From: wengland@stephsf.com (Bill England)
Subject: National Forest Rec. Report (WENATCHEE) 
    <1992Aug13.102316.21975@stephsf.com> <1992Aug13.102629.22011@stephsf.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Aug 1992 03:04:29 GMT
Organization: Stephen Software Systems Inc., Tacoma/Seattle, +1 800 829 1684
X-Bytes: 40554

  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=r.demario/ou=r06f17a/prmd=usda.fs.x400/admd=telemail/c=us/ Thu Aug 20 09:18:53 1992
>Date: 19 Aug 92 13:39:56 UT
>From: /S=R.DEMARIO/OU=R06F17A/PRMD=USDA.FS.X400/ADMD=TELEMAIL/C=US/@sprint.com
>To: /PN=outdoorbbs/OU=R06F17A/PRMD=USDA.FS.X400/ADMD=TELEMAIL/C=US/@sprint.com
>Subject: Wenatchee National Forest Recreation Report
>Message-Id: <"BLN-ICOWQM"*@sprint.com>
>
Current for the week of Aug. 18, 1992.


-------------------------------------------------------------------

WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION REPORT

Editor's Note:  Recreation Reports will be printed every week until Labor

Day.

August 18, 1992



    Worsening fire hazard in extremely dry forest areas has prompted a

return to campfire restrictions on the Wenatchee National Forest, the Forest

Service announced today.  

    Beginning Thursday, August 20, campfire use will be banned in areas

outside of designated campgrounds and classified Wilderness on all six

ranger districts of the Wenatchee National Forest, said Forest Supervisor

Sonny J. O'Neal.

    "Although there is the possibility of some precipitation in the

forecast, the recent stretch of high temperatures and dry weather has had

far reaching effects across the Wenatchee Forest," O'Neal said.  

    The restrictions limit the use of wood and charcoal fires to designated

fire-safe campgrounds and classified Wilderness on the forest.  Signs will

be posted in sites where campfires are allowed.  Individual ranger district

offices can provide a listing of specific fire-safe campgrounds and

Wilderness locations where campfires are allowed.  The use of pressurized

liquid gas campstoves will be allowed in other areas.  Wood burning

campstoves sometimes used by hunters will not be allowed.  

    Recreationists planning trips to any of the Wenatchee's six ranger

districts are encouraged to check ahead of time for specific information on

campfire use.  Ranger district offices are located in Chelan, Entiat, Lake

Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cle Elum, and Naches.

    O'Neal noted that campfire restrictions could be particularly important

if hot dry weather conditions extend through Labor Day weekend.  "With the

influx of people expected for the holiday weekend, it's very important that

we lessen the threat from escaped campfires.  We're hoping for the same kind

of good public cooperation during this critical period that we've had in the

past."

    The public has also traditionally provided an important fire fighting

resource by reporting suspicious smokes, and putting out any abandoned

campfires encountered.  To report a fire on the Wenatchee Forest, contact

any Forest Service or Washington State Department of Natural Resources

employee or call 1-800-826-3383.

    "Folks who use the Wenatchee Forest can help us a great deal simply by

being watchful when they are in the woods," O'Neal added.     O'Neal looks to the weather for the relief needed to lift these fire

safety precautions.  "The campfire restrictions will be lifted as soon as

the weather brings some much needed soaking rain," he said.





CHELAN RANGER DISTRICT  

District Ranger Al Murphy, 509/682-2576 or 664-2702 

Office Hours:  Open daily through Labor Day, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    The Chelan Ranger Station is located at 428 W. Woodin Avenue, on the

shores of Lake Chelan, across the old bridge from downtown Chelan.  Maps,

books and other information on the Lake Chelan area may be obtained at the

station.  A new book has just arrived, "Early Washington Atlas," which has

reproductions of historical maps and changes of Washington State.  This is a

fun and educational addition to any library.

    We're discounting some of our seasonal books right now.  Come in and

take advantage of 25% off the "Wilderness Ranger Cookbook" or "50 Simple

Things Kids Can Do to Save the Earth."

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  Campfire restrictions are in effect.  Open wood and

charcoal fires will be allowed only in designated fire-safe campgrounds,

most classified Wilderness locations, and certain other highcountry areas on

the Chelan Ranger District.  For more information about fire restrictions,

please contact the Chelan Ranger District office.

    Please be extremely cautious with all sources of flame at this time of

year, in all locations.

ROADS:  All forest roads on the Chelan District are open.  The roads are

rough and dusty.  Four wheel drive is recommended for travel off paved

roads.

    The Chelan Butte Road is a favorite for hang gliders, mountain bikers,

and those who enjoy beautiful views.  Just a reminder, most of the roads in

Chelan are either straight up or straight down, so please be careful!

