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
September 30, 2008
Recreation Reports are printed every other week.
Vandalism and Thefts – Forest Users Beware!
Fall Activities in the Forest
As late summer succumbs to fall, many people will be visiting the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest for a variety of activities. Some will be cutting firewood, others hunting, and still others will be getting in that last weekend of camping before the weather gets too cold and all the campgrounds close.
CAMPING
It is that time of year when we start getting the campgrounds ready for winter, which includes turning off water systems, removing garbage receptacles, and locking gates to the campgrounds. Forest visitors need to provide their own water and take all garbage home with them once national forest campgrounds close for the winter. Following is a list of the campground closures across the forest:
- Chelan Ranger District: The water systems at Snowberry Bowl Campground and at Lucerne Campground will be turned off in mid to late October. The uplake campgrounds are open as long as docks are still accessible.
- Cle Elum Ranger District: Most developed campgrounds have now closed for the season. Campgrounds which have closed for the season but remain available for use with no services and no fees include Red Mountain, Owhi, Ice Water, Fish Lake, Red Top, Lion Rock, Tamarack Springs, and Quartz Mountain. Campgrounds which remain open and require a 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 is closed indefinitely.
- Entiat Ranger District: Campgrounds will remain open through the general deer hunting season which ends on October 19. Campgrounds will begin closing after October 19 th.
- Methow Valley Ranger District: All campground water systems are being turned off for the winter. Road’s End Campground is closed from September 1, 2008 to October 6, 2008 to protect threatened Bull Trout redds.
- Naches Ranger District: Campgrounds that are now closed include American Forks, Upper Bumping Lake, Cedar Springs, Crow Creek, Halfway Flat, Little Naches, Pleasant Valley, Indian Creek, and Willows. Most of the other campgrounds on the district will remain open until October 31 with limited or no water or garbage service.
- Tonasket Ranger District: All Campgrounds will be officially closed on October 30 for the winter months; regular campground fees will be charged up to that time.
- Wenatchee River Ranger District: Campgrounds located up the Icicle drainage will close on October 20. Campgrounds in the Lake Wenatchee area will close on October 12.
Recreationists can still use campgrounds once they close but they must bring their own drinking water and remove all garbage.
WOODCUTTING
Many local residents rely upon firewood from the national forests to heat their homes during the winter. For those folks who have never gone woodcutting before, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- The Industrial Fire Precaution Level is 1 across the forest. This means that woodcutters can cut firewood all day long but they must carry the required safety equipment listed on their woodcutting permit and remain in the area one hour after shutting their saws down.
- A woodcutting permit is required. Permits are available at all Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offices. The minimum woodcutting permit purchase is four cords for $20 and the maximum purchase is 10 cords for $50. Individuals purchasing woodcutting permits need to present a driver’s license or other form of picture identification at the time of purchase; they will also need to supply their phone number and address. The permit and woodcutting stubs must be in the woodcutter’s possession when cutting firewood.
- A woodcutting area map is a necessity. These maps show the areas that are open and closed to woodcutting and are available free with the woodcutting permits.
- Be sure to read over all conditions and requirements listed on the woodcutting permit.
- Although temperatures are cooler and there has been little rain to lessen the fire danger; after shutting off the chainsaw woodcutters need to remain in the area at least one hour to watch for any potential fire starts from woodcutting equipment.
- Please validate the woodcutting stub (load ticket) by cutting out or marking out with a permanent pen the month and day that woodcutting occurs, and the stub must be attached to the load when the vehicle is moved from the cutting site.
For more information about woodcutting permits or special woodcutting areas, please contact individual ranger district offices. Please note that firewood cutting season on the Naches District ends on October 15 th.
FALL PRESCRIBED BURNING
National Forest firefighters will begin underburn and slash pile burning projects this week. Prescribed fire projects are used to lessen the risk of high intensity wildland fire by reducing fuels on the forest floor, to prepare areas for tree planting and natural regeneration, and to improve the heath of shrubs and perennial grasses. Smoke from these prescribed fires will be visible in many areas of the national forest throughout the fall months.
