Recreation Report
Ranger District sections on this page
Fall Colors on the Forest
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest on...
For more information on recreation and outdoor activities, visit wenatcheeoutdoors.org
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 Travel Management process
PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements
November 10, 2009
Recreation Reports are printed every other week.
PLEASE NOTE:
All National Forest offices will be closed on Veteran’s Day, Wednesday, November 11 and also on
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 26.
Forest Service offices may close early the day before Thanksgiving, so call ahead for operating hours.
Campground Closures
Many campgrounds are closed or will be closing in the next few weeks. Contact Ranger Stations directly for updates, or check reports below.
Christmas Tree Permits
As the holiday season approaches, the Forest Service is once again offering an opportunity for families to obtain a Christmas tree from the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Christmas tree permits are on sale for $5 each at all ranger stations and the forest headquarters. Each $5 permit allows a family to cut one tree, with a tree height limit of 15 feet, or dig a small live transplant tree. Permits may be purchased in person or by mail. The permits are non-refundable.
For those who can't make it into any of our offices during daily business hours many local businesses are also selling Christmas tree permits.
In Wenatchee tree permits are available at Hooked on Toys and Arlberg Sports.
In Chelan the permits can be bought at the Chelan Shell Foodmart gas station.
The Entiat Food Center in Entiat is also selling Christmas tree permits.
In the Lake Wenatchee area, Parkside Grocery, Midway Village and Plain Hardware have permits for sale.
In Leavenworth, tree permits are available at Dan's Food Market, the 76 gas station and Shell Village Mercantile.
- Before leaving home, notify a friend or family member where you will be going and when you will return. Then, stick to your plan and let your contact person know when you have returned.
- Consider carefully your clothing, equipment, and vehicle needs, making certain they are adequate for the worst conditions you might encounter. If planning to drive over snow-covered roads, a high-clearance vehicle may be best, and don’t forget to carry tire chains and a shovel.
- ALWAYS check out the avalanche hazard before leaving home.
- Start out early in the day so that you have enough daylight to be able to choose that “perfect” tree.
- Be familiar with the area that you plan to visit.
- Carry extra clothing, food, and tools in your vehicle for those unexpected mishaps that may occur.
- Christmas tree permits may be placed on the driver’s side dashboard in lieu of a Northwest Forest Pass when parking at a trailhead. However, once enough snow accumulates and selected trailhead parking areas convert to Sno-Parks, you must have a valid Washington State Sno-Park permit displayed on your windshield when parking at any State Sno-Park.
- 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.
- 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 509-649-2260.
- Roslyn Cyclery, 105 N 2nd 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.
- Mountain High Sports, 105 E 4th, Ellensburg, WA, phone 509-925-4626.
- Morning Star Chevron, 901 W. First St., Cle Elum, WA, phone 509-674-0606.
- Winthrop Mountain Sports, 257 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop, WA phone 509 996-2886.
- Methow Cycle and Sports, 19210 Hwy 20, Winthrop, WA 98862, phone 509 996-3645.
- Valley Hardware/Do-It Center Hardware, 429 E Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp, WA, 509 997-3355.
- Carlton General Store, 2256 Hwy 153, Carlton, WA, phone 509 996-8764 (Day passes).
- Mazama Country Inn, 15 Country Road, Mazama, WA 98833, phone 509 996-2681(Day passes only).
- Naches Ranger District office, 10237 U. S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937
- Slim’s Market, 9951 US Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937
- Rimrock Grocery Store, 34090 U.S. Hwy 12, Naches, WA 98937, phone 509-672-2251
- Intermountain Radio Shack, 208 E 1st, Cle Elum -- 509-674-5859
- Pioneer Coffee, 121 Pennsylvania Ave, Cle Elum--509-674-4100
- Morning Star Chevron/Deli, 901 W 1st, Cle Elum -- 509-674-0606
- Roslyn Cyclery, 105 N Second St Roslyn -- 509-649-2863
- Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce, 609 N Main, Ellensburg -- 509-925-2002
- Washington State Department of Transportation Pass Report Link www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/passinformation.aspx#NorthCascadeHwySR20Link
- Washington State Department of Transportation Weather Link www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/forecast/Default.aspx?zone=WA042
- Carlton General Store, 2256 Hwy 153, Carlton, WA, phone 509 997-8764.