    Roads on the the north shore tend to be more difficult to drive on.

Grade Creek Road #8200 and Cooper Mt. Road #8020 are very rough.  There are

logging trucks on Black Canyon Road #4010 and around Oss Peak; delays up to

30 minutes may occur in these areas.

    The use of a Wenatchee National Forest map is recommended before any

travel.  Maps may be purchased at any Forest Service Ranger Station for

S2.00.  Remember, to legally ride on Forest roads, both motorcycle and

operator must be street legal.CAMPGROUNDS:  All Chelan District campgrounds are open and receiving regular

maintenance.  Sites are on a first-come first-serve basis.  No fees are

charged, but we request that folks be responsible for packing out their own

garbage and bring their own drinking water.  PLEASE DO NOT DRINK WATER

UNLESS IT HAS BEEN PURIFIED FIRST!  Pumps that purify water are easy to use

and may be purchased at camping and sporting goods stores.  Don't let

Giardia ruin your summer vacation.

BOAT IN CAMPSITES: All boat accessed campsites are open and maintained.  All

sites are popular and fill up early.  Boaters need to be on the lookout for

partially submerged logs and other debris.  Gasoline is not available in

Stehekin and there are no uplake services past Twenty-five Mile Creek State

Park.

TRAILS:  Hikers--be prepared for hot conditions, bugs, and critters

(especially bears.)  Make sure to hang your food and aromatic personal

belongings from a rope thrown over a branch high enough for the food to be

at least 15 feet off the ground.  Make sure that the bundle is four feet

from the trunk of any tree or supporting branches.  Please help keep our

wildlife healthy by not leaving tempting goodies or feeding them.

    Trails on the district are all snowfree.  Most district trails are

maintained with the exception of Devore Creek Trail #1244.  All other trails

in the Glacier Peak and Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness are ready for hikers to

explore.  A good long day trip (16 miles round trip) is the West Fork Agnes

Trail #1272 beginning at High Bridge; or make it an easy overnight trip by

camping in the meadow.  (Remember you're in bear country).  Alpine lakes on

the district are all snowfree.

    If you are traveling in the North Cascades Park or the Lake Chelan

National Recreation Area, you need to obtain the proper permits from the

National Park Service.  The shuttle bus service in Stehekin requires advance

reservations.

    Rattlesnakes and ticks are out this year in abundance, so watch your

step.  Be careful and move quietly and smoothly away when encountering

wildlife.

WOODCUTTING:  Woodcutting permits are being offered for sale at this time.

The cost for a permit is S5 per cord with a minimum purchase of two cords.

Maximum purchase is ten cords.  There are timber sales in operation on Black

Canyon Road #8020, Cooper Mountain Road to Oss Peak, and also on a section

of Black Canyon Road #4010 on the Okanogan Forest.  Permits may be purchased

at the ranger station.  Check with Mary, Linda, or Jack for additional

information.BOAT SERVICE:  The Lady of the Lake II and the Lady Express leave Chelan

daily at 8:30 a.m.  The Lady Express departs Field's Point at 9:20 a.m.,

arriving in Stehekin at 10:45.  After a one-hour layover, the Lady Express

departs Stehekin at 11:45 and arrives back in Chelan at 2:00.  The Lady of

the Lake II arrives at Field's Point at 9:45 a.m. and Stehekin at 12:30

p.m.  The Lady II leaves Stehekin at 2:00 p.m. arriving back at Field's

Point at 4:45 p.m. and Chelan at 6:00 p.m.  This boat will also make "flag

stops" for hikers when pre-arranged with the boat company.  For further

details contact the Lake Chelan Boat Company at (509)682-2224.

    An interpretive program on board the Lady II and the Express is offered

every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday by Chelan Ranger District Interpreter

Holly Weber.  The NPS also offers an orientation to Stehekin aboard the

Lady, from Lucerne to Stehekin 5 days per week.

    The gate at Field's Point Landing is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00

p.m.  A self-pay parking system is in effect.  The concession shop (which

sells maps and coffee during morning boat time) is operating out of the

exhibit building.  Picnic tables, overlooks, interpretive signs, a relief

map, and a short hiking trail are all available for your use.  

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.)

    The Sawtooth highcountry is lush and green this time of year.  The

temperatures have been warm and even close to hot these past 2 weeks.  The

biting insects are in low numbers in the Boiling Lake area of the Chelan

District and the Eagle, Martin, and Cooney Lakes area of the Twisp District.

    All of the 51 miles of ORV trails in the Sawtooth area are logged out

and in pretty good shape.  The Chelan District fire crew spent a day

brushing out portions of the Safety Harbor Trail #1261 and working on an

eroded swithcback on the Uno Peak Trail #1260.  This switchback, at the

lower end of the Uno loop, is now greatly improved and needs only a small

amount of tread work to complete the restoration.

