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Weekly current recreation report covering all outdoor activities including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, skiing, mushroom, berry and firewood gathering around Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier and Mt. Adams in the Cascade Range forests along the White Pass Highway in southwest Washington State.
See a map showing our area here:
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E-Mail: outdoors@highwayshopper.com Please phone or snailmail anything urgent or especially important.
Recreation Report from Shopper
for July 1, 2009Submitted by Joe Kulig.
Here are the current Fishing Prospects as predicted by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Here are the Washington State Spring Reports of Fish Stocked, Updated Weekly
Here are the Washington State Spring Plans for Fish to be Stocked in this year
See the guide listing resorts, restaurants, motels and businesses serving every tourist need in this beautiful recreational area!
Lonnie Goble of Packwood took 30 minutes to land this Chinook May 18, 2009 on the Cowlitz River in Packwood.
The Chinook was 38-inches long and weighed in at 34-pounds. Lonnie used 8# test line.
Recent Earthquake Activity
For information on recent earthquakes in Washington State go to:
Quick clicks to our various areas:
Mountain Highways and Pass Report
How can we be running out of salmon if it's available in practically every grocery store?
Most salmon found in grocery stores are imported or farm raised. Salmon stocks have been diminished greatly from historic levels; however, those remaining seem to be fairly stable. Still, a few chinook, chum, coho and sockeye runs are threatened. There are several reasons for the drastic declines, but some of the more serious threats appear to be loss of habitat and poor ocean conditions. But the loss of even a small number of runs could mean big headaches for Washington's residents if corrective measures aren't taken quickly.__ -----WDFW 081126Where have all our Fish Runs Gone???
Public meeting Dec. 2 to address the issue of “Our Mitigated Fish” with representatives present from WDFW, Tacoma Power and FOC. Meeting will be held in Morton at Gus Backstrom Park and will tentatively run from 4:00 - 6 PM. More Info.-Don at (360) 985 - 2495
081126
White Pass Expansion Becomes Reality
After twenty-four years of planning, the path is now clear for the development of an additional 767 acres at White Pass. General Manager, Kevin McCarthy commented, "Appropriately, on Armistice Day, November 11th, we determined through no appeal by the plaintiffs, that the legal battle over the expansion of White Pass Ski Area came to an end. The company can now proceed with construction. This is a day we have been looking forward to for decades, and is a testament to believing in one's cause and never allowing what is right from being derailed by obstacles".
Construction will include two chairlifts, a mid-mountain lodge and 13 named runs in the open sub-alpine basins of the expansion area. Plans also call for a new parking lot that should accommodate nearly 1000 vehicles.
Site preparation work has been underway since the September 9th decision. McCarthy expects to open the first chairlift on opening day of the 2010 / 2011 season.
White Pass Company and crew want to express our thanks to everyone involved for their efforts in support of this initiative!
View www.skiwhitepass.com for more info and larger map of propsed expansion area.
Mountain Highways and Pass Report
Mountain Highways and
Pass Report 1-800-695-7623or 5-1-1
Chinook Pass #410 --------open.
Cayuse Pass---------------open.
SR #123, open.
Skate Ck. FR 52 – open
FR #23 open.
FR #25 open
FR #99 open to Bear Meadows. Expected to open to Mt St. Helen’s Windy Ridge by this weekend..
SR 504 Mt. St. Helens–Open to Johnston Ridge Visitor Center.
Public Meeting on Hwy. 12 Temporary Closure
WSDOT will be temporarily closing portions of US 12 this summer for construction work on the two Tieton River Bridges west of Naches. We will be available at open houses in Naches and Packwood to discuss the closures and answer questions. These meetings are being held:
July 8, 4-6 p.m.
Naches Ranger District
10237 Hwy. 12
Naches, WA 98937
July 9, 4-6 p.m.
Packwood Fire District Station
12953 US Hwy. 12
Packwood, WA 98361
Closures will take place two nights a week, Monday & Thursday beginning in August from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. both nights for a maximum of 22 closures, occurring over 11 weeks in the 2009 construction season.
