Recreation Report

January 6, 2009

Recreation Reports are printed every other week.

D.O.T. HIGHWAY INFO. & MOUNTAIN PASS REPORT LINE:

Washington State Department of Transportation (WASDOT) provides critical mountain pass reports free of charge via telephone and Internet. The report is available toll-free statewide at 1-800-695-ROAD (1-800-695-7623). Hearing impaired callers using TTD's (text tele-typewriter devices) can access it at 1-800-833-6388 and then type for extension 206-440-4040. On the Internet the reports are available on the WSDOT Home Page at: www.wsdot.wa.gov in the traveler information website. The Internet pass reports include video snapshots of most of the mountain passes. The report is updated at least six times a day, October 15 through April 15.

NORTHWEST AVALANCHE CENTER:

Winter recreationists should check the Northwest Avalanche Hotline (206) 526-6677 or website www.nwac.us before venturing out on a snow activity.

WOODCUTTING INFORMATION:

Woodcutting permits expired on December 31, 2008.

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 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.

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.

• Wenatchee area: Northwest Forest passes are available at Arlberg Sports Inc., Hooked on Toys, and Mountain Air Gear.
• Lake Wenatchee area: Passes are available at Cole's Corner Market (Shell station), Parkside Grocery, and Plain Hardware.
• Leavenworth area: In Leavenworth passes are available at Der Sportsman, Icicle Quik Stop 76 gas station, Leavenworth Mountain Sports, Sleeping Lady Mountain Retreat Gift Shop, Pioneer Market in Cashmere, and Ingalls Creek Convenience Center & Lodging at 3057 US Highway 97.
• Entiat area: Passes are available at Cooper’s General Store in the Entiat Valley.
• Cle Elum area: Northwest Forest Pass vendors include Cle Elum Ranger Station and
  • 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.

• 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;
  • Cascade Licensing, 2504 Main Street, Union Gap, Washington 98903, 509-453-2649
  • Goose Prairie Inn (NEW), 8260 Bumping River Road, Goose Prairie, WA 98929 509-459-9758
  • Rimrock Grocery Store, 34090 U.S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937, 509-672-2251
  • Hyperspud Sports, 907 South 1 st Street, Yakima, WA 98901, 509-248-2093
  • Selah Save-On Foods, 800 N. Park Centre, Selah, WA 98942, 509-697-6184
  • Many’s Chinook Center, 10450 U.S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937, 509-653-240

NORTHWEST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION is now known as DISCOVER YOUR NORTHWEST:

Check out the great selection of books, puzzles, cards, stuffed animals, kids stuff, and much more at each of the DYNW sales outlets located in the reception areas at most ranger district offices and at the forest headquarters office!

 

CHELAN RANGER DISTRICT

District Ranger Bob Sheehan. The new office phone number is (509) 682-4900.

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.

SNOW: There is 42 inches of snow at Pope Ridge (just 2 miles northwest of Shady Pass). We received about 14 inches of snow on Monday, January 5. There is about 3 to 4 feet of snow in the mountains. With all this new snow… now is the best time to go skiing or snowmobiling. Remember to check avalanche conditions prior to heading to the woods.

CAMPING: Mitchell Creek and Deer Point Campgrounds are closed this winter for erosion control work to occur.

SNOWMOBILING: There are three sno-parks in Lake Chelan -- Echo Valley, Antilon Lake, and Twenty-five Mile Creek. Trail maps and grooming reports are available at www.parks.wa.gov/winter or by calling (509) 687-SNOW (7669). Sno-Park permits are required to park at a designated sno-park.

ECHO RIDGE: Awesome snow and excellent cross-country skiing can be found at Echo Ridge Nordic Area. Echo Ridge Nordic Area is open with most of the system trails already tracked and groomed. Echo Ridge is on the normal winter grooming schedule with mid-week partial grooming and more extensive Friday and Saturday partial grooming (subject to weather conditions). Fantastic scenery may be seen from many of the trails that are groomed for classic and skate skiers, plus separate trails for snowshoers. For the 2008-2009 winter season, recreationists may enjoy a new warming hut (a 20-foot wide Yurt), expanded trail grooming, and other accommodations.

Enjoy the first moonlight ski trek of the season at Echo Ridge on Saturday, January 10. The moon is expected to be full at 7:30 p.m. Saturday night!

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT SNO-PARK PASSES ARE NOT VALID AT ECHO RIDGE. Echo Ridge Day passes are required and available on-site (using the fee tube) at Echo Ridge Trailheads. Fees for Day Passes are $10.00 per adult, with no charge for skiers and snowshoers age 17 and under. Season passes are $70.00 and are available at the Chelan Ranger Station located at 428 W. Woodin Avenue. The trails are being groomed regularly, please check the website for current conditions lakechelannordic.org.

