From: wengland@stephsf.com (Bill England)
Subject: Re: National Forest Rec. Report (WENATCHEE) 
    <1992Aug13.102629.22011@stephsf.com> <1992Aug22.200429.19902@stephsf.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1992 00:38:06 GMT
Organization: Stephen Software Systems Inc., Tacoma/Seattle, +1 800 829 1684
X-Bytes: 37666

  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.

  2>  Usenet is supposed to be interactive!  I've included
      the from address of the authors so that they can receive 
      feedback directly from those interested in these reports.
      To respond to them either call or  use the From: address
      below.  (It is kind of complicated but will work if 
      typed in as shown.)

----------
>Forwarded message:
>From somewhere!sprint.com!/s=r.demario/ou=r06f17a/prmd=usda.fs.x400/admd=telemail/c=us/ Wed Aug 26 03:37:57 1992
>Date: 25 Aug 92 14:44:08 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: <"IP-IECJSF"*@sprint.com>
>
Current for the week of Aug. 25, 1992.

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

WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION REPORT

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

Day.

August 25, 1992



    This is the time of year when roads and trails are likely to be in the

best shape for travel on the Wenatchee National Forest.  However, Off-Road

Vehicle (ORV) Rangers for the Forest hope visitors will keep in mind that

travel in America's Great Outdoors can be influenced by many factors.

    For example, the distance you plan to travel can prove deceiving when

that travel is through mountains and woodlands, said Mark Mitchell, an ORV

Ranger who works out of the Entiat District.

    "When the average person looks at a map that shows it's 10 miles to

their destination, they may not recognize that a 10-mile trip will take 3.3

hours hiking time," Mitchell noted.  Applying his computation to other forms

of forest travel, the average person riding a horse will complete that same

trip in three hours, the average mountain biker in two hours, and the

average trailbike rider in 1.5 hours.

    Calvin Yamamoto, an ORV Ranger who works in the Leavenworth and Lake

Wenatchee Districts, is quick to add that these travel times are for the

"easy-going" trails.  Naturally, as the difficulty of the route increases,

so does the travel time.  

    "On a more difficult trail, expect travel time to increase by an hour or

more," he noted.  Travel time could increase by two hours or more on the

most difficult routes.

    Additionally, on many of the most difficult trails in the Forest,

visitors on wheels could be required to push or lift their bicycle or

motorcycle at some points along the way. 

    With access to the Forest at very nearly its best so far this year,

visitors will find many miles of trail from which to choose for their

particular mode of travel.  

    To plan your next trail trip, contact the ranger station office of your

choice for help in matching your method of travel, skill level, time

available, and experience desired to a Wenatchee Forest recreation trail

waiting out there for you.

    The Wenatchee National Forest truly does provide "something for

everyone."



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.  This weeks feature book is "Stehekin:  Glimpses of the Past."

This collection of stories of people in Stehekin is delightful reading.

    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 RESTRICTION:  Fire 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 restriction, 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, rutted, and dusty.  Four wheel drive is recommended for travel off

paved roads.  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 on the Chelan Ranger District.  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!  Bears are out, grazing for berries and

any tidbits campers have inadvertently left.  Take special precautions so

wild critters don't acquire a taste for human food.

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 only available

on an emergency basis (5 gallons maximum) in Stehekin.  There are no uplake

services past Twenty-five Mile Creek State Park.

TRAILS:  Cooler weather is predicted with near normal temperatures in the

80's. This is a welcome relief from the high 90-100's we have been

experiencing.

    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. 

    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

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 soon.

    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.  Due to campfires being restricted to designated fire

rings, campfires are not allowed at this time at Pine Flat Campground.

    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.  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 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, and Tyee Ridge Trail #1415

are all ready for use.  Cougar Ridge Trail #1418 is done 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

the 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 Trail #1409.1 from Maverick Saddle to Blue Creek

Shelter is maintained.  The Lost Lake Trail #1421 is maintained.  This trail

is freshly rebuild and is in excellent condition.  The Hunter Trail #1417 is

maintained; please use caution when crossing the wet spots.  

    The Middle Tommy Trail #1424, North Tommy Trail #1425, Duncan Hill Trail

#1434, and the Shetipo Trail #1429 are all maintained and ready for use.

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. 