As of June 29, the westside forests of southwestern Washington in the Cowlitz Valley area are snow-free to elev. 4,000 ft., in many places to 3,700 ft. and even to 4,400 ft. At elevs. near 4,500 ft. there are 0” to 24” of snow, and at elevs. above 5,500 ft. there are 36” to 47”.
As of June 29, the eastside forests east of White Pass are mostly snow-free to 4,500 ft. At elevs. above 5,500 ft. there are 0” to 45”.
Place Date Elev. In.
West Side:
Lava Ck 5/23 2400 0
SummitCkCamp 5/23 2500 0
PackwdLkPkgLt 6/22 2800 0
Longmire 6/22 2800 0
85-8510 Jct 5/9 2800 4
Hager Ck 5/23 3000 0
SodaSpgsCamp 6/9 3100 18
Johnson Ck 5/23 3300 0
SodaSpgsHorse 6/9 3400 0
Deer Ck SR123 6/22 3500 6
Yellowjackt Ck 6/8 3700 0
Spring Ck 5/25 3700 0
Walupt Lake 6/8 3900 2
Dewey Ck SR123 6/22 4200 12
23-2328 Jct 6/8 4200 0
Knuppenberg 6/29 4300 0
5603-2329 Jct 6/8 4400 0
Crystal Lodge 6/29 4400 0
Cayuse Pass 6/22 4600 24
White Pass 6/22 4500 0
Morse Lake 6/29 5400 0
Paradise 6/29 5500 47
Pigtail Peak 6/29 5900 23
Crystal Top 6/29 6300 17
Sunrise 6/29 6400 0
East Side:
Green Lake 6/29 6000 0
Chinook Pass 6/29 5600 35
Bumping Rdg 6/29 4600 1
Dog Lk 6/29 4200 0
Packwood-Morton-Mossyrock-Salkum-Ethel Area:
Cowlitz Valley Ranger District,
Forest Roads
Packwood, Randle Area
Forest roads are assumed open unless gated closed, posted closed, physically closed or closed by snow or damage.
Help each other by providing feedback on roads, trails, and snow conditions after you return from your trip. Please call (360) 497-1100 or stop by the Cowlitz Valley Ranger Stations.
Forest Roads ----Randle, Packwood
#1260 Packwood Lk 6/22 open
#1270 Backbone 6/22 Closed at bridge closure at MP 0.5
#20 Smith Ck 6/11 Open to Dry Creek trailhead. Road is rough high clearance vehicles only.
#21 Johnson Ck: 6/22, open
#2150 Chambers Lk. Rd. open almost to Snowgrass T.H. at Chambers.
#2130 Deception Ck 5/9 Blocked by slide MP 0.4
#2160 Walupt Lk. 6/22 Open to the lake. Campground half snowfree; campers are camping.
#23 Cispus/ Randle-Trout Lk 6/29, Open
#2304 5/9 Out at MP 4 Cunningham Ck
#2329 High Lakes 6/29 Open from 5603 to Keenes. Open from Takhlakh, past Divide Camp, just short of Killen creek. Snow drifts beyond.
#25 Elk Pass 6/29 Open
#26 Quartz Ck. 6/19 Closed by washout at Milepost 3. hole in the road. Gated. Not open to Rd. #99.
#28 Yellowjacket Ck 6/29, Open
#2801 S. Cispus 5/20, Open
#44 Carlton Ck 6/18 Open
#45 Cortright Ck 6/18 Open only to the culvert plugged & overflowing at MP 1.2, elev. 2,450. Jeep people have made very minimal manual repairs and driven through, but not passable for most vehicles. MP 2.0 appx. blocked by a windfall
#4510 Summit Ck 6/9 Open all the way to Soda Sprgs Horsecamp/ Trailhead #44A at MP 5.2, elev. 3,400.
#4510 Soda Sprgs Camp Rd. 6/9 Blocked at beginning MP0.0 by 12” snow. Elev. 3,100. One mile short of campground.
#46 Lava Ck 5/23 Open to 12” snowbank MP 4.5, elev. 2,400, apx. ½ mi. before Dam Ck culvert.
#4612 Bluff Lk., Open to trailhead.
#47 Willame Ck. 6/22, Closed by damaged Skate Creek Bridge at MP 0.4
#48 Hager Ck 6/22 reported open to Lily Basin T.H into snow.