- Hank’s Market, 420 E Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp, WA, phone 509 997-7711.
- Hanks Mini Market, 410 E. Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp, WA, phone 509 997-4332.
- Twisp Chevron Food Mart, 126 N. Methow Valley Hwy, Twisp, WA, phone 509 997-3181.
- Pardners Mini Market, Hwy 20 Winthrop, WA, phone 509 996-2005.
- Bromas Creek Road #3700-800 is closed for repair work due to a road washout.
- Chancellor Road #5400: The bridge over Slate Creek has been replaced. Winter snow is now accumulating making the road impassable.
- Harts Pass Road No. 5400 may have intermittent delays due to the transportation of equipment from the Slate Creek bridge replacement project. The winter snow pack is now accumulating, making the road impassable (22 inches of snow was recorded at Hart’s Pass November 9, 2009).
- Oak Creek Ace Hardware,10400 U.S. Highway 12, phone 509-653-1294
- Slim’s Market, 9951 U.S. Highway 12, phone 509-653-2268
- Helms True Value Hardware, 475 North Wenas Road, phone 509-697-8222
- Selah Save-On Foods, 800 North Park Centre, phone 509-697-6184
- Rimrock Grocery Store, 34090 U.S. Highway 12, phone 509-672-2251
- Eagle Rock Resort, 8590 State Route 410, phone 509-658-2905
- Squaw Rock Resort,15070 State Route 410, phone 509-658-2926
- Whistlin’ Jack Lodge, 20800 State Route 410, phone 509-658-2433
- Chiwawa River Road #6200 is open to the end of the road.
- White River Road #6400 is open to the end of the road.
- Little Wenatchee River Road #6500 is open to the end of the road. There is a road washout area between Soda Springs and Lake Creek campgrounds, trailers are not recommended.
- Smithbrook Road #6700 is open.
- Mission Creek Road #7100 is CLOSED a quarter mile beyond Sand Creek Road #7104 to the lower Devils Gulch trailhead due to flood damage. The upper gate is closed a quarter mile beyond the junction with Road #9712.
- Number Two Canyon Road #7101 is closed for the season.
- Icicle Road #7600 is washed out beyond Ida Creek Campground.
- Eightmile Road #7601 is gated closed for the season.
- Beehive Road #9712 is open. This road is not recommended for passenger vehicles beyond the Mission Ridge Trailhead.
- Icicle Road #7600 is closed about a quarter mile beyond Ida Creek Campground.
- FS Road #7605 is closed at Doctor Creek Bridge.
- Motorized vehicle access to Chatter Creek, Rock Island and Blackpine campgrounds and trailheads beyond Ida Creek Campground is prohibited.
In the Cle Elum and Ellensburg areas Christmas tree permits can be purchased at Roslyn Cyclery, Pioneer Coffee, Intermountain Radio Shack, Morning Star Chevron/Deli and Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce.
Christmas tree permits are available at the following locations in the Naches Ranger District area:
Eagle Rock Resort, Squaw Rock Resort and Whistlin’ Jack Lodge on State Route 410
Rimrock Grocery Store on U.S. Highway 12
Helms True Value Hardware and Save-On Foods in Selah
Oak Creek Ace Hardware and Slim’s Market in Naches
Vendors selling Christmas tree permits in Okanogan County include:
Chevron Station in Okanogan
The General Store in Conconully
The Junction Mini Mart in Tonasket
Carlton General Store in Carlton
Twisp Chevron gas station, Hank’s Market and Hank’s Mini Market in Twisp
Pardners Mini Market in Winthrop
When venturing out into the cold and snowy hills in pursuit of a Christmas tree, here are some hints to help make your trip a safe one:
For more information regarding Christmas tree permits, areas to cut in and travel on forest roads, please contact any Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest office.
OTHER FOREST-RELATED INFORMATION
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.
WOODCUTTING INFORMATION:
Woodcutting permits expire on December 31, 2009.
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.”
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 www.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. and Hooked on Toys.
Chelan area: Passes are available at the Chelan Ranger District office.
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, 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 and at the Entiat Ranger District office.
