger Station on Hwy 903. 509-649-2259.
- Roslyn Cyclery, 105 N 2 nd Street, Roslyn, WA, 509-649-2863.
- Teanaway Mercantile, 10690 Teanaway Road, 509-674-6957. Located near milepost 6 on Teanaway Road.
- Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce, 609 N Main, Ellensburg, WA, 509-925-3137
- Mt High Sports, 105 E 4 th, Ellensburg, WA, 509-925-4686.
- Chelan area: Chelan Ranger District, 428 W. Woodin Avenue in Chelan, 509-682-2576
- Entiat area: Passes are available at Cooper’s General Store in the Entiat Valley.
- Naches area: Northwest Forest passes can be purchased at the following locations in and around Naches:
- Naches Ranger District, 10237 U. S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937;
- Rimrock Grocery Store, 34090 U.S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937, 509-672-2251
- Pacific NW Trail River & Alpine Sports, 315 West Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA 98902, 509-248-2093
- Selah Save-On Foods, 800 N. Park Centre, Selah, WA 98942, 509-697-6184
- Naches Chinook Center, 10450 U.S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937, 509-653-2405
- Okanogan area: Forest Service Okanogan Valley Office, 1240 S. 2 nd Avenue in Okanogan, 509-826-3275
- Tonasket area: Tonasket Ranger District office, 1 W. Winesap in Tonasket, 509-486-2186
- Twisp/Methow Valley area:
- In Carlton, Carlton General Store (Day Passes only)
- In Mazama, Mazama Country Inn (Day Passes only)
- In Twisp, Do-It Center Valley Hardware (Annual & Day Passes)
- In Winthrop, Methow Cycle & Sports (Annual & Day Passes)
- Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center (Day Passes only)
- Winthrop Mountain Sports (Annual & Day Passes)
- Wenatchee area: Northwest Forest passes are available at Arlberg Sports Inc., Hooked on Toys, and Mountain Air Gear.
CHELAN RANGER DISTRICT |
District Ranger Bob Sheehan. The office phone number is (509) 682-2576.
OFFICE HOURS: 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Chelan Ranger District also serves as an information center for the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. National Park users may call us during office hours for information related to the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.
CAMPING: All campgrounds are open and are available on a first come, first serve basis. The water has been turned off at Snowberry Bowl and Lucerne Campgrounds. Fees are still being charged at Snowberry Bowl Campground, the cost is $10.00 a night per vehicle.
BOAT DOCKS: Please note that as the lake level lowers (in the winter and spring) fixed docks leading to campgrounds may not be accessible. The docks at Weaver Point Campground have been re moved for the season due to low lake levels. The water at the campground will also be turned off. Keep a watch out for floating debris while boating on Lake Chelan. Dock permits are required May 1 through October 31. Permits are $5/day or $40/season.
FALL BURNING: Fire crews will be doing prescribed burning during the month of October in Bergman Gulch and Washington Creek areas. Please be careful in burn areas. If you have any questions about the prescribed burning please call the Chelan Ranger District office.
ECHO RIDGE: The trail system is open to hiking and mountain biking. No fees are being charged.
TRAILS: Trails listed below as “maintained” have been cleared of logs; however, we have had windy days since the maintenance occurred and more trees have fallen across the trails. In burn areas, there can be quite a lot of newly fallen trees.
Glacier Peak Wilderness trails |
|
Agnes Gorge Trail #1281 |
Maintained |
Company Creek Trail #1243 |
Maintained. There is heavy brush in the lower trail. The removal of a large root wad has left deep holes in the trail, thus making this trail impassable by stock. |
Copper Basin Trail #1240.22 |
Maintained |
Devore Creek Trail #1244 |
Maintained. The trail is washed out at 4 mile point and is not passable by stock |
Emerald Park Trail #1230 |
Maintained. The lower section of this trail is In Domke Lake Fire burn area. Do not dilly-dally in drainages and avoid travel in this area when windy. Even though trail has been maintained, the part of the trail in the burned over area will have numerous trees that have fallen across it since our crew cleared it. Emerald Park and above was not burned. |
Hart / Lyman Lake Trail #1256 |
Maintained |
Holden Lake Trail #1251 |
Maintained |
Lower Railroad Creek Trail #1240 |
Maintained. When in burn areas do not dilly-dally in drainages and avoid travel in this area when windy. The trail segment roughly between Tumble Creek and Clone Creek is not maintained. Even though parts of the trail have been maintained, the part of the trail in the burned over area will have numerous trees that have fallen across it since our crew cleared it. |
Lyman Spur Trail #1256.1 |
Maintained. |
Pacific Crest Trail #2000 |
Maintained. Any travelers going over the PCT via Suiattle Pass down to the Suiattle River trail should be aware that trail construction is underway in the Milk Creek. The construction crew may be using explosives in the area during September and October 2008. Using the signed PCT detour over Buck Creek Pass is recommended. |
South Fork Agnes Trail #1239 |
Maintained. A small bridge and boardwalk are damaged. This trail is not safe for stock use. |
Holden Village area non-wilderness trails |
|
Holden Loop Trail #1253 |
Maintained |
Ten Mile Creek Trail #1241 |
Maintained to 4,000 feet elevation; but there is a tree down across the trail on a switchback. It is easy to lose the trail before reaching the end at the stream crossing. |
Ten Mile Falls Trail #1270 |
Maintained |
Monkey Bear Falls Trail #1273 |
Maintained |
Lucerne area non-wilderness trails |
|
Domke Lake Trail #1280 |
Maintained. The trail from Domke Lake Camp to Stuart Camp is CLOSED due to damage resulting from the 2007 Domke Lake fire. |
Domke Mt. Lookout Trail #1280.1 |
Maintained. |
Sawtooth Backcountry Non-Wilderness Trails |
|
Prince Creek Trail #1255.2 |