#52 Skate Ck 6/18, Open all the way, one short gravel stretch.
#5270 Butter Ck. 6/22, open, rough road past bridge.
#5290 Cannon Rd 6/22 open
#56 Orr Ck. 6/18 Open
#5603 Spring Ck 6/15 Open. Caution, logging trucks elev. 4,400
#59 Copper Ck. 06/15: Closed at mile point 3 by a landslide.
#63 Davis Ck 6/16, open to 7.1 miles.
#76 Greenhorn 06/24 Open. Expect to encounter log truck trafffic.
#77 Polepatch 6/24 closed by snow in upper areas. Expect to encounter log truck trafffic
#84 Silver Pass 6/18, North End, bridge near north end with planks missing, should be repaired soon, bridge said to be safe but bumpy to cross. South End, inaccessible due to bridge closed on Rd. #47 near Skate Ck. Rd. #52.
#8440 High Rock 6/18 Rough but open to T.H.
#85 Catt Ck 5/9 open to 4” snow MP 5.5 elev 2800 just past #8510 jct.
#99 Windy Ridge 6/29, Open to Bear Meadows, expected to open to Windy Ridge by this weekend.
Packwood R.D. Administrative Site is in the process of sale.
The General Services Administration to list the former Ranger Station for sale to the highest bidder. The Packwood Ranger Station served as a district office from 1928 to 1996, and then as a Forest Service work station until 2003. The 20.5 acre property is on U.S. Highway 12 at the east end the community of Packwood. There are 23 buildings in all on the property including an office, shop, warehouse, and several residences.
Proceeds from the sale are returned to a fund to pay for maintenance of other Forest Service facilities on the national forest.
Proposed Bridge Projects with Estimated Funding.
FR 2115 ---- $100,000
FR 1270 ---- $1,505,000
FR 2322 ---- $193,000
FR2325 ----- $217,000
FR 2809 ---- $242,000
FR 47 --------$2,000,000
FR 4715 ---- $193,000
FR 63 ------- $193,000
FR 85 --------$217,000
Forest engineers expect to start work on contracts in six weeks and estimate the projects to take two years to complete.
Permits
Special Forest Products
Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
In general, a permit is required to remove anything from the National Forest. Permits are being sold at the Ranger Station for firewood, posts and rails for fencing, commercial salal, and beargrass. Free use permits availiable for landscape rocks.
Firewood permits for cutting on the westside in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are available at Ranger Stations and cost a minimum of $20.00 for four cords.
An updated firewood location list is available monthly at the Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station. Only firewood painted yellow is legal for cutting, unless it’s in a designated, posted cutting area and noted in the current monthly firewood list.
Local Packwood and National Forest information is also available at Destination Packwood office, located in the former grade school at Packwood, phone 360-494-2223.
Fireworks and forests do not mix. Fireworks can start wildfires. When hiking and camping this summer, remember that possessing, discharging or using fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices is prohibited on National Forest lands.
Campgrounds Open
Packwood, Randle Area
Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
La Wis Wis, east of Packwood
Iron Creek, south of Randle
North Fork, south of Randle
Cat Ck Chimney, 21 Rd. Randle
Cat Ck. Camp, 21 Rd. Randle
Cody Horse Camp, water is on.
Olallie, North of Mt. Adams
Tower Rock, South of Randle
Adams Fork, 23 Rd. Randle
Big Creek, 52 Rd. Ashford end.
Summit Creek, 4510 Rd. Pkw.
Walupt, North of Packwood
Takhlakh. South of Randle
Any Dispersed sites if not posted closed or blocked can be used but pack out all trash.
Lewis County PUD’s Bud Allen Campground in Randle, on Lake Scanewa is open.
Cowlitz Falls Day Use Park -open.
CVRD Trails Cleared
#78 Packwood Lk. Open.
#110 Green Mtn. 6/29, Open,
#115 Spring Ck., 6/29, Open
#119 Blue Lk. Butte 06/29: Open for 2 miles. Snow beyond.
#125 Dry Ck., few patches snow.
#250 Osborne Mtn. from C.G. to 8410 Rd. crossing.