HUNTING
National forest visitors need to remember to make their presence known when recreating in the woods during hunting seasons. Wear brightly colored clothing and make noise so that hunters and the critters they are hunting know that you are there. Hunter Safety Reminders
OTHER FOREST-RELATED INFORMATION
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. Fees are being charged at Snowberry Bowl Campground, the cost is $10.00 a night per vehicle. The water systems at Snowberry Bowl Campground and at Lucerne Campground will be turned off in mid to late October. The uplake campgrounds are open as long as docks are still accessible.
BOAT DOCKS: While boating on Lake Chelan keep a watch out for floating debris. Dock permits are required May 1 through October 31. Permits are $5/day or $40/season and can be purchased at multiple locations in Chelan and Manson. Please boat carefully and watch for floating debris!
PRESCRIBED FIRES: Fire crews will be doing prescribed burning in October in the areas of Bergman Gulch and up in Washington Creek. Please be careful when driving or hiking through burn areas. If you have any questions about prescribed burning projects, please call the Chelan Ranger District office at 509-682-2576.
ECHO RIDGE: The trail system is open to hiking and mountain biking. No fees are currently 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.
Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness trails |
|
Lower Fish Creek Trail #1248 |
Maintained for 4 miles. 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. Has been logged out for the 2 nd time as of 9/17/08 |
Lakeshore Trail #1247.1702 |
Maintained. Hot and dry. |
N. Fork fish Creek Trail #1248.1 |
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. Has been logged out for the 2 nd time as of 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. Has been logged out for the 2 nd time as of 9/17/08 |
Summit Trail #1259 |
Maintained |
Surprise Lake Trail #1249 |
Maintained |
Holden Village area non-wilderness trails |
|
Holden Loop Trail #1253 |
Maintained |
Ten Mile Creek Trail #1241 |
Maintained to 4,000 feet elevation; snowfree above, 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. |
Glacier Peak Wilderness trails (current as of September 30) |
|
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 the 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 damaged. Not safe for stock. |
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 wash out 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 |
Sawtooth Backcountry Non-Wilderness Trails |
|
Prince Creek Trail #1255.2 |
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. |
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 the first 5 miles. There are some logs on the last 1.4 miles near Miner’s Basin. |
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 islocated 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 maples are beginning to show their fall reds, yellows and oranges. These are best viewed in the Cle Elum Valley and along the I-90 corridor. Huckleberry brush and other low growing shrubs along the I-90 corridor are also beginning to turn color. Aspen are late this year with only a select few trees beginning to turn yellow and gold. Cottonwood and Western Larch have yet to begin to show color. Alpine Larch in the Ingalls Pass and Robin Lake area are also late to turn color this fall. The peak time for these areas is estimated for the second to third week of October.
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 are, 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.
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.
CAMPGROUNDS: Entiat District campgrounds will remain open through the general deer hunting season which ends on October 19. We will begin closing campgrounds after October 19. Please call the Entiat District office if you plan on using any campground in late October. The following is a list of campgrounds on the Entiat Ranger District:
Name |
Location |
Elevation |
Sites |
Fee |
Facilities |
Pine Flats |
14 miles from Hwy. 97A, Mad River Rd. |
1600 feet |
6 tent sites |
$5.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets and water |
Fox Creek |
27 miles from Hwy. 97A, Entiat River Rd. |
2000 feet |
16 campsites includes trailer sites |
$8.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets, water and garbage service |
Lake Creek |
28 miles from Hwy. 97A, Entiat River Rd. |
2200 feet |
18 campsites includes trailer sites |
$8.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets, water and garbage service |
Silver Falls |
30 miles from Hwy. 97A, Entiat River Rd. |
2400 feet |
31 campsites includes trailer sites |
$9.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets, water and garbage service |
North Fork |
33 miles from Highway 97A, Entiat River Rd. |
2500 feet |
8 tent sites 1 trailer unit |
$7.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets, water and garbage service |
Spruce Grove |
34 miles from Hwy. 97A, Entiat River Rd. |
2900 feet |
2 campsites No RV |
$3.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets |
Three Creek |
36 miles from Hwy. 97A, Entiat River Rd. |
2900 feet |
3 tent sites No RV |
$3.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets |
Cottonwood |
38 miles from Hwy. 97A, Entiat River Rd. |
3100 feet |
25 campsites 5 trailer sites |
$8.00 per vehicle |
Pit toilets, water and garbage service |
TRAILS: The following trailheads 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, Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass.