    The ORV map for the Sawtooth backcountry is very close to completion and

should be off to the printing office by next week.

    On the Okanogan side of the Sawtooth, please remember that motorcycles

are not allowed into Merchant's Basin or into Martin, Cooney, Crater, and

Upper and Lower Eagle Lakes.  Park your bikes at the signed trail junction

and have a peaceful walk into these beautiful Alpine lakes.

    To operate an ORV on public lands or private lands open to public use,

you must have a U.S. Forest Service approved spark arrester and a currentORV permit or your motorcycle must be street legal with a current state

license plate.

    Much of the area bordering the Sawtooth Backcountry is designated

Wilderness.  Vehicle closure signs are clearly visible on all trails leading

into Wilderness Areas and on those trails outside Wilderness which are

closed to bikes.  Please take the responsibility to know where these

boundaries are located and respect these vehicle closures. 

    A reminder to those of you utilizing the fire rings at the developed

campsites.  Please keep in mind that cans and tin foil DO NOT burn!  The

only reason you do not see them in the fire rings when you return to a site

is that someone packs them out on their back, their horse, or their

motorcycle.  It is fine to burn the food out of cans and off your tin foil

but please clean out your fire ring and pack your garbage out when you leave

camp.  It makes it much more pleasant for the next person.

    The riding opportunities in this high alpine setting are some of the

finest in the state.  Help to protect and preserve this unique area.  Ride

safely and TREAD LIGHTLY!





ENTIAT RANGER DISTRICT  

District Ranger Karin Whitehall 509/784-1511

Office Hours:  Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  Campfire restrictions are in effect.  Open wood and

charcoal fires will be allowed only in designated fire-safe campgrounds and

most classified Wilderness locations.  Please call your local ranger station

for more information.

ROADS:  Shady Pass Road #5900 is clear to Shady Pass.  There is logging

activity on the Entiat Ranger District.  Forest visitors should be prepared

for sudden encounters with log trucks.  Log hauling is also occurring near

Sugarloaf on Road #5200 and down Tillicum Creek Road #5800.  This road

should likely have 6-10 loads per day.  There are no location numbers posted

on the #5800 Road but truckers have generally been using Channel 2 on their

CB's.  Expect 10 loads per day off the Tyee Ridge Road #5700.  Forest users

travelling on the Tyee Ridge Road should tune CB radios to Channel 2.

Location numbers are posted along the roadway on the Tyee Road only. 

CAMPGROUNDS:  Recreation activities are in full swing on the Entiat

District.  Cottonwood, North Fork, Silver Falls, Lake Creek, and Fox Creek

campgrounds are now open and under a full fee system which ranges from S3 to

S5 per vehicle per night.  These campgrounds offer centralized hand pumpwells and garbage service.  Spruce Grove, Three Creeks, and Pine Flat

campgrounds offer no drinking water or garbage service.  Campers are asked

to bring their own water and to please pack out all garbage at these non-fee

sites.  All campgrounds are on a first-come first-serve basis with large

group reservation sites at Silver Falls and Pine Flat.  All developed

campgrounds are accessible via the Entiat River Road #51 and the Mad

River-Tyee Road #5700. 

    The dispersed site at Camp 9 is closed at the gate to four-wheeled

vehicles this summer.  The camp can be accessed by foot or motorcycle.

    As a reminder, fishing season is open on the Entiat and Mad Rivers, but

there is a state-wide seasonal closure on Bull trout and Dolly Varden.

Also, the bears are out looking for an easy meal.  Please secure ALL food in

a vehicle or by hanging it from a branch at least 15 feet off the ground and

four feet from the trunk of the tree.  When using campground dumpsters,

please remember to close the lids.

TRAILS:  Due to a large number of downed trees along all trails on the

district from last winter's windstorms, trail maintenance has been very slow

this year.

    Trails that have been maintained in the North Fork area are Pyramid Mt.

#1433, Pyramid Creek #1439, Pugh Ridge #1438, North Fork Entiat River #1437,

and Pyramid View Point #1441.  This area is a great place to take your

horses for that next pack trip.  

    Other trails that have been maintained on the district are Entiat River

Trail #1400 to the Entiat Glacier, Cow Creek Meadows Trail #1404, Ice Creek

Trail #1407, Duncan Hill Trail #1434 from the trailhead to Anthem Creek,

Larch Lakes Trail #1430, Garland Peak Trail #1408 and #1408.1, Shetipo Trail

#1429, and Pomas Creek Trail #1453. 