#255 Cave Ck.
#270 Valley Trail, Cleared.
#271 Blue Lk. Ridge 5/19-South end cleared to snow just past 2nd trail crossing Blue Lake Butte Trail #119.
#272 Bishop Ridge 6/03– open to 2 miles.
#275 Krause Ridge - open
#293 High Bridge.
#294 Tongue Mtn. 5/19- Cleared of trees, with snow from Forest Road 2904 to hiker only section.
Books and Other Items
Information Center Now Open
(CVRD) Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station
The non-profit Discover Your Northwest or DYNW sells outdoor books and other items at ranger stations to raise funds for interpretive projects and programs which very limited Forest Service budgets cannot fund.
Washington; Coloring Book; Pages 24; Smith Western; $3.95
Everything Bird; What Kids Really Want to Know about Birds; Cherie Winner; Hardcover; $19.95
We Are Wolves; pages 30; Molly Grooms; Lucia Guarnotta; $7.95
Wonderful Nature Wonderful You; Ages 6 – 12 ; Karin Ireland; Illus by Christopher Canyon; $7.95
Cowlitz Valley Ranger Station. www.fs.fed.us/gpnf, PO Box 670, Hwy. 12, Randle WA 98377. The Public Information Center in the main office has been remodeled and is now open for information and all permits. Open 8:00-12:00 and 1:00- 4:30 Mon.- Sat. Teletype for hearing/speech impaired 497-7566. Regular phone (360) 497-1100. Report fires (360) 494-0603.
Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake
Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at Silver Lake is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the State-operated Silver Lake center for those 18 and older is $3 or $1 for those 7 to 17, and free for ages up to 6. An annual Northwest Forest Pass allows its holder- one person- entry to any visitor center.
Coldwater Visitor Center closed permanently.
Johnston Ridge Observatory is open for the Summer Season 7 days a week, from 10AM to 6 PM. It is the closest Visitor Center to the crater and provides an outstanding view. $8 per person, kids 15 and under are free.
Mt. St. Helens Winter Climbing Access 6/26/09 -. Forest Road 830 to Climbers Bivouac is open
With recent warm weather snow has been melting rapidly. Expect to encounter both bare ground and snow within the trees. Above timberline snow depth is variable due to melting snow and wind blown conditions. Rapidly changing temperatures may result in highly variable snow conditions, and ice. It is recommended that climbers, who travel on snow, have and know how to use an ice axe and crampons.
Climbers should be prepared for extreme weather and rapidly changing conditions.
Please use caution and stay back from the unstable crater rim and overhanging snow cornices.
During the summer climbing season, May 15th to October 31st permits are limited to 100-climbers-per-day and are sold on-line on a first-come, first-served basis through the Mount St. Helens Institute.
http://www.mshinstitute.org/climb-the-volcano
Detailed information about the Mount St. Helens climbing permit system is available on-line at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation/mount-st-helens/permit-system.sht
Mt. St. Helens Volunteers are needed in July for two upcoming backcountry trail projects:
July 18 and 19: Help Repair Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails in the Butte Camp area on the South Side of the Volcano with volunteers from the Northwest Trails Alliance. Details and registration information -
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volunteering/documents/ButteCamp.pdf
July 25th through August 2:
Help Repair Trails in the Remote Mount Margaret Backcountry north of Mount St. Helens with volunteers from the Mount St. Helens Institute. MSHI is seeking assistance from experienced backpackers for a minimum of 2 nights/3 days in this ruggedly beautiful backcountry area north of the volcano. For details contact the Mount St. Helens Institute at (360) 449-7887
A complete list of volunteer opportunities is available at:
http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volunteering/BecomeaVolcanoVolunteer.shtml.
Mt. Rainier Nat. Park
Roads and Recreation
Weather and Info
1-800-490-2211
June 29, The gate is open 24 hrs. at Longmire. Expect one lane traffic at Glacier Hill.
Shuttle System Has Returned, Through September 6, park visitors will be able to ride a weekend shuttle to Paradise. This year, there are three different shuttle routes.