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CLE ELUM RANGER DISTRICT

District Ranger Judy Hallisey. The office phone number is (509) 852-1100

OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

SNOW: There is 6 feet of snow at the summit of Snoqualmie Pass. There is 56 inches of snow at Fish Lake and 62 inches at Cooper Pass. For updated snow grooming information please go to www.parks.wa.gov/winter.

ROADS: Most district roads are now closed to wheeled vehicles and open to snowmobiles.

GROOMING: Grooming continues in all areas of the Cle Elum Ranger District. Groomer operators are reporting good conditions in most areas. The snow is very dry and is not packing well; expect to “bottom out” if you become stuck. For grooming reports visit the Washington State Parks Winter Recreation Website at www.parks.wa.gov/winter. Be aware that the groomed snowmobile route from Blewett Pass to Table Mountain may be plowed this week to remove snow grooming equipment.

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 and their phone number is 509-925-2002.

The Chamber provides Forest Service information, Christmas tree permits, 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 has reopened for the winter season. The visitor center is open Thursday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Their phone number is (425) 434-6111.

SNOWSHOE WALKS ON SNOQUALMIE PASS: Snowshoe walks started on January 3, 2009 and run through March 29, 2009.

This winter we will offer two snowshoe programs. The first program is a moderately paced interpretive walk that generally lasts 90 minutes and leaves the Visitor Information Center every Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Group size is limited to 20.

The second snowshoe program is a half-day outing to Commonwealth Basin. This longer tour requires a higher level of fitness and winter preparedness. Group size is limited to eight people. These extended outings will leave the Visitor Information Center at 9:15 a.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The half-day trips will require every participant to carry a day pack that includes at a minimum the 10 Essentials; avalanche shovels and probes are strongly encouraged as well. The length and location of these trips may vary during periods of high avalanche danger.

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate children under age 10 on either the 90-minute or half-day programs. For families with children, we will be offering three special outings on selected days this winter in an effort to get more children and families out on the snow. These outings will be less vigorous and will include an introduction to winter exploration and some snow play time. Dates for the “Kids on the Snow” program are January 24 at 1:00 p.m., February 28 at 1 p.m., and on March 21 at 1:00 p.m.

Snowshoes are provided for all of the snowshoe walks. In order to offset the costs of the program, we ask for a $10 donation per person for the 90-minute and $20 for the extended outings.

Reservations are required for all programs. Please call the Snoqualmie Pass Forest Service Visitor Information Center at (425) 434-6111 to make reservations.

WINTER 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. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Carry the 10 plus essentials—a map, compass, fire starter, water proof matches, extra food, extra water, extra clothing, knife, flashlight with spare batteries and bulb, first aid kit, sunglasses, cell phone, and a space blanket.

Dress appropriately for all weather conditions. Avoid cotton clothing and dress in layers. Stay dry, shed layers if you are sweating, add layers if you are cool. Wear sturdy waterproof boots. Stay warm, stay dry, stay safe, and have fun.

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. Winter access to this cabin is by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile only. The route is 8 ½ miles and gains 2000 feet of elevation over a groomed snowmobile route. A WashingtonState Sno-Park permit is required for all vehicles parked at the BlewettPass Sno-Park. Alternate access is from the Reecer Creek Sno-Park which also requires a Sno-Park permit. The distance is 14 miles with and elevation gain of 3,400 feet.
• 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. The cabin has one bunk bed set that offers two twin beds; a picnic table and fire rings are available outside. Winter access to this cabin is by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile only. The route is 2 ¼ miles over a groomed snowmobile route and gains less than 200 feet of elevation. A sno-park permit is not required for parking at the Teanaway staging area.

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

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ENTIAT RANGER DISTRICT

Temporary District Ranger - Tom Graham (509) 784-1511

OFFICE HOURS: 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

SNO-PARKS: The following Sno-Parks are open on the Entiat Ranger District--Tillicum Creek Sno-Park, located on the Mad River Road #5700, and Entiat Valley Sno-Park, located approximately 25 miles up the Entiat Valley. A valid sno-park permit is required to park at these sno-parks.

ROADS: The Entiat Valley Road is plowed as far as the Entiat Valley Sno-Park, located approximately 25 miles up Entiat Valley Road. The road is closed to 4-wheeled vehicles beyond this point to allow for winter recreation opportunities. Please o bserve posted temporary and permanent road closures on all Forest Service roads.

WINTER RECREATION: Winter conditions can be harsh and unpredictable. All winter recreationists need to be familiar with winter survival skills and know how to use winter equipment before venturing out into National Forest lands.

No matter whether you are out for an hour or an overnight trip, always bring a minimum of extra warm clothing, food and water, map and compass, flashlight, and a first aid kit. For additional safety, it is recommended to pack along a space blanket, matches, flares, folding shovel, a whistle, and a cell phone or radio. Check current avalanche reports and know what conditions to look for and avoid.