Trail # |
Trail Name |
Trail Conditions |
#1230.1 |
Emerald Park |
Maintained |
#1231.1 |
Wilson Creek |
Not maintained. This Trail was burned over in 2006 so expect numerous down fall and sections of bad trail tread. |
#1265 |
North 25 Mile Creek CLOSED |
The trail is closed for reconstruction; please do not travel on this trail. This trail will not reopen until some time in 2009. |
#1265 |
Pot Peak |
Maintained |
#1400 |
Entiat River |
Maintained |
#1403 |
Hi Yu |
Downed logs have not been removed from the trail. |
#1404 |
Cow Creek Meadows |
Maintained |
#1405 |
Ice Creek |
Maintained. All river and creek crossing are safe to ford, but always use caution when fording in fast moving water. |
#1405.1 |
Ice Lakes |
Not maintained. |
#1406 |
Mad Lake |
Maintained |
#1408 |
Garland Peak |
Maintained from 5 th of July Pass to Larch Lakes |
#1409 |
Mad River (Lower) |
Only maintained from Maverick Saddle Trailhead down to Billy Creek Trail #1416. |
#1409.1 |
Mad River (Upper) |
Maintained. The S easonal Closure is now lifted, MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
1409.2 |
Pond Camp |
Maintained. The S easonal Closure is now lifted, MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers |
#1413 |
Billy Ridge |
Maintained. It’s not recommended to travel down to the Mad River Trail #1409. There are numerous down falls and washouts on trail #1409. |
#1415 |
Tyee Ridge |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1416 |
Billy Creek |
Maintained. If traveling down to Mad River Trail #1409 only travel up the Mad to Maverick Saddle Trailhead. There are numerous down falls and washouts down river from this point. |
#1417 |
Hunter |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1418 |
Cougar Ridge |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1419 |
Jimmy Creek |
Not maintained and not recommended for motorcycles |
#1421 |
Lost Lake |
Maintained. The S easonal Closure is now lifted, MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1423 |
So. Tommy |
Maintained |
#1424 |
Middle Tommy |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1425 |
No. Tommy |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1426 |
Blue Creek |
Maintained. The S easonal Closure is now lifted, MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1427 |
Klone Peak View Point |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1429 |
Shetipo |
Maintained 4 miles up from Cottonwood Campground. |
#1430 |
Larch Lakes |
Maintained to the lakes. |
#1431 |
Cool Creek |
Maintained |
#1432 |
45 Mile Drive |
Not maintained. This trail was burned over last summer so expect numerous trees across the trail and sections of bad trail tread. |
Trail # |
Trail Name |
Trail Conditions |
#1433 |
Pyramid Mountain |
Maintained |
#1434 |
Duncan Hill |
Maintained |
#1435 |
Anthem Creek |
Maintained |
#1436 |
Fern Lake |
Maintained |
#1437 |
North Fork Entiat River |
Maintained |
#1438 |
Pugh Ridge |
Maintained |
#1439 |
Pyramid Creek |
Maintained |
#1440 |
Butte Creek |
Not maintained |
#1441 |
Pyramid View Point |
Maintained |
#1442 |
Silver Falls National Recreation Trail |
Maintained |
#1443 |
Lake Creek |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1444 |
Angle Peak |
Maintained |
#1445 |
4 Mile Ridge |
Maintained |
#1448 |
Devils Backbone |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
#1453 |
Pomas Creek |
Not maintained, but can be traveled by hikers. |
#1462 |
Silver Falls Interpretive |
Maintained |
#1404A |
Myrtle Lake |
Maintained |
#1419A |
Cougar Mtn. Viewpoint |
Maintained |
#1434A |
Duncan Hill Viewpoint |
Maintained. MOTORCYCLISTS PLEASE WATCH YOUR SPEED, this is a multiple use trail and is also open to horses, mountain bikes and hikers. |
HUNTING SEASONS: Forest users need to be aware that various hunting season are now open. Hunters, please call your local Ranger Districts for closures that may affect your access to various hunting areas.
FALL COLORS: The fall colors are just starting to show up in higher elevations of the Entiat Valley. During the month of October the Entiat Valley should be a good drive if you want to observe the emerging fall colors.
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. Western larch are turning yellow at the highest elevations.
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 996-4003.