Cle Elum area: Northwest Forest Pass vendors include Cle Elum Ranger Station and
Methow Valley area: Passes are available at the Methow Valley Ranger Station office, 24 W. Chewuch Road in Winthrop, and
Naches area: Northwest Forest passes can be purchased at the following locations.
THE 10 ESSENTIALS:
Carry the 10 plus essentials when traveling in the backcountry—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.
DISCOVER YOUR NORTHWEST (formerly known as Northwest Interpretive Association):
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 each ranger district office and at the forest headquarters office! These items make great Christmas and birthday gifts.
CHELAN RANGER DISTRICT |
Phone: (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.
CHRISTMAS TREES: Christmas tree permits are available at the office between the hours of 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; they can also be purchased seven days a week at the Chelan Shell Station at 301 E. Woodin Avenue.
CAMPING: All uplake campgrounds are open. Be aware that the lake level is getting low so some docks may be inaccessible. For more information on the lake level, please visit the Chelan County Public Utility District website at www.chelanpud.org/lake-chelan-lake-levels.cfm
ROADS: Watch out for rocks as many are falling onto roadways. Also, with snow starting to fall in higher elevations, please be prepared for winter driving conditions. Please be cautious while driving on Forest Service Roads as fire crews will be out doing prescribed burns. Please call the district office for current road conditions.
ECHO RIDGE: Fantastic scenery may be seen from many of the trails at Echo Ridge. Echo Ridge trails are currently open to all non-motorized use and no fees are being charged. Currently, there is no snow on any of the Echo Ridge trails.
TRAILS: Please call the district office for current trail conditions. Some very high elevation trails are snow covered.
CLE ELUM RANGER DISTRICT |
Phone: (509) 852-1100
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; their phone number is 509-925-2002. The Chamber provides Forest Service information, firewood 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 closed for the season. The visitor center will re-open in late December or early January for the winter recreation season.
ROADS: Mid and high elevation roads are now snow covered and many will remain so until the spring thaw. Seasonal road closures are now in effect on many roads. These closures are put into place for a variety of reasons which include wildlife enhancement, water and soil quality and preventing damage to the road bed. Roads closed to motorized use remain open to non-motorized use.
CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS: Christmas tree Permits are now on sale at the Cle Elum Ranger Station. Permits are $5.00 each with a limit of two per household. If you are unable to visit the Ranger Station to purchase your Christmas Tree Permit you may visit one of our local vendors which include:
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. It is a good idea to carry the following 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.
TRAILS: Snow levels are fluctuating and trail conditions are changing daily. Although many trails are now covered by snow, most remain open to all user groups with the exception of trails within the Table Mountain Management Area, which are closed to motorized use from October 15 through June 15 each year. As you travel through the forest on trails that have become softened by rain, ask yourself if your passing is damaging the trail. You may want to turn back and visit again another day. Remember “Leave No Trace”.
CABIN RENTALS: The Cle Elum Ranger District offers public rental of two cabins:
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 reserveusa.comTable 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 8.5 miles long and gains 2,000 feet of elevation over a groomed snowmobile route. A Washington State Sno-Park permit is required for all vehicles parked at the Blewett Pass Sno-Park. Alternate access is from the Reecer Creek Sno-Park which also requires a Sno-Park permit. The distance from Reecer Creek is 14 miles 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 ring are available outside .
Winter access to this cabin is by ski, snowshoe or snowmobile only. The route is 2.25 miles long over a groomed snowmobile route and gains less than 200 feet in elevation. A Sno-park permit is not required for parking at the Teanaway staging area.
PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements
Cle Elum Ranger District ORV information
Check out the Alpine Lakes Wilderness site for Cle Elum Ranger District
ENTIAT RANGER DISTRICT |
Phone: (509) 784-1511
OFFICE HOURS: Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS: Christmas tree permits are available at the Entiat Ranger Station during regular office hours. They are also available at Arlberg Sports and Hooked on Toys in Wenatchee. When hunting for a tree, Christmas tree permits may be placed on the driver’s side dashboard in lieu of a Northwest Forest Pass when parking at a trailhead. However, once enough snow accumulates and selected trailhead parking areas convert to Sno-Parks, you must have a valid Washington State Sno-Park permit displayed on your windshield when parking at these trailheads.