Maintained.Even though the trail has been maintained, the part of the trail in the burned over area will have numerous trees that have fallen across it since our crews cleared it. |
Safety Harbor Trail #1261 |
Maintained. HAZARD —The old pipe under the trail is caving in between the 2 and 3 mile point, this is especially hazardous to stock. The old pipe is scheduled to be fixed some time in 2008. |
Summer Blossom Trail #1258 |
Maintained. |
Summit Trail #1259.3 |
Maintained. |
Uno Peak Trail #1260 |
Maintained for first 5 miles.There are some logs across the trail on last 1.4 miles near Miner’s Basin. |
Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness trails |
|
Lower Fish Creek Trail #1248 |
Maintained for 4 miles. Even though the trail has been maintained, the part of the trail in the burned over area will have numerous trees that have fallen across it since our crews cleared it. The trail was logged out for the second time on 9/17/08. |
Lakeshore Trail #1247.1702 |
Maintained. This is a hot and dry hike. |
N. Fork fish Creek Trail #1248.1 |
Maintained. Even though the trail has been maintained, the part of the trail in the burned over area will have numerous trees that have fallen across it since our crews cleared it. The trail was logged out for the second time on 9/17/08. |
N. Fork Prince Creek Trail #1254 |
Maintained. |
Oval Pass Trail #1259.13 |
Maintained |
Prince Creek Trail #1255 |
Maintained. Bridge is gone but the water is low enough to forge. Has been logged out for the 2 nd time as of 9/17/08 |
Round Lake Trail |
Maintained. Even though trail has been maintained, the part of the trail in the burned over area will have numerous trees that have fallen across it since our crew cleared it. The trail was logged out for the second time on 9/17/08. |
Summit Trail #1259 |
Maintained |
Surprise Lake Trail #1249 |
Maintained |
25 Mile Creek & Stormy Mountain area trails (Open to motorbikes, mountain bikes, horses, and hikers) |
|
Devil’s Backbone Trail #1264 |
Maintained |
Lone Peak Trail #1264 CLOSED |
This trail was damaged by the Pot Peak Fire in 2005, the North Fork flood in 2006, and by heavy wind fall in 2007. The trail is CLOSED for the 2008 season for reconstruction. |
Pot Peak Trail #1266 |
Maintained |
North Fork 25 Mile Trail #1265 |
The lower trail has been maintained to the washout at the 2 mile point. NO TRAVEL to the Upper Trail is possible this year. The upper 25 Mile Trail was damaged by the Pot Peak Fire in 2005, by the North Fork flood in 2006, and by heavy wind fall in 2007. The Upper Trail is closed for the 2008 season for reconstruction. |
Stormy Mt. Trail #1233 |
Maintained |
CLE ELUM RANGER DISTRICT |
Temporary District Ranger Patty Garvey-Darda. The office phone number is (509) 852-1100; TTY only (509) 674-9770.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ELLENSBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is located at 609 North Main Street in Ellensburg. Chamber of Commerce office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. The Chamber provides Forest Service information, Cle Elum Ranger District Trail Guide books, Wenatchee National Forest maps, Cle Elum Ranger District maps, and Northwest Forest passes.
SNOQUALMIE PASS VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER is now closed for the season. It is should re-open for the winter season in mid to late December, when snow shoe walks will once again be offered.
FALL COLORS: Vine maple are past peak in most areas of the district at this time. Cottonwood in the valley floors are nearing peak, with the best color expected in the next week to 10 days.
Western larch, also known as Tamarack, is at or near peak color in most areas of the district. The best places to view these are along Highway 97 near Blewett Pass. Alpine larches at Ingalls Lake and in the Robin Lakes area are peak at this time.
Following are some Forest Service (FS) roads that offer views of larch.
- Road #9716 offers great views of larch at the summit of Blewett Pass. Follow Road #9716 to Road #9712, turn right on Road #9712 and return to Highway 97 near the town of Liberty.
- Reecer Creek Road from Ellensburg to FS Road #3500 is a paved, one lane road with pullouts, steep in places, and takes you to Table Mountain. An extra 3 miles on gravel and a short walk, less that ¼ mile, on a steep dirt road takes you to Lion Rock, and is one of the best views on the district.
- Also from Ellensburg, take Manastash Road which becomes FS Road #31. Follow Road #31 to Buck Meadows, continue on Road #31 to Quartz Mountain for a spectacular view. Return on Road #31 to Road #3120 and stay left. Follow this road until it becomes Road #13330 which will lead across Taneum Ridge and descend into the Taneum Creek Drainage to Road #33. Follow Road #33 to the Thorp Highway where a left turn will take you to I-90. Passenger cars with reasonable clearance can travel this route with little difficulty.
CAMPING: Autumn is one of the nicest times of the year to camp. The weather is still nice and the summer crowds are gone. Most developed campgrounds have now closed for the season including Kachess, Crystal Springs, Wish Poosh, Cle Elum River, Salmon la Sac, Mineral Springs, Swauk, and Taneum Creek.
Other campgrounds which have closed for the season, but remain available for use with no services and no fees, include Red Mountain, Owhi at Cooper Lake, Ice Water Creek, Fish Lake, Red Top, Lion Rock, Tamarack Springs, and Quartz Mountain.
Campgrounds which remain open and require the Northwest Forest Pass or a fee of $ 5.00 per day are Ken Wilcox Horse Camp at Haney Meadows, DeRoux Camp, Taneum Junction, Riders Camp and Manastash Camp. Beverly Campground remains open and charges $8.00 per night. Cayuse Horse Camp remains closed indefinitely.
NORTHWEST FOREST PASS VENDORS:
- Sportland Mini Mart, 4402 Bullfrog Road, Cle Elum, WA. Located 1.5 miles north of the Ranger Station on Hwy 903. Their phone number is 509-649-2259.
- Roslyn Cyclery, 105 N 2 nd Street, Roslyn, WA, phone 509-649-2863.
- Teanaway Mercantile, 10690 Teanaway Rd., phone 509-674-6957. Located near milepost 6 on Teanaway Road.
- Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce, 609 N Main, Ellensburg, WA, phone 509-925-3137
- Mt High Sports, 105 E 4 th, Ellensburg, WA, phone 509-925-4686.
SAFETY: Before leaving home, be sure to let someone know where you are going, when you plan to return, and what to do if you don’t return on time. Remember to let them know when you do return. Dress appropriately for all weather conditions. Drink plenty of water, use sunscreen, and wear a hat and sunglasses. Also, wear sturdy footwear. Always carry the 10 (or more) Essentials--map, compass, knife, waterproof matches or lighter and fire starter, flashlight, food and water, first aid kit, whistle, signal mirror, extra clothes, sunscreen, and insect repellant.
CABIN RENTALS: The Cle Elum Ranger District offers public rental of two cabins:
Table Mountain A-Frame is located at 6,000 feet elevation and is south of Blewett Pass. This is a great spot for star gazing due to its high elevation and remote location. The cabin has four twin beds and room for an additional six folks on the floor. A large deck, picnic table, and fire ring add to the charm of this rustic cabin.
Teanaway Guard Station is located along North Fork Teanaway Road #9737 north of Cle Elum. This small cabin offers a cozy spot for two people to enjoy the Teanaway Valley and nearby hiking trails that access Ingalls Lake, Navajo Peak, and other classic Teanaway area trails. The cabin has one bunk bed set that offers two twin beds; a picnic table and fire rings are available outside.
Amenities and number of occupants vary. For more information or to make reservations for these cabins, contact Reserve USA at 1-877-444-6777 on line at recreation.gov.
 Table Mountain Cabin |
 Table Mountain Cabin interior |
Cle Elum Ranger District ORV information
Check out the Alpine Lakes Wilderness site for Cle Elum Ranger District
ENTIAT RANGER DISTRICT |
District Ranger Karin Whitehall. The office phone number is (509) 784-1511.
OFFICE HOURS: Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
FALL COLORS: The fall colors are in splendid array in and around the town of Entiat. As you drive up the Entiat River Road and into the National Forest the abundance of color becomes really amazing. The reds, yellows and greens are amazing at this time of year. With the fall rains the roads can become very slippery, so please drive carefully.
TRAILS: The following trails require a Recreation Pass: Silver Falls Trail #1442, Lake Creek Trail #1443, North Fork Entiat River Trail #1437, and Entiat River Trail #1400. Passes must be displayed so they are visible to compliance officers. The following passes are valid: Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Age, Golden Access, Interagency pass, and the Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass.
The Entiat Ranger District has many miles of great trails used for all types of recreation. No matter one’s mode of travel—motorcycle, hiking, mountain bike, or horse—please remember to “Tread Lightly” and minimize impacts on the land by staying on the trail. When traveling by motorcycle, maintain slower speeds and avoid spinning tires and braking excessively. All Entiat District trails were maintained this summer, however, trail conditions never remain static so expect new blow downs or washouts, particularly as fall brings more unstable weather.
CAMPGROUNDS: We will begin closing district campgrounds on October 20 th. Please contact the Ranger District for more information on campground closures.
METHOW VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT |
District Ranger - John Newcom
The office phone number is (509) 996-4003.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
FALL COLORS: Vine maples, huckleberries, and other shrubs are showing fall colors. Alpine larch are yellow at the highest elevations but be prepared to hike through snow at those higher elevations. Larch are reported to be beautiful on the Blue Lake Trail, Goat Peak Trail and Twisp Pass Trail.
METHOW VALLEY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED: The visitor center formerly located below the Ranger Station will not be opening as the building is now being used by another agency. All public information and permits are now provided from the Ranger Station office in Winthrop. Our phone number is 509-996-4000 and our back up number is 509-996-4003.
WEATHER: The higher elevations are receiving snow--be prepared. Forest visitors may want to call Methow Valley State Airport Automated Weather Observation for the latest weather forecasts; their number is 509-997-0142. A Surface Observation Map is available at www.wrh.noaa.gov/ /newsea.php.
WASHINGTON PASS OVERLOOK is CLOSED for reconstruction.
CAMPGROUNDS: All district campgrounds are available on a first come, first served basis.Please help keep campgrounds clean by packing out all trash, and remember to bring your own drinking water. All water systems are being turned off for the winter. Road’s End Campground re-opened on October 6.
ROADS -- METHOW VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT NORTH:A Northwest Forest Pass (fee) is required for parking at signed trailheads west of the Okanogan River. Passes can be purchased at Forest Service offices and some local businesses. Please refer to the Travel Plan map for seasonal road closures. Most forest roads are open.
On the Chancellor Road #5400-700, a road use permit is required for the road past Slate Creek (approx. 3.5 miles before Chancellor). Call 509-996-4000 for a permit. Hikers using the Cady Pass Trail do not need this permit.
ROADS -- METHOW VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT SOUTH: A Northwest Forest Pass (fee) is required for parking at signed trailheads west of the Okanogan River. Passes can be purchased at Forest Service offices and some local businesses. Twisp River Road #4440 to Road’s End Campground re-opened on October 6, 2008.
TRAILS: Chancellor Trail #754 is closed from Boulder Creek Trail #729 to Mill Creek Trail #755 due to a trail wash out. Check local weather forecasts before beginning your trip.
TRAILS -- METHOW VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT NORTH: A Northwest Forest Pass (fee) is required for parking at the district’s 26 signed trailheads and one picnic area. Passes can be purchased at Forest Service offices and at some local businesses. Any trails through burned areas could have downed logs, rolling rocks, and falling snags; these could come down at any time. Please be very careful.
Certified weed-free hay is required at trailheads leading into Wilderness areas.