    A note of interest, Emerald Park Trail #1230 has a very large amount of

down trees across the trail and will not be cleared until the week of Aug.

17.  We have high hopes of having all district trails open by mid August.

For more trail information see the Tread Lightly section.

    The ranger district greatly appreciates your observations on trail

conditions which may be helpful in providing current and accurate

information to our public.

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.) 

    While many of these trails have been maintained, extensive windfall has

created many rootwads near the trails.  Horse traffic should use caution.

The Lower Mad River Trail #1409, Billy Ridge Trail #1413, Tyee Ridge Trail

#1415 (about 5 miles from the lookout end in) are all ready for use.  Cougar

Ridge Trail #1418 is maintained to the edge of a large clearcut.  In the

Lake Creek Basin, the Lake Creek Trail #1443 is maintained and open to the

top of Devils Backbone.  All the trails in the Twenty-five Mile Creek area

are open and maintained with the exception of four miles of trail to Stormy

Mountain.  Angle Peak Trail #1444 and Four Mile Ridge Trail #1445 have

extreme windfall and will not be maintained.

    The Upper Mad River is open for use.  Right now the Upper Mad River

Trail #1409.1 from Maverick Saddle to Blue Creek Shelter is maintained.  The

Lost Lake Trail #1421 is maintained.  This trail is freshly rebuilt and is

in excellent condition.  The Hunter Trail #1417 is maintained.  Please use

caution when crossing the wet spots.  The Middle Tommy Trail #1424 is

maintained.  North Tommy Trail #1425 is also maintained.  This trail has

many rootwads so please use caution.  Most of the trails from Lake Wenatchee

have been maintained (see the Lake Wenatchee Section.)  Please avoid the

unmaintained trails due to the extreme windfall; attempting to ride them

will just require lots of extra work and cause damage to the trail system.

Duncan Hill Trail #1434 is maintained.

    Please remember to stay on the trail; off trail travel can cause damage

to the trail system.  Also, remember to follow the rules of trail etiquette.

    A suggested trail to ride is the Lost Lake Trail #1421.  This is a great

trail that has very little dust due to the trail being mostly in the trees.

This trail has lots of turns and flows well.  It also brings you out at Lost

Lake.  This lake is small and has very little fishing, although is is a

great spot to have lunch.  Be sure you make the turn to the Lost Lake

Trail.  If you miss the turn you will end up on the Hi Yu Trail.  This trail

has not been maintained yet and also rated a most difficult trail that will

challenge the most skilled rider.  Have fun recreating and Tread Lightly!

More information is available at your local ranger station.

WOODCUTTING:  1992 woodcutting permits are available for sale at the Entiat

Ranger District office.  West Dinkelman, South Dinkelman, and Medicine Ridge

are the designated woodcutting areas on the district.  Maps of these areas

are available.  The minimum purchase for woodcutting permits is two cords

for S10.00.  The maximum woodcutting permit purchase per year is 10 cords

for S50.00.  Call the ranger station for more information.



LAKE WENATCHEE RANGER DISTRICT  

District Ranger George Pozzuto 509/763-3103 or 664-2704 (Wenatchee Valley

area residents).

Office hours:  8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  Campfire restrictions go into effect on Aug. 20 on the

Lake Wenatchee Ranger District.  Open wood and charcoal fires will be

allowed only in designated fire-safe campgrounds and most classified

Wilderness locations.  Please call your local ranger station for more

information.

ROADS:  The Chiwawa Valley Road #6200, White River Road #6400, and Little

Wenatchee River Road #6500 are open all the way to their ends, though some

side roads are closed.  Smithbrook-Rainy Creek Road #6700 is open,

connecting Highway 2 and Little Wenatchee River Road #6500.

LOGGING TRAFFIC:  Fully loaded log trucks are traveling the lower stretches

of Little Wenatchee River Road #6500.  Hauling is also taking place along

Rainy Creek Road #6700, Line Creek Road #6501, and Lake Creek Road #6701.

CAMPGROUNDS:  Glacier View Campground is open with water and garbage

services; the fee is S6.00.  All three sections of Nason Creek Campground

are open; fee is S7.00 per vehicle per night.  Goose Creek Campground is

open, with services; fee is S5.00 per night.

    All non-fee campgrounds along the White River, Little Wenatchee, and

Chiwawa Valley roads are open.  These campgrounds do not have water or

garbage service.  Please pack out your garbage.

    Grouse Creek Campground is available for reservations by groups Sundays

through Thursdays for S15 per night.  All weekends are currently reserved.