Visitors riding the Ashford to Longmire shuttle can transfer at Longmire to another shuttle that will take them to Paradise. The Longmire to Paradise shuttle will provide service every 45 minutes on Fridays and every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 10:00 a.m. The shuttle will stop at Narada Falls on the uphill run and Comet Falls trailhead on the downhill run. Leave your car at Ashford or Longmire, ride the shuttle, take a hike and enjoy the sights and sounds.
Snow depth at Paradise today-
Snow on ground ----- 68 inches
This time last year - 117 inches
Total for Season -------711 inches
Last Year-----------------947 inches
Cayuse Rd. SR 123 – open
Carbon R. Rd.- to Park entrance.
Mowich Rd.- open to Paul Peak.
West Side –open to before Dry Ck.
White River Rd. - open
Stevens Canyon Rd. – on the east side from SR 123 open only to The Grove of the Patriarchs. From the Paradise end, open to Box Canyon. The interior segment of the road will remain closed until the washout at MP 14 is repaired. Vehicles, Cyclists and Pedestrians are not permitted through the closed sections. Completion date expected by July 31.
National Park Inn at Longmire is open for meals and lodging year-round. Call 360-569-2275.
MRNP OPENING DATES --
Jackson Visitor Ctr.- open daily.
Paradise Inn – Open.
White River C.G. – open
Sunrise Road – Open
Sunrise Visitor Ctr,/Lodge July 3
Cougar Rocks C.G. – open. Ohanapecosh – open
Paradise Valley–open
Paradise Picnic Area – open.
MRNP July Summer Speaker Programs at Paradise Inn
Presentations will begin in the main lobby at 9 p.m. on Saturday nights. On the Fourth of July is Todd Smith, from Olympia City Parks, Art, and Recreation, with an engaging presentation of his doctoral research on the history of the National Park Service. On July 11, Joe Kane from the Nisqually Land Trust will discuss how the Trust is working with the National Park Service to protect the Nisqually River watershed along its entire length. Pat Pringle, author of the new Roadside Geology of Mount Rainier National Park and Vicinity, will discuss the subject of his book on July 18. Keith Dunbar, Chief of Planning and Environmental Compliance for the NPS in Seattle, will explore the newly-established Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail on July 25.
Mount Rainier National Park Observes Fee Free Weekends
At Mount Rainier and other national parks, all park entrance fees, including commercial tour entrance fees, will be waived August 15-16. This fee free weekend is in addition to the usual fee free days: National Public Lands Day, which falls on September 26 this year, and Veterans Day, November 11.
In addition to supporting affordable vacations for families, the Park Service hopes to give a small shot in the arm to businesses in the area.
Entrance fees will be waived at the 147 sites across the country that charge for admission. The waiver does not include other fees, such as fees charged for camping, reservations, climbing, or use of concessions. For more information on national parks, go to www.nps.gov.
Mount Rainier, General Conditions: Though summer is nearing, expect winter conditions. Be prepared... mountain weather is good one minute, daunting the next. Always check with rangers before heading into the back country. Heavy snow and flooding in December and January will have undoubtedly affected the back country. We are expecting that many trees are down from snow loads. Please Note: Do not leave valuables in your car. While break-ins are infrequent they do occur.
Ponds, Lakes and Reservoirs
High Lakes: - open year round.
Mineral Lake – Open.
Walupt Lake –Open from Randle end via FR 23 to the 21.
Knuppenburg Lk.- year-round
Backbone Lake is open to fishing year-round; however access to the lake trailhead over damaged Jody’s Bridge is not allowed even to foot traffic.
Alder Lake is open year-round. Boat launch at Alder Park is open year-round. Limit is five fish.
Silver Lake- Open year-round with min. size 9 inches, limit 10.
Swofford Pond (240 acres) Open year-round.
Mayfield Lake open year-round. (2,200 acres)-Mayfield offers good fishing for yellow perch, rainbows, catfish, german browns, a few largemouth and smallmouth bass, bluegill and crappie. Tiger Muskies have pretty much quit biting as the water has cooled; they must be 50-inches to be kept.
Riffe Lake (11,830 acres):
Open Year Round. On June 29, Riffe Lake level was 775 feet, one foot lower than last week, and 3 feet below full. Full level is 778 feet. -------- 1-888-502-8690.