ROADS: Roads remain open, but be prepared for adverse conditions from rain or snow. Winds may cause trees to blow down and wet conditions can cause large rocks to dislodge and become a road hazard. Please observe posted speed limits and temporary and permanent road closures on all Forest Service roads.
CAMPGROUNDS: All campgrounds on the Entiat District are on a reduced service, non-fee basis until next spring. No drinking water or garbage service is available. Campers and day users are welcome to use these campgrounds, but should bring drinking water and toilet paper and pack out all trash. Fox Creek, Lake Creek and Silver Falls campgrounds are gated shut. If you wish to use these campgrounds you will need to hike in beyond the gates.
TRAILS: The seasonal closure is in effect for Upper Mad River Trail #1409.1. Both weather and trail conditions can change quickly this time of year. Passing storms may cause new blow downs or washouts and cover the backcountry with snow. Be prepared for these sudden changes in weather by taking extra food, and warm, waterproof clothing. Expect the unexpected and plan your trip wisely.
When camping in the backcountry use “No Trace” techniques by packing out all garbage, limiting use of fire (where permitted), and choosing campsites wisely. Know backcountry etiquette and “No Trace” techniques before venturing into the backcountry. For more information on “Leave No Trace” and “Tread Lightly”, stop by the Entiat Ranger District or any Forest Service office.
Wet weather creates muddy trails and damage to the trail tread occurs easily. At all times of the year it is important to consider the impacts of recreation activities. Challenge yourself to find techniques to lessen the impacts of your recreation experience so that you and others can enjoy quality experiences in the future.
PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements
METHOW VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT |
Phone: (509) 996-4003.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 and a local weather forecast is available at www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx
NORTH CASCADES HIGHWAY 20 is temporarily closed because of avalanche danger. Washington State Department of Transportation road crew will re-evaluate snow conditions before re opening. Before traveling check current Department of Transportation pass report and weather report and be prepared for ice and snow (16 inches of snow was recorded at Washington Pass on November 9, 2009). Snow accumulation blocks access to Washington Pass Overlook.
CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS are available for purchase at the Methow Valley Ranger District office, and at the following locations:
TRAILS: Most district trails are now snow covered with more snow in the forecast. Check the weather forecast before your trip, cold temperatures are prevalent and snow is falling above 3,000 feet elevation.
WOODCUTTING: Woodcutting permits are available for purchase at the Methow Valley Ranger District office, Carlton General Store in Carlton, Pardner’s Mini-Mart in Winthrop, Hank’s Market in Twisp and Twisp Chevron Mini-Mart in Twisp. 2009 Firewood permits expire on 12/31/2009.
ROADS: Many district roads are open and drivable. Snow will soon begin to accumulate at higher elevations, go prepared for ice and snow. Check current local weather conditions before traveling. Winter snow is accumulating above 4,000 feet elevation.
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 for more information.
CAMPGROUNDS: Many district campgrounds are open but winter snow is accumulating blocking access to some campgrounds. Water systems at campgrounds have been shut down to prevent freezing during the winter. Campers need to bring drinking water and pack out their trash where those services are not provided. Hart’s Pass and Meadows campgrounds are closed due to snow accumulations. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle at Twisp River Horse Camp.
RECREATION PASSES: Recreation passes cost $5.00 per vehicle per day or $30.00 for an annual Northwest Forest Pass. Interagency Passes and Senior Passes are also honored at trailheads and are available for purchase at the Methow Valley Ranger Station.
Annual Recreation Passes are available for purchase at the Methow Valley Ranger District office, Valley Hardware/Do-It Center in Twisp and Winthrop Mountain Sports in Winthrop. Day passes are available for purchase at each trailhead, at Carlton General Store in Carlton, Mazama Country Inn in Mazama, Valley Hardware/Do-It Center in Twisp, Winthrop Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center and Winthrop Mountain Sports in Winthrop.
Senior Passes are available for $10.00 to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 years old or older, at Methow Valley Ranger District office.
Passes are required at the following trailheads on the Methow Valley Ranger District. This list includes only the trailhead names and does not show each individual trail.