TRAILS:  Maintained trails include Heather Lake Trail #1526, White River

#1507, Twin Lakes #1503, Rock Creek #1509, Merritt Lake #1588, Nason Ridge

Trail #1583 from Alpine Lookout to the lower Nason Trail trailhead, Round

Mountain #1529, White Pine #1582, Schaefer Lake #1519, Minnow Creek #1539,

Basalt Pass #1530, Basalt Ridge #1515 from Finner Creek to Basalt Pass,

Lanham Lake #1589, Cady Creek #1501, Indian Creek #1502, Chiwawa River #1550

to Chiwawa Basin, Buck Creek #1513, Phelps Creek #1511 to Spider Meadows,

Mt. David #1521 for 2 miles, Snowy Creek #1531, Little Wenatchee #1525, Lake

Ethel #1585, Upper Roaring #1584, Smithbrook #1590, Carne Mountain #1508,

Boulder Creek #1562 to Boulder Basin, the Pacific Crest Trail from Stevens

Pass to lower White Pass, and Top Lake #1506.

    Hikers, horseriders, and bicyclists should anticipate that other trails

will be blocked by fallen trees.    All wilderness areas in the district have a party-size limit of 12

including stock.  Please pack out all that you pack in.

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.)  

    Maintained ORV trails include Chikamin Trail #1534, Lower Chiwawa Trail

#1548, and Minnow Ridge Trail #1524.  Alder Ridge ORV Trail #1523 and

Chikamin Tie ORV Trail #1561 are also maintained.

INTERPRETIVE PROGRAM:  If you are looking to broaden your knowledge and

skills, attend a few classes sponsored through the Cascade Community

School.  Summer classes will require no pre-registration and no registration

fee this year!  

    Upcoming classes include Exploring Plant Life on Hidden Lake Trail --

Identify plants and trees along a moderate-grade trail to one of the

forest's best-kept secrets, Friday, August 21, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Glacier

View Campground; Gyotaku:  The Ancient Art of Japanese Fish Printing --

Learn about the biology of fish while creating a print you can take home,

Wednesday, August 26, 10 a.m. to noon; Huckleberry Hike to Lake Valhalla --

Bring your picking bucket for this 6-mile roundtrip hike to Lake Valhalla

with a local naturalist, Thursday, August 27, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leavenworth

Ranger Station, Highway 2; Things That Go "Bump" in the Night -- Enjoy a

leisurely walk for an evening exploration of the forest, Friday, August 28,

8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Wilderness Education Hike -- Learn about the

wilderness and wilderness protocol during a hike into high alpine meadows of

Snowy Creek Trail, Saturday, August 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Cone

Collection/Reforestation -- Learn about various methods of cone collection

from the experts, Wednesday, September 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Land Use

Practices of Native Americans -- See how Native Americans of the Lake

Wenatchee area used trees, shrubs, and herbs, Friday, September 4, 9 a.m. to

noon.  Unless otherwise noted meeting sites are at the Lake Wenatchee Ranger

Station.

FOREST INFORMATION ON 1610 AM:  When traveling on U.S. Highway 2 or on Lake

Wenatchee Highway 207, tune to AM 1610 for updated forest information.





LEAVENWORTH RANGER DISTRICT  

District Ranger Becki Heath 509/548-4067 or 782-1413 (Wenatchee area

residents).

Office hours:  7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  Campfire restrictions are in effect.  Open wood and

charcoal fires will be allowed only in designated fire-safe campgrounds and

most classified Wilderness locations.  Campfires will be allowed outside

campgrounds in portions of the Icicle drainage and Tumwater Canyon on the

Leavenworth District.  Please contact the Leavenworth Ranger Station for

additional information.

ROADS:  Most district roads are open.  The Liberty Beehive Road #9712 has

been maintained to the Beehive reservoir.  

LOGGING TRAFFIC:  There is logging activity on Van Creek Road #7520 and

Sugarloaf Road #5200.

CAMPGROUNDS:  All campgrounds within the Icicle drainage are open and on

full fee system.  If you plan to have a campfire, please remember to BRING

YOUR OWN FIREWOOD. 

    CAUTION--KEEP ANYTHING OF VALUE, INCLUDING ICE CHESTS, LOCKED IN YOUR

VEHICLE OR IN YOUR TENT.  THEFT IS ON THE RISE ALREADY THIS SEASON.

    Construction at Tumwater Campground has been completed and the

campground is in full service now.  Tronsen Campground will be closed all

season due to the danger posed by hazardous trees at the site.  A number of

mature spruce trees are suffering from advanced root rot, making it

dangerous to camp under them.  Please stay out of this campground this

year.  Bonanza Campground is open to visitors on a self-service no fee

system.

    For those folks who like to plan well in advance, group site

reservations for the 1993 summer season will be accepted beginning February

1, 1993 instead of March 1 as has been the case in past years.