     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.    The suggested ride for this week is on a scenic and open yet challenging

trail.  The Tyee Ridge Trail #1415 allows scenic views and access to a long,

most-difficult rated loop ride opportunity.  The trail is dusty but worth

it.  The best way to access the trail is from the upper Mad River area.  Get

a map of the area and you will be able to find the trail easily.  Ride Tyee

Ridge out to the top of Tyee Mountain.  At this point you have several

options, if you are a fairly skilled rider you can ride down Billy Ridge

(this trail has 10 to 15 difficult switchbacks) and then loop back up the

lower Mad River to the upper Mad River.  The other option is to return on

the Tyee Ridge Trail and go back that way.  Either way, this allows for some

great recreation.  Some cautions are in order--do not ride Trail #1416

because it has not been maintained for several years. 

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 are in effect 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 contact the Lake Wenatchee Ranger Station for additional

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:  Neither the U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the Lake

Wenatchee Ranger District nor the state parks on the lake takereservations.  Campgrounds are expected to fill Labor Day weekend by early

Friday.  Campers should plan appropriately.

    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 for 2 miles, Wildhorse #1592, Schaefer Lake

#1519, Minnow Creek #1539, Basalt Pass #1530, Basalt Ridge #1515 from Finner

Creek to Basalt Pass, Lanham Lake #1589, Cady Creek #1501, Cady Ridge #1532,

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 Napeequa

River, 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 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.

CAMPFIRE 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 Leavenworth Ranger District.  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.  For those who plan to drive on

National Forest roads, the "Getting Around On National Forest Roads"

pamphlet is available at the ranger station.  This pamphlet explains how to

determine road conditions from signs, maps, and road entrance conditions. 

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 are in effect on the Cle Elum

Ranger District.  Open wood and charcoal firews will be allowed only in

designated fire-safe campgrounds and most classsified Wilderness locations.

For more information about fire restrictions, please contact the Cle Elum

Ranger District office.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.  To report forest fires please call 1-800-826-3383.

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.

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.

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.





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 RESTRICTIONS:  Campfire restrictions went 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. 

    Please contact the Naches Ranger Station for additional information.

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 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.

CAMPGROUNDS:  Construction at Clear Creek Dam 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.

TRAILS:  The Pacific Crest Trail (P.C.T.) extends the length of the Pacific

Crest, 2,600 miles from Mexico to Canada.  Over its course, the corridor

spans elevations from near sea level at the Columbia River Gorge to a

breathtaking 13,200 feet in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.  

    The Pacific Crest Trail threads through the Naches Ranger District in

the Goat Rocks, William O. Douglas, and the Norse Peak Wildernesses.  This

trail offers ideal day-hiking and backpacking experiences to the backcountry

traveler.

    Those hiking the trail from Mexico will be passing through the Naches

District in late August and into September. 

WILDERNESS:  Revegetation projects are taking place in many popular areas on

the Naches District.  Campsites that looked more like parking lots are being

replanted in an attempt to maintain the beauty that people come to enjoy.

Once an area has been destroyed, it can take over 20 years to regain its

original appearance.

    You can help protect these valuable resources by avoiding camping on

fragile new growth and respecting revegetation sites.  Areas surrounding

Dewey, Little Twin Sisters, Dumbell, Cramer, and Shoe lakes are undergoing

revegetation work.  These sites can be recognized by the small green signs.

Keep an eye out for these projects when you are out in the woods.

WOODCUTTING:  As of 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.SIGHTSEEING TRIP:  There are great opportunities for outstanding views from

the top of Miner's Ridge Lookout.  Estimated trip time from Bumping Lake is

3 to 4 hours.  This road is recommended for high clearance vehicles only.

To get to Miner's Ridge Lookout, progress from Bumping Lake Dam west on

forest Road #1800 to the Granite Lake Road #1809.  The road on up to the old

lookout site is rough but passable.  Granite Lake Campground offers unique

high elevation scenery and dispersed camping is available along the Deep

Creek Road #1808-395.  On clear days, Sunrise, The Stewarts, Nelson Ridge,

Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens may be seen.

FISHING OPPORTUNITIES:  Dog Lake, located just east of White Pass, offers

good fishing opportunities for 7 to 10-inch rainbows and Eastern brook trout

throughout the summer.  Bear Lake, located within the Oak Creek Wildlife

Area, is planted with catchable rainbows and rainbow fingerlings annually

and has fair to good fishing for predominantly 8 to 10-inch rainbows.  Rules

and regulations for these and other fishing opportunities may be obtained in

the Washington Department of Wildlife Game Fish Regulations Handbook.





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