AVALANCHES: Recent snowfall has created dangerous avalanche conditions. Anyone recreating in the backcountry should be aware of local avalanche conditions.

SNOWMOBILING: To obtain updated information on snowmobile grooming in the Entiat and Lake Wenatchee areas please call 509-763-3103 and then select extension 5.

Speed, alcohol and avalanches are the leading causes of most snowmobile related accidents and deaths. Practice safe snowmobiling, know current weather and avalanche conditions. Know your capabilities, be sure you have your 17 snowmobile essentials, travel with a buddy, wear proper clothing, and leave word with someone regarding your destination.

SNOW RANGERS: Forest Service Snow Rangers have begun their winter education program. Snow Rangers are experienced outdoors people trained in avalanche, snowmobile safety and first aid, who make contacts with snowmobilers each winter. They promote safe and courteous snowmobile operations, educate people as to the proper use of snowmobiles, enforce regulations, and help people in trouble.

CAMPGROUNDS: District campgrounds are closed due to snow accumulations.

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District Ranger Vaughan Marable. The new Leavenworth office phone number is (509) 548-2550

LEAVENWORTH RANGER STATION: Office hours are Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is located in Leavenworth, on Highway 2 across the street from McDonald’s.

LAKE WENATCHEE RANGER STATION: CLOSED UNTIL NEXT SUMMER.

SNOW: There is about 2-3 feet of snow in downtown Leavenworth. Visitors to the Lake Wenatchee area can expect to encounter about 4 feet of snow.

SNOWMOBILING: For snowmobile trail conditions on the Lake Wenatchee/Entiat Valley snowmobile trail system, call (509) 763-3103 and press 5 or visit the WA State Parks website at www.parks.wa.gov/winter/trails/?TrailType=motorized. Trail maps are available at the forest website www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/recreation/winter/lakewen-entiat-snomo-map.pdf. Sno-Park permits are required for parking at the Airstrip and Fish Lake Sno-Parks. Snowmobiles are not allowed on plowed roads or any roadway that is open to wheeled motor vehicles unless otherwise posted.

SKIING / SNOWSHOEING:

• Lake Wenatchee State Park offers cross-country and skate skiing trails, snowshoe routes, and a sledding hill. Grooming information is available at www.parks.wa.gov/winter/trails/?TrailType=nonmotorized. Sno-park permits are required for parking at the Lake Wenatchee State Park and Chiwawa Loop Sno-Parks. For more information contact the State Park at (509) 763-3101.

• Leavenworth Winter Sports Club (skileavenworth.com)provides Alpine, Nordic, and skate skiing trails, snowboarding, ski jumping, snowshoe routes, and a tubing park.
• Stevens Pass Nordic Center (stevenspass.com) has groomed cross-country and skate skiing trails and snowshoe routes.
• Downhill skiing and snowboarding are available at Mission Ridge (missionridge.com) and Stevens Pass (stevenspass.com).
• Winter Life Snowshoe Tours begin on January 10 and run through February 15, 2009. Explore the Icicle River Trail at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.Join a trained naturalist to unravel the mysteries of winter. Learn to read the stories told by the tracks of weasels, deer, coyote and other local wildlife. These snowshoe tours are available by reservations only and are limited to 12 people per tour. Snowshoe tours occur on Saturdays and Sundays only from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 NOON. For reservations, please call (509) 548-2921 Monday - Friday 8:00 - 4:00. Group size is limited to 12 individuals (ages 8 years old and up). Tours are strictly limited to those with reservations only. Snowshoe tours are presented by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, and the Nasikelt River Discovery Center and sponsored by Friends of Northwest Hatcheries.

ROADS: Please contact the district office for current road conditions.

• Chiwawa Road #6200 is closed to wheeled motor vehicles at the Fish Lake Sno-Park
• Little Wenatchee Road #6500 is closed to wheeled motor vehicles
• Van Creek Road #7520 is closed to wheeled motor vehicles at the junction with Eagle Creek Road
• Icicle Road #7600 is washed out beyond Ida Creek Campground
• Eightmile Road #7601 is closed to wheeled motor vehicles
• Beehive Road#9712 is closed to wheeled motor vehicles

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.

Closed indefinitely:

• Icicle Road #7600 is closed about ¼ mile beyond Ida Creek Campground
• FS Road #7605 is closed at Doctor Creek bridge
• Chatter Creek, Rock Island and Blackpine campgrounds are all closed
• Motorized vehicle access to trailheads beyond Ida Creek Campground is prohibited

CAMPGROUNDS: Tumwater and Nason Creek campgrounds are closed; all other campgrounds are open with no fees charged or services provided. Road access is limited in the winter. Please pack out your garbage and bring toilet paper and drinking water.

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.

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) 548-2550 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.

Enchantment permit fees have increased in cost 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.

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!

PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements

Pacific Crest Trail Detour

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Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests
215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 664-9200