Trail Name |
Trail # |
Miles |
Remarks |
Update |
504 |
15.5 |
Cleared of windfalls but be prepared for new windfalls in the old burn area. Stock users should bring a non-motorized saw. |
7/21/08 |
|
533 |
28 |
Cleared of windfall to Ashnola River. There is a rock slide on Trail #533 between Lower Cathedral Lake and Upper Cathedral Lake; the trail is passable using an alternate trail around the slide area. |
8/18/08 |
|
533 |
36 |
Many down trees (230 down in Frosty Creek area) not cleared for several years (since 2006 fire). Impassable to stock and very difficult for hikers. |
8/18/08 |
|
Blue Lake |
314 |
2.2 |
Increasing new snow accumulations reported. |
10/10/08 |
Buckskin Ridge |
498 |
11.5 |
Windfalls not cleared. |
8/18/08 |
Cedar Creek |
476 |
9.6 |
Cleared of windfalls. |
8/5/08 |
754 |
15.5 |
CLOSED between Boulder Creek Trail #754 and Mill Creek Trail #755 due to a trail washout. A rock slide, just west of the Mill Creek bridge, makes the trail impassable. |
5/20/08 |
Trail Name |
Trail # |
Miles |
Remarks |
Update |
Chewuch |
510 |
18.1 |
Cleared of windfalls but be prepared for new windfalls in the old burn area. Stock users should bring a non-motorized saw. Andrews Creek Trail #504 currently recommended for stock, with less new windfalls across the trail. |
8/18/08 |
Copper Glance |
519 |
3.3 |
Trail not maintained, the beginning of the trail is brushy with some scattered windfalls that are passable for hikers. Not recommended or passable to stock, the old bridge has collapsed. |
8/18/08 |
Crystal Lake |
517 |
9.2 |
Cleared of windfalls, but stock users need to be prepared for new windfalls in the old burn area with non-motorized saws. The trail is narrow for stock in a couple places. |
8/18/08 |
Cutthroat Pass |
483 |
5.5 |
Cleared of windfalls. Increasing new snow accumulations reported |
10/10/08 |
East Creek |
756 |
11.0 |
Windfalls cleared for 2 miles but there are still many windfalls on the trail. |
8/18/08 |
East Fork Pasayten |
541 |
|
Cleared |
8/18/08 |
Dean Creek |
456 |
|
Not cleared of down trees for many years, difficult for hikers and impassable to stock. |
8/5/08 |
Driveway Butte |
481 |
4.0 |
Open |
6/3/08 |
Goat Peak Look-out |
457 |
2.5 |
Open |
6/30/08 |
Hidden Lakes |
477 |
21.9 |
Stub Creek is cleared of windfall, two miles to second Creek. |
8/18/08 |
Holman Creek |
472A |
2.0 |
Cleared of windfalls |
7/16/08 |
Jackita Ridge |
738 |
|
Two large snow slides block the trail to stock between Devils Park and Devils Pass. The remaining trail is cleared of windfall. |
7/18/08 |
500 |
18.9 |
Cleared of windfall to the lake, stock has access to the south end of the lake. New windfalls come down in the old burn area with strong winds so stock users should be prepared with non-motorized saws. Trail has not been cleared west of Black Lake and is impassable to stock. |
8/18/08 |
|
Larch Creek |
502 |
16.2 |
Cleared of windfall to Boundary Trail #533. |
7/19/08 |
Lake Anne / Maple Pass Loop |
740 |
7.5 |
Increasing amounts of snow accumulation reported. Open |
10/10/08 |
McCall Gulch |
548 |
|
Cleared of windfall. |
7/3/08 |
Monument Creek |
484 |
25.0 |
Clear to the Wilderness boundary. Eureka Creek bridge has washed out; fording is difficult as the water is high. The trail beyond the Wilderness boundary is not recommended for stock use, too many windfalls and it has not been maintained for many years. |
6/5/08 |
Pacific Crest Trail (Hwy 20 to Hart’s Pass) |
2000 |
30.0 |
The trail between Granite Pass and Snowy Lakes is very narrow for stock, this area is not recommended for horses. |
8/5/08 |
Pacific Crest Trail (Hart’s Pass to Canada ) |
2000 |
32.0 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
Rainy Lake |
310 |
0.9 |
Snow reported on the trail. Cleared of windfalls. |
10/10/08 |
Rock Creek |
473 |
7.1 |
Lots of trees down. Trail cleared 3 miles from the junction with Robinson Creek Trail #478. |
8/18/08 |
478 |
27.4 |
First bridge is closed to stock due to a broken stringer. Ford available. Cleared of windfalls for 9 miles to Robinson Pass. The trail is cleared from Whistler cut-off trail #575 junction to the Rock Creek Trail #473 junction. |
7/18/08 |
|
Stub Creek |
458 |
6.3 |
Cleared of windfall to Second Creek. |
6/5/08 |
Tatoosh Buttes |
485 |
10.6 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/5/08 |
Tungsten |
534 |
6.2 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
West Fork Pasayten |
472 |
14.0 |
Cleared of windfall. |
7/18/08 |
480 |
8.0 |
The trail is cleared of windfall for 9 miles to the Pacific Crest Trail junction. |
7/1/08 |
|
527 |
10.5 |
The trail is cleared of windfalls to Gardner Meadows. |
6/24/08 |
TRAILS -- METHOW VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT SOUTH: A Northwest Forest Pass (fee) is required for parking at the district’s 26 signed trailheads and one picnic area. Passes can be purchased at Forest Service offices and at some local businesses.
Certified weed-free hay is required at trailheads leading into the wilderness areas.