TRAILS:  Trail crews have been busy clearing trails on the district.

Remember Mother Nature has a way of undoing all their hard work.  Ingalls

Creek Trail #1215 is a great wildflower hike.  This trail has been logged

out (all logs have been removed from across the trail) to Stuart Pass.

Fourth of July Trail #1579 is logged out to the ridge.  Icicle Ridge Trail

#1570 also provides a great outing and is logged out to Fourth of July

Trail.  Chiwaukum Trail #1571 is a great trail for viewing wildflowers.

This trail is logged out past Timothy Meadows.  Index Creek Trail #1572 is

logged out along with the Hatchery Creek Trail #1577.  

    Colchuck Trail #1599, Little Eightmile, and Eightmile Trail #1552 up to

Lake Caroline have a few logs on the trails.  There is no snow on Aasgard

Pass.  Nada and Snow Lakes Trail #1553 has been logged out to Nada Lake.

Stuart Lake Trail #1599 is logged out.  Trout Lake Trail #1555 has some logs

across the trail.  Icicle Creek Trail #1551 is logged out for about 7 mileswith many logs down beyond the 7 mile point.  French Ridge Trail #1564 has

many logs down.  Chatter Creek Trail #1580 has been logged out to the top of

the ridge.  

    TRAILHEAD THEFTS ARE A PROBLEM.  PLEASE REMEMBER TO TAKE ALL VALUABLES

WITH YOU!

TREAD LIGHTLY:  (The following information refers to trails open to hikers,

horses, bicycles, and motorcycles.  Please use caution and care when

enjoying them.)

    Tronsen Ridge Trail #1204 and Red Hill Spur Trail #1223 are now open and

log free.  Mission Ridge Trail #1201 and Devils Gulch Trail #1220 are

excellent trails.  Shaser Creek Trail #7322, off the Old Blewett Pass, is

open as an ATV area.  Check at the ranger station to view a detailed ORV

map.  Squilchuck Trail #1200 is closed to motorcycle traffic from Beehive

Pipeline to Liberty Beehive Road.

ENCHANTMENTS:  On March 2, we began accepting reservations for the

Enchantment, Colchuck, Stuart, and Snow Lake permit areas.  There is already

a very full calendar for reservations for the Enchantments.  Information

regarding open dates to begin your trip are available by calling the

Leavenworth Ranger Station at (509) 548-4067.  We also have information

available on day and seasonal day hike permits.  The permit season runs from

June 15 thru October 15.

    ATTENTION--NEW CHANGES FOR PERMIT SYSTEM FOR 1993.  (1) We will begin

processing applications (that are not postmarked prior to February 25) on

March 1.  Applications postmarked prior to 2/25 will be returned

unprocessed.  After March 15, walk in applications will be taken.  (2)

Seasons Pass Day Use Permits are due back at the Ranger Station by 10/25.

Those not returning them will not be issued another Pass the following

year.  (3) Permits will not be issued to any party size larger than 8

people.  (4) Limit of one permit per year.

WOODCUTTING:  The 1992 woodcutting permits are available for sale.  There

are special woodcutting areas open.  Stop by the ranger station for a

woodcutting area map.

NORTHWEST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION:  The Leavenworth Ranger Station has a

large selection of books covering a wide variety of subjects including gold

panning, wildlife, hiking, wildflowers, trees, climbing, and safety.  We

also have Smokey Bear articles which include hats, patches, and wonderful

stuffed animals.  Please stop by and browse anytime.



CLE ELUM RANGER DISTRICT  

District Ranger Catherine Stephenson 674-4411

Office hours:  Monday through Saturday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  In

Ellensburg, the Ellensburg Visitor Information Center (Chamber of Commerce

Office) also provides Forest Service information from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00

p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Outdoor Recreation Information Center in

Seattle can provide up-to-date recreation information for other areas, (206)

553-0170.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS:  Campfire restrictions go into effect on Aug. 20 on the

Cle Elum Ranger District.  Open wood and charcoal fires will be allowed only

in designated fire-safe campgrounds and most classified Wilderness

locations.  Please call your local ranger station for more information.

FIRE PREVENTION NOTICE:  Please use extreme caution with campfires.  Do not

leave campfires unattended.  When you are away from your campsite, put all

campfires out cold.  When visiting the National Forest it is a good idea to

carry a shovel and water bucket, stack your firewood well away from your

campfire, and clear the area around your campfire down to mineral soil.

These precautions will make the difference between a safe or sorry stay in

the forest.

ROADS:  Most district roads are now open.  Beware of logging traffic down

the Reecer Creek Road #3500, Meadow Creek Road #5483, Keechelus Frontage

Road #4832, and the Spex Arth Road #4510.  The Cabin Creek Road #4100 is

still impassable at the Cole Creek crossing due to flood damage.  