WEATHER: 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/sew/newsea.php.
WASHINGTON PASS OVERLOOK is closed.
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 is closed from September 1, 2008 to October 6, 2008 to protect threatened Bull Trout redds.
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 is closed from September 1, 2008 to October 6, 2008 to protect threatened Bull Trout reds.
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 to Remmel Lake |
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 |
Snowfree and cleared of windfall. |
7/18/08 |
Buckskin Ridge |
498 |
11.5 |
Windfalls not cleared. |
8/18/08 |
Cedar Creek |
476 |
9.6 |
Snowfree and cleared of windfalls. |
8/5/08 |
Trail Name |
Trail # |
Miles |
Remarks |
Update |
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 |
|
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. |
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. |
8/18/08 |
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 snowfree and 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 |
Snowfree and cleared of windfall to Boundary Trail #533. |
7/19/08 |
Lake Anne / Maple Pass Loop |
740 |
7.5 |
Open |
8/18/08 |
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 |
Snowfree and cleared of windfalls. |
8/4/08 |
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. Snowfree and 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 snowfree and 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 |
Snowfree and 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 |
Snowfree and 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 |
Snowfree with 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 |
Snowfree and cleared of windfalls for 3 miles. Very steep, not recommended for stock. |
8/5/08 |
Slate Creek |
414 |
5.0 |
Snowfree and cleared of windfalls for 3 miles. Very steep, not recommended for stock. |
8/5/08 |
401 |
7.3 |
The trailhead near South Creek Campground provides access to South Creek Trail until the beginning of September when the culvert work on Reynolds Creek road is completed. The trail is snowfree and 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 |
Snowfree and cleared of windfalls. |
6/24/08 |
War Creek |
408 |
9.3 |
Open. Cleared of windfall. |
8/18/08 |
Williams Creek |
407 |
|
Snowfree and 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.
CAMPGROUNDS: Following is the Naches Ranger District campground closing schedule:
CHINOOK PASS RECREATION SITES |
|
CAMPGROUND |
WINTER CLOSING SCHEDULE & FEES |
American Forks Upper Bumping Lake Cedar Springs Cougar Flat Crow Creek Halfway Flat Little Naches Mather Memorial Rest Area Pleasant Valley |
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. |
Cottonwood |
$10.00 per night. Scheduled to remain open until October 31 (weather depending) with water and garbage service. |
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). |
Lodgepole |
$10.00 per night. Open until October 31 (weather depending). No garbage or water service. |
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). |
BOULDER CAVE and CLEAR LAKE DAY USE: Boulder Cave and Clear Lake Day use area are both closed for the winter season.
MOTORIZED TRAILS: Recently, a man was stopped for riding his quad on a Forest Service road and after being pulled over was somewhat distraught after being informed he was riding illegally. To compound matters he was even more upset that he had spent several thousand dollars on this piece of equipment only to find out he couldn’t ride it where he wanted.
This gentleman thought that the Off Road Vehicle (ORV) tag was his license to drive where he pleased. THIS IS NOT THE CASE! The ORV tag is required to operate Off Highway Vehicles (OHV) on designated 4x4 trails. In order for an OHV to operate legally on a forest road it would have to be street legal and licensed within the State of Washington just like your car or other vehicles.
If you are planning on buying an OHV make sure you understand the laws pertaining to where you can and can’t operate it. It could save you a lot of headaches.
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 (NWFP), Interagency Senior, or 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.
FIREWOOD CUTTING: The current Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) is now 1 which means firewood cutting is allowed all day. Firewood season has been extended to Wednesday, October 15 th.
FALL COLORS: On the Naches District the first plants 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.
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.
We are proposing to reestablish full motorized access to the Deep Creek and Granite Creek drainages on the Naches Ranger District. This proposal includes removing the fish barrier culverts at the Deep Creek crossings on Forest Service Road #1800 (Bumping Lake) and Forest Service Road #1808 (Deep Creek), constructing bridges at each location and repairing the two additional flood damage sites on Deep Creek Road #1808. However, funding is currently not secured to implement the construction of the bridges. The Forest is actively seeking project funding from a variety of sources.