Trail Name |
Trail # |
Miles |
Remarks |
Update |
Black Pine Lake |
441 |
0.4 |
Open |
6/9/08 |
Lookout Mountain |
412 |
1.3 |
Open, not cleared of windfalls. |
6/9/08 |
Crater Lake |
416 |
3.2 |
Open and cleared of windfalls |
6/24/08 |
Eagle Creek |
410 |
7.3 |
Cleared of windfalls to Silver Lake. |
8/18/08 |
431 |
7.0 |
Cleared of windfalls. |
7/18/08 |
|
East Fork Buttermilk |
420 |
6.5 |
Cleared of windfalls. |
8/18/08 |
Foggy Dew Sec.1 |
417 |
5.0 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
Foggy Dew Sec.2 |
417A |
2.6 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
Libby Creek |
415 |
5.3 |
Cleared of windfalls. Trail is hazardous for stock beyond the old cabin remnants at about 4 miles. |
7/18/08 |
Lookout Ridge |
412 |
3.7 |
Open, not cleared of windfalls, the trail is difficult to find in places. |
6/9/08 |
Louis Lake |
428 |
3.2 |
There is one large tree blocking stock access about ¼ mile before the lake. |
7/17/08 |
North Creek |
413 |
4.8 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/5/08 |
Oval Lakes |
410A |
8.9 |
Cleared of windfall. No remaining graze for stock, so stock users need to carry feed. |
8/18/08 |
Scatter Creek |
427 |
4.2 |
Cleared of windfalls for 3 miles. Very steep, not recommended for stock. |
8/5/08 |
Slate Creek |
414 |
5.0 |
Cleared of windfalls for 3 miles. Very steep, not recommended for stock. |
8/5/08 |
401 |
7.3 |
The trail is cleared of windfalls to South Pass. The first bridge on South Creek is damaged and is closed to stock and hiker use. |
8/5/08 |
|
Sunrise Lake |
417.2 |
0.8 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
Twisp Pass |
432 |
4.8 |
Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
Twisp River |
440 |
15.3 |
Cleared of windfalls. |
6/24/08 |
War Creek |
408 |
9.3 |
Open. Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
Williams Creek |
407 |
|
Cleared of windfalls. |
7/18/08 |
More information on Methow Valley Ranger District:
NACHES RANGER DISTRICT |
District Ranger Randy Shepard. The office phone number is (509) 653-1400 and 653-1401
OFFICE HOURS: Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Ranger Station foyer is open 24 hours a day for forest information free to the public during non-business hours. Other forest information can be found on kiosks bulletin boards in front of the Ranger Station.
FALL COLORS: On the Naches District the first to change colors are the sumac, elderberry and vine maple. Sumac is visible now and as the nights become longer and cooler other plants will begin the rapid change to cover the forest with a mired of spectacular colors. Stay tuned, with daylight savings it going to happen soon.
FIREWOOD CUTTING: Firewood season on the Naches District ends on October 15.
BOULDER CAVE and CLEAR LAKE DAY USE: Boulder Cave and Clear Lake Day use area are both closed for the winter season.
CAMPGROUNDS: Following is the Naches Ranger District campground closing schedule:
CHINOOK PASS RECREATION SITES |
|
CAMPGROUND |
WINTER CLOSING SCHEDULE & FEES |
American Forks |
CLOSED after Labor Day. |
Upper Bumping Lake |
CLOSED |
Lower Bumping Lake |
$10.00 per night. Scheduled to remain open until October 31 (weather depending) with water, garbage service, and barrier free toilets. |
Cedar Springs |
CLOSED |
Cottonwood |
$10.00 per night. Scheduled to remain open until October 31 (weather depending) with water and garbage service. |
Cougar Flat |
CLOSED |
Crow Creek |
CLOSED |
Halfway Flat |
CLOSED |
Halfway Flat Dispersed Area |
No toilet or dumpster service after Labor Day (free self-service site). |
Hells Crossing |
$10.00 per night. The west side of the campground will remain open with vault toilets, water and garbage service until October 31 (weather depending). Open until November 15 without water (weather depending). The east side is CLOSED. |
Kaner Flat |
$10.00 per night. Water, vault toilets and garbage service available until October 31 (weather depending). Garbage service and vault toilets will continue to November 15 (weather depending). |
Little Naches |
CLOSED |
Lodgepole |
$10.00 per night. Scheduled to remain open until October 31 (weather depending). Garbage and water service will end September 30 th. |
Mather Memorial Rest Area |
CLOSED after Labor Day. |
Pleasant Valley |
CLOSED |
Sawmill Flat |
$10.00 per night. Open until October 31 (weather depending) with water, garbage service, and barrier free toilets. Garbage and toilet service will continue until November 15 (weather depending). |
Soda Springs |
$10.00 per night. Open until October 31 with garbage service and toilets only. |
WHITE PASS RECREATION SITES |
|
CAMPGROUND |
WINTER CLOSING SCHEDULE & FEES |
Clear Lake North |
$10.00 per night. Open through October 31 (weather depending) with garbage service, vault toilets and water available at nearby Clear Lake South Campground. Three Day closed after Labor day. No services after October 31, but some campsites remain accessible. |
Clear Lake South |
$10.00 per night. Open through October 31 (weather depending) with garbage service, vault toilets and water. |
Dog Lake |
Northwest Forest Pass required for trailhead parking and day use. $5.00 per night for camping. Open with toilet service only until October 31. |
Hause Creek |
$10 per night. Open with water, garbage service through November 15 (weather depending). |
Indian Creek |
CLOSED |
Indian Creek Rec Area |
No toilet or dumpster service after Labor Day (free self-service site). |
Peninsula at Rimrock Lake |
$5.00 per night with toilet and garbage service through October 31. |
South Fork Tieton |
No toilet or dumpster service after Labor Day (free self-service site). |
Tieton Pond |
No toilet or dumpster service after Labor Day (free self-service site). |
Leech Lake at White Pass |
Northwest Forest Pass required for trailhead and day use. $5.00 per night for camping. Open until October 31 (weather depending) with vault toilets, garbage service, boat launch (no motors). Fly fishing only. |
Willows |
CLOSED |
Windy Point |
$10.00 per night. Open through October 31 (weather depending) with water, garbage service and vault toilets. Garbage and vault toilet service will continue until November 15 (weather depending). |
HIKING TRAILS: Access to Granite Lake, Fish Lake, Lily Lake, Root Lake, Swamp Lake, and Cougar Lake via Forest Service Road #1800 is closed due to a washout approximately 1/4 mile past the junction with Deep Creek Road #1808.