BOAT LAUNCHING:  Launching from the Kachess Campground is getting more and

more difficult.  The water is approximately a thousand feet below the end of

the pavement.  Four-wheel drive capability is recommended if you're going to

attempt to launch below the paved boat launch.  

    Launching from the Wish Poosh boat launch on Cle Elum Lake is almost

impossible, unless you're willing to attempt it with a four-wheel drive

vehicle.  The water is well below the ramp.  It is recommended to have a

four-wheel drive vehicle if you're going to attempt to launch from the Wish

Poosh boat launch or Speelyi beach.

CAMPGROUNDS:  Selected units at the Kachess Lake and Salmon la Sac

Campgrounds are available for advanced reservation by calling MISTIX

Corporation at 1-800-283-CAMP.  Customers needing TDD (Telephone Device for

the Deaf) may call 1-800-274-7275.  The summer trend has been for our larger

campgrounds to start filling up Thursday evening and maxing out in the

afternoon on Friday for the first-come first-serve sites.  Please call the

district office for up-to-date information.TRAILS:  The majority of trails on the Cle Elum Ranger District are open and

have been maintained.  Trail maintenance crews are well ahead of schedule

with log out and maintenance.  The Mount Daniels ford crossing is higher

than usual due to more glacial melt off, so please use extreme caution.

Stock users should evaluate the crossing to determine their own horse's

ability, it can be a pretty tricky crossing.

    The portion of Chikamin Ridge from Huckleberry Saddle to Watson Pass is

not recommended for horse use at this time.  The trail is narrow and crosses

a loose talus slope.

    For specific trail information regarding trail accessibility and uses

please call the district office.

TREAD LIGHTLY:  The Taneum/Manastash areas offer many accessible motorcycle

and four-wheel drive routes.  Information about where to ride may also be

obtained from the Department of Natural Resources or the Kittitas County ORV

Sheriffs.  It is the user's responsibility to learn what areas are open to

their type of vehicle.  Please call one of the above locations/offices for

assistance.

WOODCUTTING:  Woodcutting permits sell for S5 per cord with a 10 cord

maximum purchase per year per family and are good until December 31, 1992.

There is a S10, two cord, minimum purchase fee.  No woodcutting is allowed

in habitat conservation areas for the spotted owl, except in designated

woodcutting areas.  Woodcutting maps and information are available with the

purchase of a permit.

    Permits can be obtained at the Cle Elum Ranger Station or at the Forest

Service Information Center in the Chamber of Commerce building in

Ellensburg.  Mail in requests for permits will be accepted by mailing a

personal check, bank draft, or money order to Cle Elum Ranger District, 803

W. 2nd Street, Cle Elum, WA 98922.

INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTION LEVELS:  Call the District office for the most up

to date information on Industrail Fire Precaution Levels for the next day.

Information is also left on the night phone message machine and posted out

front of the office on the Smokey Bear board.

HUCKLEBERRIES:  Huckleberries are very scarce this year due to lack of

moisture and a late spring freeze.  It doesn't look like a very good year

for huckleberries.

INTERPRETIVE SALES:  Come check out our Northwest Interpretive Association

sale items.  A special feature this week is the book Teanaway Country, A

Hiking and Scrambling Guide to Washington's Central Cascades.  Other NWIAsale items include a variety of books, maps, and Smokey Bear items.  Come on

in and browse!





NACHES RANGER DISTRICT  

District Ranger Don Rotell 509/653-2205 or Yakima #965-8005, VOICE/TT.

Office Hours:  Monday through Saturday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The office

address is 10061 Highway 12, Naches, WA 98937.

FIRE:  Campfire restrictions go into effect on Aug. 20 on the Naches Ranger

District.  Open wood and charcoal fires will be allowed only in designated

fire-safe campgrounds and most classified Wilderness locations.  Forest

users should always check at a ranger station in whatever National Forest

they are entering to become aware of any possible restrictions in effect.

    You can help prevent fires this summer by being extra cautious.  Any

fire that is prevented is one less that ties up critical fire-fighting

resources that may be needed elsewhere.  You can also help by reporting

wildfires and by reporting any suspicious activity related to wildland arson

fires.  To report forest fires, call 911 in Yakima County, 1-800-826-3383,

or the Yakima County Sheriff's office.

ROADS:  When traveling on Forest roads always carry emergency equipment in

your vehicle and be prepared for the unexpected.  A map, flashlight, extra

food and clothing, sunglasses, spare tire and jack, as well as a full tank

of gas are important items to have on any trip to the mountains.