Riffe Boat Launches: The Mossyrock Park, Taidnapam North, Kosmos and Taidnapam Park launch are all useable.
Lake Scanewa- (610 acres): open to fishing. Impounded in 1994 by Cowlitz Falls Dam, this reservoir southwest of Randle is closed to all fishing from March 1 to May 31 to allow out-migration of young salmon but is open for trout and salmon during various seasons and with complicated restrictions. Check your fishing regulations.
The PUD’s free Day Use Area and boat launch are open year round. These are located southwest of Randle, down Falls Road about 3 1/2 miles.
General Lakes, Ponds and Reservoirs fishing season is open year-round. However many of the most popular "traditional" lakes are open to fishing only from April 25 through October 31.
Fish plants, Lewis County:
Borst Park Pond
Apr. 20 Rainbow 390 @ 1.50#
May 12 Rainbow 3,039 @ .40#
Plummer Lake
Apr. 22 Rainbow 4005 @ .33#
Swofford Pond
May 15 Steelhead 31 @ 10#
Carlisle Lake
Jan.14 Rainbow 20 @ 8#
Apr. 14 Brown 3510 @ .22#Apr. 20 Rainbow 330 @ 1. 50#
Lewis County Park South
Apr. 13 Triploid 589 @ 1.50#
Apr. 15 Brown 4005 @ .22#
Mineral Lake
Jan. 14 Rainbow 78 @ 5#
Jan. 14 Rainbow 32 @ 8#
Apr. 13 Triploid 687 @ 1.50#
Apr. 14 Brown 5040 @ .24#
Apr. 27-29 R-bow10,260 @ .33 #
May. 06 Rainbow 3,450 @ .33 #
West Side - Streams and Rivers
Tilton River- from its mouth to the West Fork is open for salmon June 1- Dec. 31, and open for other fish including steelhead June 1- Mar. 31. Above the West Fork, closed; it's open from June 1 through Oct. 31.
Skate Creek – fishing is open and has been stocked.
Cispus River – Fishing seasons are too complex to report here for the lower stretch of the Cispus River from its mouth at posted markers at the Lewis County PUD kayak launch on Lake Scanewa upstream to the North Fork.
Above the North Fork its closed. Fishing season there is open June 1 through Oct. 31.
North Fork Cispus River-
Trout: closed; June 1-Oct. 31, Min. size 8". daily limit 2. Only 1 over 12" may be retained. Release cutthoat.
Upper Cowlitz River- the Cowlitz River from the posted PUD sign at Lake Scanewa on Peters Road, upstream to the mouths of the Ohanapecosh River and the Muddy Fork, fishing season for trout is now closed; open from June 1 through Oct. 31 with a limit of two trout with minimum size 8 inches. Fishing seasons for salmon are open in various months but are too complex to state here; read your regulations.
Cowlitz Muddy Fork and Clear Fork and Ohanapecosh River, fishing closed Oct. 31; open June 1 through Oct. 31.
On the Lower Cowlitz River – from the boundary markers at the mouth to 400 feet below Mayfield Dam, fishing seasons are too complex to report here.
General Rivers, Streams and Beaver Ponds - Read current regulations on each water you intend to fish as certain new rules may apply!
Cowlitz Fish Report
Last week, Tacoma Power recovered 20 spring Chinook adults, 13 jacks and 112 summer-run steelhead during five days of adult fish collection efforts at the Cowlitz Salmon Hatchery separator.
During the week Tacoma Power employees released two spring Chinook adults and 12 jacks into Lake Scanewa above Cowlitz Falls Dam.
Tacoma Power continues to release catchable rainbow trout in the Cowlitz River area. Last week trout from the Nisqually Trout Farms were stocked into Skate Creek near Packwood, and into the Tilton River at Gust Backstrom Park in Morton.
Cowlitz River flows at Mayfield Dam are approximately 6,120 cubic feet per second on Monday, June 29. Water visibility is ten feet. Flows may change at any time so boaters and anglers should remain alert for this possibility.
General Lakes, Ponds and Reservoirs Fishing Season is open year-round. However many of the most popular "traditional" lakes are open to fishing only from April 25 until October 31.