During the printing process, it was noticed the length of road behind the flood damage on Forest Service Road 1800 was incorrectly listed. The correct length is 3.3 miles not 4.2 miles. The actual effect would therefore be less than those indicated in the document. Corrections will be made prior to issuing a Finding of No Significant Impact/Decision Notice.
Comments on the Deep Creek Flood Repair project EA must be postmarked no later than October 11, 2008. Comments on the EA should be addressed to the Naches District Ranger, Randall Shepard, Naches Ranger District, 10237 Highway 12, Naches, WA 98937 (FAX: 509-653-2638; e-mail address: commentspacificnorthwest-wenatchee-naches@fs.fed.us.
Those submitting electronic copies of their comments should use the e-mail address listed above. Please include the project name in the e-mail subject line and submit comments either as part of the e-mail message or as an attachment in one of the following three formats: Microsoft Word, rich text format (rtf), or Adobe Portable Document Format (pdf). Hand-delivered comments may be submitted during regular office hours, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays at the Naches Ranger District office.
For additional information on this project, 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.
WOODCUTTING: The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) for zone 678W on the Tonasket Ranger District is a Level I. A one-hour fire watch/security is required after your power saw is shut down. 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.
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, Peony Creek Road #3010, 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 unexpectedly.
Okanogan National Forest Travel Plan road closures go into effect on October 1. Be sure to consult your free Travel Plan Map.
Most forest roads are open and are not listed in the table below.
Road Name |
Road Number |
Condition as of 09/24/2008 |
Cow Camp |
3575-120 |
Truck traffic. |
Aeneas |
30 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Peony Creek |
3010 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Barnell Meadows |
3000-100 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Tunk Mountain |
3015 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Dugout Mountain Road |
3005-100 |
Open, gated at the top. |
Marias Creek |
3550 |
Portions of 3550 & 3550-125 will be reopened on October 1. 3550-125 will remain closed above the 3550-130 junction. 3550-080, 3550-122, 3550 above the junction with 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 trees can fall creating obstructions. Please be prepared.
MUSHROOMS: Permits are not required for personal use mushroom picking this year; permits are required though for any commercial mushroom picking.
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 Saturday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; phone 509-548-6977. The office is located in Leavenworth, on Highway 2 across the street from McDonald’s.
LAKE WENATCHEE RANGER STATION: CLOSED UNTIL NEXT SUMMER.
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 over the drain at the dam on Nada Lake is in the process of being replaced. The water level of the lake will be lowered 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
- Wood and charcoal fires are not allowed beyond the closure
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.
DELAYS EXPECTED ON CHIWAWA ROAD #6200
If traveling on Chiwawa Road #6200 please be aware that road work is occurring on a 3-mile stretch of road from Little Giant Trailhead (located at milepost 18.8) to the junction with Phelps Creek Road #6211. Expect short delays. Road work will continue through October 10. For more information about this project, please contact John Fish at 509-664-9254 or Patricia Forsberg at 509-548-6977 ext. 261.
- 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 |
Open with fees/services. Scheduled to close for the season 10/12/08. |
$16 per night 1st vehicle, $11 extra vehicle |
Lake Wenatchee |
Nason Creek |
Open with fees/services. Scheduled to close for the season 10/12/08. |
$16 per night 1st vehicle, $11 extra vehicle |
Glacier View |
Open with fees and services. No fees and no services after 10/12/08. |
$13 per night 1st vehicle, $9 extra vehicle |
|
Chiwawa River |
Goose Creek, Finner Creek, Riverbend, Rock Creek, Chiwawa Horse Camp, Schaefer Creek, Atkinson Flats,19 Mile, Alpine Meadows, Phelps Creek |
Open with fees and services. No fee and /no services after 10/12/08. |
$8 per vehicle/per night |
Meadow Creek |
Open. Bring drinking water, toilet paper, and pack out garbage. |
No fee |
|
Highway 2 |
White Pine |
||
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.
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: CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED above 5,000 feet elevation in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. Please learn the regulations before entering designated wilderness areas. Visit our forest website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/recreation/wilderness for complete wilderness regulations.