Forest Service Road #1808 is closed at the Mt. Aix trailhead. Due to limited parking at the trailhead stock users need to unload and park near the junction with the #1800 road.
PASSES: For those planning hikes on the Naches Ranger District a Northwest Forest Pass, Interagency Senior, Access, and Annual Pass is required at the following trailheads.
- ChinookPass: Pacific Crest Trail, Crow Lake Way, Deep Creek is inaccessible, Fish Lake Way, Mesatchee, Swamp Lake, Union Creek.
- White Pass: Dog Lake trailhead and boat launch/picnic area, Indian Creek Sand Ridge, Scatter Creek north Fork Tieton, White Pass Pacific Crest Trail south and north, Leech Lake trailhead and boat launch/picnic area.
A Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife Recreation Use Permit, issued to you when you purchase hunting or fishing licenses is not valid on Forest Service managed lands. If you plan on using a forest boat launch you either have to pay $5 or have a Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful, Senior, or Access Pass. The Recreational Use Permit will not work.
DEEP CREEK FLOOD REPAIR PROJECT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA): The Naches Ranger District has completed the analysis for the Deep Creek Flood Repair project. A copy of the Environmental Assessment (EA) that documents the findings of this analysis is available at the Naches Ranger District office. We welcome and encourage public comments.
Anyone wishing to obtain additional information on this project should contact Gary Torretta at (509) 653-1433 or Marge Hutchinson at (509) 653-1430.
TONASKET RANGER DISTRICT |
District Ranger Mark Morris. The office phone number is (509) 486-2186.
OFFICE HOURS:Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During non-business hours, free forest information is available to the public and can be found in the cabinets at the main entrance to the district office.
MODERN FIREARM GENERAL DEER SEASON occurs from October 11 th – 19 th throughout the Tonasket Ranger District. Please use caution while in the forest; it is a good idea to wear bright hunter orange if you are planning a hike in the woods.
FALL COLORS: Fall is here and now is the time to enjoy splendid fall colors before all the leaves and needles have blanketed the ground. This time of year is a favorite for many who enjoy a colorful weekend drive or a nice walk through the forest. Brilliant fall colors are scattered throughout the Tonasket Ranger District.
PRESCRIBED BURNING: Prescribed burning is occurring on the Tonasket Ranger District. For more information about prescribed burning, please call the Tonasket Ranger District at 509-486-5152.
WOODCUTTING: The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) for zone 678W on the Tonasket Ranger District is a Level I. Woodcutters must remain in the area one hour after shutting down power saws to maintain a fire watch. Woodcutting permits are available for purchase at the Tonasket Ranger District office. Firewood vendors are also selling permits. Vendors include The Junction in Tonasket, Conconully General Store and Salmon Creek Market in Conconully, Prince’s Center in Oroville, and the Chevron station in Okanogan.
Forest visitors may gather and use up to ¼ cord of firewood per day for each campsite without needing to purchase a firewood permit. Removal of firewood from a campground is not allowed. Unused wood must be left in the campground and all firewood removal policy rules apply.
CAMPGROUNDS: All developed campgrounds on the Tonasket District are open and fees are being charged. Campers are reminded that campsites on the Tonasket Ranger District are available on a first come, first served basis. Saving a camp spot by parking in it but not occupying it is not allowed. Please help keep campgrounds clean by packing out all trash. Remember to bring your own drinking water as some of the campgrounds do not have drinking water. Registration and payment of camp fees must occur within 2 hours of arrival at the campground.
All Campgrounds will be officially closed on October 30, 2008 for the winter months; regular campground fees will be charged up to that time.
Campground Name |
Elevation (in feet) |
Picnic Sites |
Camp Sites |
Water & Garbage Service |
Fee/Pass |
Bonaparte Lake * |
3,600 |
9 |
28 |
Yes |
$8.00 |
Lost Lake * |
3,800 |
13 |
19 |
Yes |
$8.00 |
Beaver Lake |
2,700 |
0 |
11 |
Yes |
$6.00 |
Beth Lake |
2,800 |
3 |
15 |
Yes |
$6.00 |
Lyman Lake |
2,900 |
0 |
4 |
No |
No |
Crawfish Lake |
4,500 |
1 |
19 |
No |
No |
Sugarloaf |
2,400 |
0 |
4 |
No water. Garbage disposal is available at Oriole Campground. |
$5.00 |
Cottonwood |
2,700 |
0 |
4 |
Water. Garbage disposal available at Oriole Campground. |
$5.00 |
Oriole |
2,900 |
0 |
10 |
Garbage, water system is damaged. |
$5.00 |
Kerr |
3,100 |
0 |
13 |
No water. Garbage disposal is available at Oriole Campground. |
$5.00 |
Salmon Meadows * |
4,500 |
3 |
7 |
No water. Garbage disposal is available at Oriole Campground. |
$5.00 |
Tiffany Springs |
6,800 |
Yes |
6 |
No |
No |
Long Swamp |
5,500 |
Yes |
2 |
No |
NW Forest Pass |
* Campground with group units
GROUP CAMPSITES: To reserve the Group site at Lost Lake Campground, please call the National Reservation line at 1-877-444-6777 or via the internet at www.recreation.gov.
ROADS: There is truck traffic on Cow Camp Road #3575-120, and logging truck traffic on Aeneas Road #30, Nicholson Creek Road #3575, Middle Salmon-Boulder Creek Road #37, North Fork Salmon Creek Road #3800, Lone Frank Road #3820, and Cazadero Road #3800-365. Visitors are encouraged to obtain a free Okanogan National Forest Travel Plan Map that is available at all Forest Service offices and at www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/map/travplan.shtml. Remember, road conditions can change quickly due to changing weather.
Seasonal road and area closures went into effect on October 1 st and others are scheduled to close throughout the fall and winter. Be sure to review the Travel Management Plan Map for closures.