Andrews Creek Billy Goat Blue Lake Bridge Creek Canyon Creek Cedar Creek Cutthroat |
Driveway Butte |
Robinson Creek |
PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements
More information on Methow Valley Ranger District:
NACHES RANGER DISTRICT |
Phone: (509) 653-1401
OFFICE HOURS: The Naches Ranger Station foyer is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to make handouts and forest information available to the public during non-office hours. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Other forest information can be found on kiosk bulletin boards in front of the Naches Ranger Station.
STATE ROUTE 410 IS OPEN TO THROUGH TRAFFIC: State Route 410 has been opened to through traffic; this is great news for local businesses. For those using the detour please keep in mind construction is ongoing.
When driving through the detour route please keep your vehicle speed down, respect local property owners and construction workers, and be patient during traffic delays.
Make sure you have the necessary survival gear with you in the event something should go wrong. Remember to always carry tire chains. For more information please go to the Washington State Department of Transportation web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts/default.aspx?refnum=210856&action=2.
FALL COLORS and SNOW: If you ‘re still looking for fall colors and want a mixture of white, now is the time to check out the woods. Snow has fallen over the past weekend leaving an outstanding mixture of color for photo buffs to check out.
State Route 410 is open beyond the slide. As you take in the many early winter colors, remember to bring along your camera and maybe even the snowshoes or cross-country skies in the event the snow is low enough.
CAMPFIRES: Campfires are allowed in the Naches Ranger District. People continue to leave abandoned campfires so please don’t be one of these people, drown your campfire before leaving for home. Hunters are reminded that any wood that isn’t used at their campsite must be left in the woods. Wood permits are no longer valid for hauling firewood.
ROADS: Deep Creek Road No. 1808/1800 has sustained flood damaged; portions of the road are closed.
WINTER RECREATION NOTICES: The Pinegrass and Little Naches areas will be posted with signage notifying users that Forest Service roads may be closed to wheeled vehicles as early as December 1st if adequate snow depths allow for grooming snowmobile trails. Pinegrass road system includes roads 1204, 1205 and 1241.
The Little Naches road system includes Road No. 1900, beginning at the junction with the Road No. 1904 (gravel pit) and Crow Creek Road No. 902. In most cases, Sno-Park signs are also posted in these areas once grooming begins.
NON-MOTORIZED SNO-PARK PERMITS: Many of the ranger stations on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest act as vendors for Discover Your Northwest (DYNW), a nonprofit organization that promotes public lands. This year Washington State Parks and Recreation will sell their non-motorized Sno-Park permits through DYNW at a cost of $41.00 for an annual permit and $21.00 for a day permit.
WOODCUTTING: Woodcutting on the Naches Ranger District is closed until next spring.
TRAIL CONDITIONS: Winter has settled in for the season in many of the higher elevations where there are already several inches to several feet of snow. Sno-Parks have not yet opened but the season is fast approaching.
Always go prepared for sudden weather changes. Take along a winter survival pack and always leave an itinerary with a friend or family member. Be precise in the information you leave and stick to the itinerary. It is not uncommon to stray from your original plans and become disoriented or stranded miles from your initial location.
CAMPGROUNDS: Kaner Flat and Sawmill Flat campgrounds will remain open through November 15, 2009. Snow has closed Chinook and Cayuse Passes for the season and several inches of snow covers White Pass. This is a good indication to go prepared for winter conditions.
For those who like to camp behind closed gates please keep in mind that whatever you pack in needs to be packed out, this includes human waste. Litter and waste left in snow is scavenged by animals and makes for a very unhealthy environment come spring. Please do your part and Leave No Trace.
CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS are available for purchase at the Naches Ranger District office, phone; 509/653-1401 and at the following locations:
Naches Area
Selah Area
White Pass Area
Chinook Pass Area
PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements
TONASKET RANGER DISTRICT |
Phone: (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.
CHRISTMAS TREE PERMITS: Christmas tree permits can be purchased at the Tonasket Ranger District office and at the Okanogan Valley Office. The cost is $5.00 per Christmas tree permit, and two permits are allowed per family. Removal of any product from the National Forest does require a permit; this includes boughs, cones and moss. Visit our website at www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka/passes for more information.