TRAIL Number and Name |
STATUS AS OF 9-15-2008 |
If a trail is not listed below, it has probably been cleared of downed logs. |
|
#1500 Dirty Face |
Cleared of downed logs. Use caution in areas burned by the 2005 Dirty Face Fire. Watch for rolling rocks, debris, and falling trees. |
#1503 Twin Lakes |
Cleared of downed logs. FISHING is PROHIBITED in TWIN LAKES. |
#1506 Top Lake |
Not yet cleared of downed logs. |
#1507 White River |
Cleared of downed logs to the junction with Boulder Creek Trail #1562. |
#1515 Basalt Ridge |
Cleared of downed logs to the junction with Basalt Pass Trail #1530. |
#1517 Minotaur Lake |
Not yet cleared of downed logs. CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED at MINOTAUR and THESEUS LAKES. |
#1518 Little Giant |
Cleared of downed logs to Little Giant Pass. There is no trail bridge across the Chiwawa River. |
#1519 Schaefer Lake |
Cleared of downed logs. There is no trail bridge across the Chiwawa River and no usable horse ford. |
#1521 Mount David |
Cleared of downed logs for 4½ miles. |
#1526 Heather Lake |
Cleared of downed logs. CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED at HEATHER and GLASSES LAKES. |
#1548 Lower Chiwawa ORV |
Cleared of downed logs. Bridge repairs have been completed. |
#1550 Chiwawa River |
Cleared of downed logs to the junction with Chiwawa Basin Trail #1550A. |
#1551 Icicle Creek |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. The trail has been cleared of downed logs. |
#1552 Eightmile Lake |
Cleared of downed logs. DOGS & CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED. |
#1553 Snow Lakes |
Cleared of downed logs. DOGS & CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED. |
#1554 Eightmile-Trout Creek |
Cleared of downed logs to Windy Pass. DOGS & CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED. |
#1555 Trout Creek |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. |
#1557 Jack Ridge |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. |
#1558 Jack Creek CLOSED |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. Cleared of downed logs. Jack Creek Trail is closed from the junction with Meadow Creek Trail #1559 to Stuart Pass due to the Jack Creek Fire. |
#1559 Meadow Creek |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. Cleared of downed logs. |
#1560 Snowall-Cradle Lake |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. Cleared of downed logs from Meadow Camp to Cradle Lake. |
#1564 French Ridge |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. |
#1565 Blackjack Ridge |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. |
#1570 Icicle Ridge |
Cleared of downed logs to the junction of Fourth of July Trail #1579 and from the junction of Hatchery Creek Trail #1577 to the junction of Wildhorse Trail #1592. |
#1573 Glacier Creek |
Not yet cleared of downed logs. |
#1575 Painter Creek |
Cleared of downed logs from the junction of Badlands Trail #1576 to the junction of Icicle Ridge Trail #1570. |
#1580 Chatter Creek |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. Cleared of downed logs. |
#1582 Whitepine Creek |
Cleared of downed logs to the junction of Wildhorse Trail #1592. |
#1591 North Fork Chiwaukum |
Cleared of downed logs to Chiwaukum Lake. High creek crossing. CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED within ½ mile of Chiwaukum Lake. |
#1592 Wildhorse Creek |
Cleared of downed logs. The southern access to this trail is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to the washout on the Icicle Road. |
#1594 Van Epps Creek CLOSED |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. Van Epps Creek Trail is closed due to the Jack Creek Fire. |
#1595 French Creek |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. Cleared of downed logs. |
#1596 Icicle Gorge |
The trailhead is inaccessible to motor vehicles due to a road washout. Cleared of downed logs. |
#1599 Stuart Lake |
Cleared of downed logs. DOGS & CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED. |
#1599.1 Colchuck Lake |
Cleared of downed logs. DOGS & CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED. |
# 2000 Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) North from Stevens Pass |
Cleared of downed logs to White Pass. CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED at Lake Valhalla and Lake Sally Ann. See Pacific Crest Trail detour information below. |
# 2000 Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) South from Stevens Pass |
Cleared of downed logs from Mill Creek to the district boundary. |
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. For the Enchantment Zone there are no remaining start dates available. The Colchuck and Snow Zones still have some available dates, but most weekend start dates are already taken.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Enchantment permit applications for this year are valid until October 2008. In 2009, Enchantment permit fees will increase from $3 per person per day, to $5 per person per day. New applications will be available at the beginning of the 2009 permit season. Enchantment permits will not be accepted until February 21, 2009; permit applications received or postmarked before Feb. 21 will be rejected.