Road Name |
Road Number |
Condition as of 10/06/2008 |
Cow Camp |
3575-120 |
Truck traffic. |
Aeneas |
30 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Peony Creek |
3010 |
Open |
Barnell Meadows |
3000-100 |
Closed |
Tunk Mountain |
3015 |
Open |
Dugout Mountain Road |
3005-100 |
Open, gated at the top. |
Marias Creek |
3550 |
Portions of Roads 3550 & 3550-125 have been reopened. Road #3550-125 will remain closed above the 3550-130 junction. Roads #3550-080, 3550-122, and 3550 above the junction with Road 3550-125 will remain closed to wheeled traffic. |
Nicholson Creek |
3575 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Middle Salmon - Boulder Creek |
37 |
Open with truck traffic. |
North Fork Salmon Creek |
38 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Lone Frank |
3820 |
Open, high clearance vehicles only! Watch for truck traffic. |
Cazadero |
3800-365 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Iron gate |
3900-500 |
Open, high clearance vehicles only! |
TRAILS: Most district rails are open and have been cleared of debris. Trailhead registration and Northwest Forest Passes are required at Long Swamp, Fourteen Mile, Irongate, and Chewuch trailheads. Day passes are available at the trailheads.
Certified weed-free feed is required for stock in the Pasayten and Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness areas and at trailheads leading into the wilderness areas.
Even after trails have been cleared however, trees can fall creating obstructions. Please be prepared.
Trail Name |
Trail # |
Miles |
Difficulty Level |
Remarks |
Updated |
304 |
4.2 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
316 |
1.9 |
Easiest |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
311 |
0.9 |
Easiest |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
306 |
4.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
303 |
2.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
307 |
7.3 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
383 |
1.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
Trail Name |
Trail # |
Miles |
Difficulty Level |
Remarks |
Updated |
308 |
5.6 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
309 |
1.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
322 |
2.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
344 |
1.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
360 |
6.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
367 |
3.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
Bottle Spring |
398 |
2.5 |
More Difficult |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
363 |
4.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
345 |
3.7 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
354 |
6.2 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
355 |
5.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
374 |
3.5 |
More Difficult |
Stock driveway only |
10/06/2008 |
|
346 |
4.0 |
More Difficult |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
|
365 |
2.6 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
369 |
6.5 |
More Difficult |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
|
361 |
3.0 |
More Difficult |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
|
321 |
2.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
371 |
11.7 |
More Difficult |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
|
384 |
1.0 |
Easiest |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
|
373 |
8.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
Thirtymile |
382 |
3.5 |
More Difficult |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
353 |
6.0 |
More Difficult |
Stock driveway |
10/06/2008 |
|
320 |
2.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
375 |
8.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
533 |
19.0 |
Easiest |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
510.1 |
2.0 |
Most Difficult |
Open, cleared to Chewuch River |
10/06/2008 |
|
343 |
3.8 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
341 |
2.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
376 |
1.5 |
More Difficult |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
|
Long Draw |
340 |
4.0 |
More Difficult |
Abandoned |
10/06/2008 |
387 |
3.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
Smith Lake |
361 |
.8 |
Easiest |
Open |
10/06/2008 |
362 |
5.0 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
|
342 |
11.5 |
More Difficult |
Open, cleared of debris |
10/06/2008 |
More information on Tonasket Ranger District:
WENATCHEE RIVER RANGER DISTRICT |
District Ranger Vaughan Marable. The Leavenworth office phone number is (509) 548-6977; TTY (509) 548-4067
LEAVENWORTH RANGER STATION: Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; phone 509-548-6977.
LAKE WENATCHEE RANGER STATION: CLOSED UNTIL NEXT SUMMER.
FALL COLORS: Fall foliage is at its prime right now throughout the district. Drive up any of the river valleys to view colorful vine maple, cottonwoods, and low growing shrubs. Larch needles are turning color in the higher elevations.
PRESCRIBED BURNING: The Wenatchee River Ranger District plans to burn approximately 1,500 acres as part of our prescribed burning program through the end of November. The prescribed burns are mainly in or adjacent to previous timber sale units and will either be underburns or hand-pile burns. Areas to be treated include Beehive Reservoir, Derby and Williams Canyon, Blewett Pass/Camas, north of Tumwater Canyon along Highway 2, and close to Fish Lake (Chiwawa Loop and Lake Wenatchee). Some burns will be highly visible. Smoke is expected to last 2-5 days at each burn, depending upon wind, fuel and other conditions.
The goals for these low intensity prescribed burns include:
- Reduce hazardous forest fuels
- Improve protection for adjacent lands within the wildland urban interface
- Improve opportunities to safely suppress future wildfires
- Maintain the natural cycles of the ecosystem (historic fire intervals)
OKTOBERFEST in LEAVENWORTH: Those planning to visit the national forest near the town of Leavenworth need to be aware that Oktoberfest activities will be occurring in downtown Leavenworth each weekend from October 3 through October 19. These activities will draw thousands of people to the Bavarian village.
REPAIR WORK AT NADA LAKE DAM: The gate valve over the drain at the dam on Nada Lake is in the process of being replaced. The water level of the lake will drop by approximately 10 feet to facilitate this repair work. For more information contact Corky Broaddus at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatcher at 509-548-7641.
FIRE CLOSURES: Area and trail closures are in effect due to the 1,100-acre Jack Creek Fire burning in the Jack Creek drainage in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area, approximately 15 miles southwest of the town of Leavenworth. The following trails are closed:
- Jack Creek Trail #1558 is closed from the junction with the Meadow Creek Trail #1559 to Stuart Pass.
- Van Epps Trail #1594 is closed from Van Epps Pass to its junction with Jack Creek Trail #1558.
- Van Epps Jeep Trail #4W302 is closed from its junction with Fortune Creek Jeep Trail #4W301 to Van Epps Mine.
These trail and area closures are in place to ensure public safety. Signs are posted at trails leading to these areas notifying the public of the current fire situation and closures.
Smoke from the Jack Creek Fire may be visible to individuals recreating in the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and other local areas. Although smoke may be visible, there are no threats to those recreating outside the closure areas.
