From: wengland@stephsf.com (Bill England)
Subject: Re: National Forest Recreational Report (OKANOGAN)
    <1992Aug13.102629.22011@stephsf.com> <1992Aug22.195856.19858@stephsf.com>
Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1992 04:31:30 GMT
Organization: Stephen Software Systems Inc., Tacoma/Seattle, +1 800 829 1684
X-Bytes: 9246

  This report is the latest in a series provided by the  US
  National Forest service with which I have _no_ affiliation.

  These reports are intended for Network release, primarily
  Fido-Net, and I am forwarding them to Usenet at large.

  If you have questions regarding the report contents please
  contact the Forest Service.  Problems with the Posting format
  etc are entirely mine.

  Enjoy,

  Notes:

  1>   Other questions or comments may be directed to Craig
       Buckman, craigb@stephsf.com  whose brainstorm these
       reports originated from.

----------
>Forwarded message:
>From somewhere!sprint.com!/s=m.ewer/ou=r06f08a/prmd=usda.fs.x400/admd=telemail/c=us/ Fri Aug 28 03:57:46 1992
>From: /S=M.EWER/OU=R06F08A/PRMD=USDA.FS.X400/ADMD=TELEMAIL/C=US/@sprint.com
>Date: 26 Aug 92 14:53:40 UT
>Priority: urgent
>To: CRAIGB@stephsf.com
>Subject: OKANOGAN REC REPORT
>Message-Id: <"BBV-IEENPD"*@sprint.com>
>Importance: high

    RECREATION REPORT - OKANOGAN NATIONAL FOREST - CONTACT MAYDENE EWER OR
    PATTY BUREL (509) 826-3275
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    RECREATION REPORT                                           August 26, 1992
    
    
    Twenty years ago on September 2, the North Cascades Highway was officially
    opened connecting the Puget Sound area with the Methow Valley.  There will
    be a celebration in Winthrop on September 2 to commemorate this memorable
    occasion.  
    
    A ribbon cutting ceremony, speeches by dignitaries, and refreshments will
    be part of this celebration which made drastic changes in the lives of
    those citizens of Winthrop and the Methow Valley.  The Washington State
    Department of Transportation, Winthrop town officials and chamber of
    commerce are firming up plans for the celebration, set from 2 to 4 p.m. at
    Mack Lloyd Memorial Park.  Everyone is invited to join in the celebration.
    
    
    HUNTING SEASON
    
    September 1 is the opening day for grouse, dove and bear hunting in Eastern
    Washington.  Early Buck season is open from September 15 to 25 in Unit 203
    which is located entirely within the Pasayten Wilderness.  However, not all
    of the Pasayten Wilderness is within unit 203.  Management Game Units are
    shown on the Forest's Travel Plan Map which designates the seasonal road
    closures on the Okanogan National Forest.  This map is free and available
    at all our forest offices.  Hunters are advised to pick up a copy of the
    Washington Department of Wildlife Hunting Season and Rules pamphlet for
    specific hunting dates and areas.
    
    
    FIREWOOD CUTTING
    
    Firewood permits, whether fee or free, are required for removal of firewood
    from the Okanogan forest.  Right now, each ranger district has several
    areas recently opened for firewood gathering.  Areas are often "cleaned
    out" rapidly, so it is best to check with forest offices for the latest
    information.
    
    Permits, both charge and free-use are available at forest offices in
    Winthrop, Twisp, Okanogan, and Tonasket weekdays.  Twisp and Winthrop
    offices are open on Saturdays.  The Republic Ranger Station issues permits
    for the Okanogan forest to better serve residents in northeastern Okanogan
    County.  Hurb's Market in Conconully, Prince's Store in Oroville, Pardner's
    Mini Mart in Tonasket, Pardner's in Omak (across from NAPA), Hank's Mini
    Mart in Twisp, and Pardner's Mini Mart in Winthrop issues permits.
    
    Permits are also issued by mail through the Forest Supervisor's Office,
    1240 S. Second Ave., Okanogan, WA 98840, to serve people who cannot easily
    get to one of the above listed locations.

    With each Okanogan National Forest firewood permit, a booklet will be given
    out which explains the firewood permit system.  Details on fire precautions
    and general conditions are included in this handout.
    
    
    WATER RECREATION
    
    For those who desire water recreation, Blackpine Lake (4200 feet elevation)
    on the Twisp District, and Tonasket District lakes at Bonaparte (3600
    feet), Beaver (3000 feet), Beth (2760 feet), Lost (3800 feet), and Crawfish
    (4500 feet), can all be accessed by car and have campgrounds with picnic
    and overnight facilties.  Bonaparte Lake campground is undergoing
    reconstruction this season so visitors should look at other options for
    camping.
    