WOODCUTTING: The Industrial Fire Precaution Level (IFPL) for zone 678W on the Tonasket Ranger District is a Level I. A one-hour fire watch is required after your power saw is shut down. Woodcutting permits are available for purchase at the Tonasket Ranger District office.
Visitors may gather and use up to a quarter of a 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.
PRESCRIBED BURNING: Pile burning is occurring on the Tonasket Ranger District. For more information about burning call Jen Croft, Tonasket Assistant Fuels Management Officer at 509-486-5152.
CAMPGROUNDS: All developed campgrounds on the Tonasket District are closed for the winter season. If you plan to camp at these closed campgrounds, please remember to bring your own drinking water and pack out all trash
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, Nicholson Creek Road #3575 and North Fork Salmon Creek Road #3800. Marias Creek Road #3550-125 is closed above the 3550-130 junction. 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.
Seasonal road and area closures went into effect on October 1st and other road closures are scheduled to occur throughout the fall and winter. Be sure to review the Travel Management Plan Map for closures.
Road Name |
Road Number |
Conditions |
Cow Camp |
3575-120 |
Truck traffic. |
Aeneas |
30 |
Open |
Peony Creek |
3010 |
Open |
Barnell Meadows |
3000-100 |
Closed. Non motorized hunting only. |
Tunk Mountain |
3015 |
Open |
Dugout Mountain Road |
3005-100 |
Open, gated at the top. |
Marias Creek |
3550 |
Portions of 3550 & 3550-125 have been reopened. 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 |
North Fork Salmon Creek |
38 |
Open with truck traffic. |
Lone Frank |
3820 |
Open, high clearance vehicles only! |
Cazadero |
3800-365 |
Open |
Iron gate |
3900-500 |
Open, high clearance vehicles only! |
Wilcox Mountain |
3524-100 |
Open |
TRAILS: Trailhead registration and Northwest Forest Passes are required at Long Swamp, Fourteen Mile, Irongate and Chewuch trailheads. Day passes are available at the trailheads.
Visitors should be prepared for increasing snow at higher elevations, particularly in the Pasayten Wilderness. Even after trails have been cleared however, trees can fall creating obstructions. Certified weed-free feed is required for stock in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
PACK and SADDLE STOCK:
Weed-free feed requirements
More information on Tonasket Ranger District:
www.fs.fed.us/r6/oka
WENATCHEE RIVER RANGER DISTRICT |
Phone: (509) 548-2550
LEAVENWORTH RANGER STATION: Office hours are 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is located in Leavenworth, on Highway 2 across the street from McDonald’s.
LAKE WENATCHEE RANGER STATION: CLOSED FOR THE WINTER.
FALL PRESCRIBED BURNING: Fall prescribed burning operations are planned through November if weather conditions are favorable. Forest visitors may see smoke coming from prescribed burns in the Fish Lake, Blewett Pass, Camas Creek, Beehive Reservoir and Posey Canyon areas.
ROADS: Contact the district office for current road conditions. Please respect the barricades and gates on closed roads. Snow accumulation will affect road closure status.
UPDATE ON THE STATUS OF ICICLE ROAD #7600: In 2008, the upper end of Icicle Road No. 7600 received damage from debris slides that blocked Icicle Creek in two places. Water was forced out of the creek channel by the debris leaving extensive damage. When the waters receded, left behind were massive rocky debris and total obliteration of at least a half mile of the Icicle roadbed. Additional slides and washouts occurred last winter (2008-2009).
The upper portion of Icicle Road No. 7600 remains closed to all motorized vehicles. Three developed campgrounds (Blackpine, Chatter Creek and Rock Island) will remain closed through 2009 and into 2010. Five other developed campgrounds in the lower Icicle Valley are open to use and the road is accessible by vehicle to Ida Creek Campground. A parking area has been made just beyond Ida Creek Campground for those who want to access the upper Icicle trails by foot, mountain bike or with stock animals.
The Forest Service is proposing to reroute the road, moving it to higher ground and out of the floodplain. This proposal is currently going through the NEPA process. More information is available at www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/projects/icicle-road/index.shtml .
Construction is expected to begin next season, and the road is projected to be re-opened by fall 2010.
