Gifford Pinchot National Forest

	USDA Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
For Immediate Release: August 25, 2005
Contact: Roger Peterson (360) 891-5007 or Tom Knappenberger (360) 891-5005

Gifford Pinchot National Forest Expects Busy Holiday Weekend

VANCOUVER, WA ––A busy Labor Day weekend is expected on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest with campers, anglers, and hikers visiting the Forest for the summer's last holiday weekend.

FIRE: There are no campfire restrictions in effect on the Forest; however, fire restrictions are in effect in other national forests and local areas. Please check with local land managers before you go out. If you have a campfire when visiting the Forest make sure it is not left unattended and is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving your camp site.

CAMPGROUNDS: Many campgrounds on the Forest require reservations through a private concessionaire. All unreserved campsites remain available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some popular campgrounds, including Lower Falls Campground on the Lewis River, La Wis Wis Campground near Packwood, and Takhlakh Lake near Mt. Adams, are expected to be near capacity Labor Day weekend. Others are expected to fill as the weekend approaches. Fees for camping range from $5 to $32 per night.

HUCKLEBERRY PICKING: Above 4,000 feet, the purple berries are at their prime. Picking should be good through mid-September in what is an average berry crop this year.

TRAILS: Most trails on the Forest are open. A list of current trail conditions is available on the Forest website. Remember that a Northwest Forest Pass is required at some trailheads, picnic areas, and interpretive sites.

ROADS: Use caution when driving on Forest roads and observe posted speeds. For more information on road conditions, visit the roads status web page on the Forest web site.

Forest visitors near Mount St. Helens need to be prepared for a potential ash fall.

HOURS:

• Johnston Ridge Observatory and Coldwater Ridge Visitor Center - Open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Silver Lake Visitor Center - Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. through Monday, and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. beginning September 6.
• Pine Creek Information station - Open through Monday then closed for the season.
• Ape Cave - Open through Monday then closed for the season.
• The Cowlitz Valley Ranger Office in Randle will be open Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and closed Monday.
• The Mount Adams Ranger Office in Trout Lake will be open all weekend from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

* * *

US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Friday, 26 August 2005 at 13:25:46 EDT