    A fishing dock was added to Blackpine Lake campground a few years ago by
    Youth Conservation Corps workers.  This has become a popular sun deck from
    which one rolls into the water, or simply sits on while dangling toes in
    the lake.  It is not a diving platform.
    
    To reach Blackpine Lake from Twisp, take the Twisp River Road for 10 miles,
    turn left on county road 1091 and proceed for one-half-mile, and turn right
    on Buttermilk road number 43; from there it is 6.7 miles to Blackpine Lake.
    
    Bonaparte, Beaver, Beth, and Lost lakes are close to each other in the Five
    Lakes area, located northeast of Tonasket.  Leaving Tonasket on State
    Highway 20, (locally called the Republic Highway), the traveler climbs east
    for about 22 miles to the fringes of the Okanogan Highlands.  A signed,
    paved county road takes you to Bonaparte Lake which also supports a
    privately operated resort adjacent to the Forest Service campground.  Next
    season will see a "new" look in the campground on the shores of Bonaparte.
    
    To reach Lost, Beth, and Beaver lakes, bypass Bonaparte Lake for several
    miles to where the road splits at a "Y" intersection.  The intersection is
    signed.  Lost Lake road is to the left; Beth and Beaver lakes' road is to
    the right.  All roads are paved to the respective campgrounds.
    
    A special beach and off-shore diving platform at Lost Lake have long made
    this a favorite swimming hole for Okanogan Valley residents.
    
    Crawfish Lake is accessed by traveling from Omak north on Highway 97 to
    Riverside, and crossing the bridge at Riverside to the east side of the
    river.  Cross the railroad tracks to the next intersection, and turn left
    onto road 9320.
    
    Locally called the Tunk Valley road, the route travels through a once
    thriving agricultural center called Synarep.  The paved road becomes
    gravelled about 2 miles past the Synarep grange hall.  Another 4 miles
    brings one to Crawfish Lake campground.  Total mileage from Riverside to
    the lake is about 19 miles.
    
    
    CAMPING AND HIKING
            All campgrounds are open on the forest, with the exception of Bonaparte
    Lake.  Many forest campgrounds are not charging fees this season, but do
    not have water and garbage services available.  Visitors are asked to "pack
    it out".
    
    Forest hiking trails are in good condition on the forest.  Maintenance
    crews will continue working as long as weather permits.
    
    War Creek trail no. 408 is open after being closed due to a fire in the
    area earlier in the season.  Hikers and horse persons may expect rolling
    debri along this trail.
    
    Mosquitoes and files remain a problem until frost occurs.  Visitors are
    urged to carry repellant or netting.
    
    
    FOREST ROADS
    
    Logging trucks are hauling on many roads on the forest, travelers are asked
    to travel with caution.  Warning signs are posted.
    
    On the Twisp District, logging trucks are hauling on Little Bridge Creek,
    Beaver Creek/Volstead, Black Canyon, and Gold Creek roads.
    
    Logs are being hauled on Sweetgrass Butte, Cub Pass, Cub/Goat, Baldy Pass,
    and Bromas Creek roads on the Winthrop District.
    
    North Fork Salmon Creek, on the Tonasket District, has 20 to 25 loads of
    logs per day traveling over it.  Log trucks are also hauling on Myers
    Creek, Lyman Lake, Gibson Creek/Middle Mtn., Crawfish Lake, West Fork of
    Salmon Creek, Bonaparte Lake, and road no. 30 into Aeneas Valley.
    
    
    INFORMATION OFFICES AND HOURS
    
    Forest offices in Okanogan and Tonasket are open weekdays, 7:45 am to 4:30
    pm.  Twisp and Winthrop are open six days per week.  Early Winters and
    Washington Pass Visitor Information Centers are open seven days.
    
    Okanogan National Forest              Twisp Ranger District
    Supervisor's Office                   P.O. Box 188
    1240 South Second Ave.                Twisp, WA 98856
    Okanogan, WA 98840                    Phone:  (509) 997-2131
    Phone:  (509) 826-3275
    
    Tonasket Ranger District              Winthrop Ranger District
    P.O. Box 466                          P.O. Box 579
    Tonasket, WA 98855                    Winthrop, WA 98862
    Phone:  (509) 486-2186                Phone:  (509) 996-2266
    
    
                                      - 30 -     
-- 
 +-  Bill England,  wengland@stephsf.COM -----------------------------------+
 |   * *      H -> He +24MeV                                                |
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