Closed indefinitely:
CAMPGROUNDS:
Area |
Campground Name |
Status |
Icicle Creek |
Eightmile |
Open with no fees or services. |
Bridge Creek |
||
Lower Johnny Creek |
||
Upper Johnny Creek |
||
Ida Creek |
||
Chatter Creek |
INACCESSIBLE TO MOTORIZED VEHICLES DUE TO A ROAD WASHOUT. |
|
Rock Island |
||
Black Pine |
||
Highway 2 |
Tumwater |
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON |
Lake Wenatchee |
Nason Creek |
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON |
Glacier View |
Open with no fees or services. |
|
White River |
Napeequa Crossing, |
Open with no fees or services. |
Little Wenatchee |
Soda Springs, Lake Creek and |
|
Chiwawa River |
Meadow Creek, Goose Creek, Finner Creek, Riverbend, Rock Creek, Chiwawa Horse Camp, Schaefer Creek, Atkinson Flats, 19 Mile, Alpine Meadows and Phelps Creek |
Open with no fees or services. |
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 or via the Internet at www.recreation.gov . Reservations may be made up to one year in advance.
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.
Alder Ridge Blackpine Stock unloading Buck Creek (Trinity) Chatter Creek Chikamin Chiwaukum Creek Devil’s Gulch (Lower) * Dirtyface |
Eightmile |
Jack/Trout Creek |
Schaefer Lake |
Day passes can also be purchased during the summer months 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, Pioneer Market in Cashmere, Ingalls Creek Convenience Center, Parkside Grocery and Plain Hardware. Interagency Passes are also honored at trailheads and are available for purchase at the ranger station.
TRAILS: Most trails have been cleared of downed logs. Expect trails to become more difficult to access as fall and winter storms deliver rain and snow to the forest. Please remember that
CAMPFIRES are PROHIBITED above 5,000 feet elevation in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area.
ENCHANTMENT PERMITS: Overnight Wilderness permits are required from June 15 to October 15 for the Enchantment Area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Enchantment permit fees are $5 per person per day.
Permit applications for 2010 should be available in January 2010. Download a copy from the forest website www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/passes/enchantments/ or call the Wenatchee River Ranger District’s Leavenworth office at (509) 548-2550. A daily lottery drawing for a limited number of slots is also held at 7:45 a.m. Monday through Saturday during the permit season.
IMPORTANT NOTE: For the summer of 2010, Enchantment Area Permit applications will be accepted between February 1 and February 8. In recent years, the number of applications received for the Enchantment Permit Area has nearly doubled; because of this, we have been unable to process applications as promptly as we had in the past. In order to provide more timely service to our applicants, we are moving the application submission period to FEBRUARY 1 through FEBRUARY 8.
Please be sure to use the 2010 application form and to mail your application during this new time period. As in the past, applications mailed too early (postmarked before February 1) will be rejected. Applications received after February 8 will not be processed until after all on-time applications have been considered. No other major changes in the way permits are processed are expected for the coming year.
PACIFIC CREST TRAIL FLOOD DAMAGE AND TRAIL DETOUR: The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCNST) was heavily damaged by flooding in October 2003 in the vicinity of Glacier Peak on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District. Seven major trail bridges were destroyed and sections of the trail were severely damaged by mudslides. Because of this damage, the trail is impassable to hikers and stock between Red Pass and Miners Creek.
A hiker detour route departs the PCNST #2000 at Indian Pass, down Indian Creek Trail #1502, up the White River Trail #1507 to Boulder Creek Trail #1562, then over Little Giant Pass Trail #1518, up the Chiwawa Road #6200 to Buck Creek Trail #1513, then back onto the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest on the Middle Ridge Trail #785 which rejoins the PCNST near Suiattle Pass.
The detour route is about 10 miles longer than the damaged 39-mile segment. Users can expect high fords until mid-August and trail sections that are steep, rough, brushy, and difficult to follow. These trails require a high skill level for hikers.
Stock users are advised to trailer between Stevens Pass and the Buck Creek trailheads. Another option is to travel the PCNST farther north and come out via the Little Wenatchee Trail #1525 or Indian Creek Trail #1502 then make arrangements to trailer stock around to the Buck Creek trailhead.
Maps and more detailed information are available on the forest web site www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee/pct/ .
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