ICICLE ROAD WASHOUT: Roads and campgrounds in the upper Icicle Valley are closed due to a massive debris slide that occurred last May. The debris slide carried trees, mud and huge boulders into Icicle Creek, pushing the water over Icicle Road #7600, approximately 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth.
Roads and campground closures will remain in place until flood damage can be assessed and repairs made. The area beyond the debris slide will remain as a "dispersed" camping area for the rest of 2008 due to the extensive damage to the Icicle road.
Closed indefinitely:
- Icicle Road #7600 is closed about ¼ mile beyond Ida Creek Campground
- FS Road #7605 is closed at the Doctor Creek bridge
- Chatter Creek, Rock Island and Blackpine campgrounds are all closed
- Motorized vehicle access to trailheads beyond Ida Creek Campground is prohibited
OLD CASCADE TUNNEL IS CLOSED! The tunnel is CLOSED indefinitely due to flash flooding potential. An underground collapse of soil and rock in the tunnel has created a very large pool of water with the potential to blow-out at any time. The area outside the west portal (the viewing area) and the tunnel are not safe. Stay out – stay safe!
ROADS: Please contact the district office for current road conditions.
- Icicle Road #7600 is washed out beyond Ida Creek Campground.
- Mission Ridge Road - Major reconstruction is occurring from Squilchuck State Park up to the Beehive Road turnoff. Delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected during working hours, 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday) until the project is completed later this fall. Mission Ridge Road is closed above the Beehive turnoff. Hikers wishing to access the Clara Lake area may do so from the appropriate trailheads on Forest Service Road #9712, approximately 1 mile beyond the Beehive Reservoir. For construction updates call (509) 884-9579.
CAMPGROUNDS:
Area |
Campground Name |
Status |
Fee |
Icicle Creek |
Eightmile |
Open with fees/services. Scheduled to close for the season 10/20/08. |
$15 per night 1st vehicle, $10 extra vehicle |
Bridge Creek |
Open with fees/services. No fees and no services after 10/20/08. |
$13 per night 1st vehicle, $9 extra vehicle |
|
Lower Johnny Creek |
Open with fees/services. Scheduled to close for the season 10/20/08. |
$15 per night 1st vehicle, $10 extra vehicle |
|
Upper Johnny Creek |
Open with fees/services. Scheduled to close for the season 10/20/08. |
$13 per night 1st vehicle, $9 extra vehicle |
|
Ida Creek |
Open with fees/services. No fees and no services after 10/20/08. |
$13 per night 1st vehicle, $9 extra vehicle |
|
Chatter Creek, Rock Island, Black Pine |
Inaccessible due to road washout. |
||
Highway 2 |
Tumwater |
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON |
|
Lake Wenatchee |
Nason Creek |
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON |
|
Glacier View |
Open with no fees and no services. Bring drinking water, toilet paper, and pack out garbage. |
||
Chiwawa River |
Goose Creek, Finner Creek, Riverbend, Rock Creek, Chiwawa Horse Camp, Schaefer Creek, Atkinson Flats,19 Mile, Alpine Meadows, Phelps Creek |
Open with no fees and no services. Bring drinking water, toilet paper, and pack out garbage. |
|
Meadow Creek |
Open. Bring drinking water, toilet paper, and pack out garbage. |
No fee |
|
Highway 2 |
White Pine |
Open. Bring drinking water, toilet paper, and pack out garbage. |
No fee |
Little Wenatchee River |
Rainy Creek, Soda Springs, Lake Creek |
||
White River |
Napeequa Crossing, Grasshopper Meadows, White River Falls |
||
The Lake Wenatchee State Park is open year-round for camping. For summer season reservations at Washington State Parks, call (888) CAMPOUT or www.parks.wa.gov.
GROUP CAMPSITES: To reserve one of the large group sites at Eightmile, Bridge Creek, or Tumwater Campgrounds, please call the National Reservation line at 1-877-444-6777 orvia the Internet at recreation.gov. Reservations may be made from two weeks up to 1 year in advance.
TRAILS: Most district trails are open and have been cleared of downed logs.
RECREATION PASSES: Passes are required at the following trailheads on the Wenatchee River Ranger District. This list includes only the trailhead names and does not show each individual trail accessed from these trailheads.
Alder Ridge Blackpine Stock unloading Buck Creek (Trinity) Chatter Creek Chikamin Chiwaukum Creek Devil’s Gulch (Lower)* Dirtyface |
Eightmile Fourth of July Hatchery Creek Hidden Lake * Icicle Creek Icicle Gorge* Icicle Ridge Ingalls Creek* |
Jack/Trout Creek Little Wenatchee * Lower Chiwawa Merritt Lake Nason Ridge Phelps Creek (Spider Meadows)* Red Hill* Round Mountain |
Schaefer Lake Smithbrook* Snow Lakes * Stuart Lake * Twin Lakes Whitepine White River |
Day passes can also be purchased from fee tubes at the trailheads noted with * above.
Recreation passes cost $5.00 per vehicle per day or $30.00 for an annual Northwest Forest Pass. Passes are available locally at the ranger station, Der Sportsman, Icicle Quik Stop, Village Mercantile, Sleeping Lady Gift Shop, Pioneer Market in Cashmere, Ingalls Creek Convenience Center, Cole's Corner Market, Parkside Grocery, and Plain Hardware. Interagency Passes are also honored at trailheads and are available for purchase at the Ranger Station.
ENCHANTMENT PERMITS: Overnight Wilderness permits are required from June 15 to October 15 for portions of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. To obtain a permit application, call the Wenatchee River Ranger District’s Leavenworth office at (509) 548-6977 or download a copy from this web site: www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments. A daily lottery drawing for a limited number of slots is held at 7:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday during the permit season.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In 2009, Enchantment permit fees will increase from $3 per person per day, to $5 per person per day. New applications will be available by early February. Enchantment permits will not be accepted until February 21, 2009; permit applications received or postmarked before Feb. 21 will be rejected.