TRAILS:  The Naches Ranger Station has a list of trails which are open to

mountain bikes.  Bear Canyon Road off of White Pass Highway 12 is a popular

route for mountain bikers.  This abandoned road leads through a very

interesting and beautiful low elevation canyon.  At the top of the canyon,

views of the surrounding area are easily obtained by a short hike to the top

of the ridge just south of the canyon.  

CAMPGROUNDS:  Clear Creek Dam construction will be continuing throughout the

summer.  For public safety, the north side of the Clear Lake Campground is

closed.  American Forks Campground is closed indefinitely.

WILDERNESS:  Pure mountain spring water is not as pure as it once was.

Today, even clear remote streams may carry Giardia or other disease causing

bacteria and virus pathogens.  If Giardia gets into your system the results

can range from an infection where no symptoms are noticed to an acute

infection where diarrhea lasts for 10 days.  It may be a week or two before

you know you are sick.    You can reduce the risk of infection and spread of these pathogens with

two simple steps.  1) When in the forest, make your bathroom at least 100

feet from any water source; this will help stop the spread.  2) Boil,

filter, or use a chemical treatment to "purify" your drinking water; this

will help reduce the chance of infection.  Boiling water should be done for

at least a minute.  If you choose to use a filter, pick one with a pore size

of one micron or less.  With chemical treatment, follow the directions on

the package.  Water temperature, exposure time, and concentration all add to

the effectiveness of iodine.  Water filters and chemical treatments are

available at most camping goods stores.

FIREWOOD:  Effective August 17, firewood cutting is temporarily closed due

to high fire danger (fire precaution level III).  Cutting of personal use

firewood is suspended until weather conditions cause a reduction in fire

danger.  Firewood cutters should always check the fire precaution level

before leaving to go wood cutting.  This information is posted on a sign in

front of the ranger station or can be obtained by calling 509/653-2205 or

from Yakima 965-8005.  Rules relative to each fire precaution level are

shown on the firewood permit.  Firewood season ends September 30 on the

Naches Ranger District.

NORTHWEST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION:  The NWIA outlet at Naches Ranger

Station has received some beautiful new scenic/wildlife postcards.  The

postcards are sized large enough to send a good message on and are suitable

for framing.  Scenery includes Mount Rainier (Edith Falls), Touches of

Autumn at Mount Rainier (Falls Creek Falls), and Mount Rainier from Silver

Forest Trail.  Wildlife postcards include Red-Tailed Hawk, Short-eared Owl,

Wild Turkeys, Bobcat or Bay Lynx, Grazing Bull Elk in Velvet, Squirrel,

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram, Coyote, and a baby Cougar.  Some folks have

begun using these postcards to send a Holiday message instead of the

traditional Christmas cards.

    Other new items include a children's activity book entitled "Discovering

Salmon," Audubon field guides--Rocks & Minerals/Trees/Mushrooms, and the

1993 Great Northwest Calendar.  The price has been discounted on the few

National Forest centennial t-shirts and sweatshirts that are left.  Pin

collectors can still obtain a National Forest centennial pin

(silver/black).  

    The NWIA outlet at the Naches Ranger Station is an excellent place to

shop for gifts or a place to purchase a book or map to help make your visit

to the National Forest a more memorable one.  A percentage of the sales are

returned to the local area to aid in interpretation.CENTRAL WASHINGTON STATE FAIR:  The Naches Ranger District is going to be

represented at the Fair again this year with their display trailer.  The

theme will be "101 Ways to Use Your National Forest."  We would like to

invite everyone to stop by to check out the different ways shown to use the

National Forest and we challenge you to tell us some other uses.

SIGHTSEEING TRIP:  For a unique opportunity for a breathtaking view try

visiting the old Raven Roost lookout site.  The estimated trip time to the

old location of the Raven Roost lookout site from the mouth of the Little

Naches River is 3 to 5 hours.  Driving from Little Naches paved forest road

#1900 proceed to Road #1902.  Cross Crow Creek at the campground and take

either the old road #1921 or new road #1902 up to Raven Roost.  Dispersed

camping is available at Huckleberry Camp.  An outstanding view from Raven

Roost can be had in all directions.  Fife's Peaks are the jagged rocks to

the south.  The original Raven Roost road was constructed by the Civilian

Conservation Corps crews in the mid-1930's.  On clear days, Mt. Shuskan

B.C., Naches Pass, Mt. Baker, Puget Sound, Olympics, Mt. Rainier, Glacier

Peaks, and the Stuart range may be seen.



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-- 
 +-  Bill England,  wengland@stephsf.COM -----------------------------------+
 |   * *      H -> He +24MeV                                                |
 |  * * * ... Oooo, we're having so much fun making itty bitty suns *       |
 |__ * * ___________________________________________________________________|