The Weekender Report
Wildlife viewing: Alert birders hiking near many of the region’s rivers may hear, and hopefully see, one of western Washington’s special birds. Characterized by a distinct trill, the American dipper is a small, aquatic songbird found year-round in mountainous areas and forested lowlands. Once known as the water ouzel , the dipper is unusual among most birds because it lives on insects and aquatic creatures found in rivers and streams. Observes can find dippers walking along the bottom of a river or using its wings to "fly" upstream under water. Their calls and songs are loud in order to be audible above the sound of rushing water.
Fishing: The fishery for adult summer chinook salmon got off to a good start June 22 on the lower Columbia River, where boat anglers fishing around Kalama are averaging one fish for every two boats. Bank anglers were also doing well below Bonneville Dam, according to opening-day creel surveys.
The chance to catch summer chinook - known as "June hogs" due to their size, is expected to draw a strong turnout in the days ahead, said Joe Hymer, a WDFW fish biologist.
"We just got a report of an angler catching a 45-pounder," Hymer said. "These are big, chrome-bright fish, so it's hardly surprising that this is such a popular fishery."
Hymer noted that catching a spring hog requires a somewhat different approach than the one used for the other species. "While sockeye and steelhead generally stay close to the bank, summer chinook run in fairly deep water - at least 20 feet," he said. "Plunking works best for sockeye and steelhead, but you need to let out some line to find summer chinook," he said. The middle reach of the Yakima River closes to hatchery spring chinook salmon fishing on June 30.
Cowlitz River bank anglers fishing at the barrier dam are still catching some spring chinook , while boat anglers near Blue Creek are mostly catching hatchery steelhead. Some hatchery steelhead are also being caught on other tributaries to the Columbia River including the Kalama, Lewis, Washougal and Klickitat rivers.
"This is also the time of year when kokanee really start biting at Rimrock, Bumping, Keechelus, and Kachess reservoirs," he said.
Anderson noted snow is finally off the access areas for Dog and Leech lakes off Highway 12 in the White Pass area and at Lost Lake in the Snoqualmie Pass area. One-and-a-half pound triploid rainbow trout were recently stocked in all three lakes - 1,014 at Lost, 725 at Leech, and 427 at Dog Lake. Anderson reminds anglers that Leech is fly-fishing-only and all three lakes have a trout daily limit of five with no more than one over 14 inches.
In the interest of wild fire prevention, WDFW officials remind Fourth-of-July holiday celebrants that fireworks are not allowed on any of WDFW’s 900,000-some acres of water access sites and wildlife areas across the state.
Marshall & Tracey Borsom at Fish Country Inc., Salkum:
As of Friday, June 26, the fishing on the Cowlitz River has been OK - not red hot, but good for some. We have heard of quite a few catches in the pool at Barrier Dam and from the south side. Most of the springers are still chrome bright and good sized (18-20). The steelhead bite has been on and off with a few being caught in the lower river, between Blue Creek and Mission Bar. The boats running divers with coon shrimp are doing better than bank fishermen, but the bank fishermen using bobber and jig are getting a few. The springers are still biting on eggs or shrimp and the steelhead with corky and yarn or jig and prawn. With the steelhead just getting started, the fishing should only get better. The river level has been holding steady at about 6,200 CFS for a few days now.
Riffe Lake is still a bit slow at times, the fishing bridge has been decent for people using cocktail shrimp. Mayfield has been fishing well for the boat and bank anglers. Worm and corn with wedding rings have been working, as well as rapalas. Swofford Pond is still producing good sized bass and trout, but people are really working for them. Sounds like the weather will be getting nice - so time to go fishing. Hope you have a great week!!
Fish Country, Inc.
Marshall & Tracey Borsom
2210 US Hwy. 12
Ethel, WA 98542
360-985-2090
Karen Glaser at Barrier Dam Campground, Salkum,
reported last week.
“Fishing on the Cowlitz is still going real good, we’re seeing some of our bigger spring chinook now, and summer run steelhead are starting to bite a little better and we’re getting summer runs up here at Barrier Dam too so that makes it kind of nice to get the fisheries out. Boats are starting to pick up some nice summer runs now. We talked to quite a few that are guiding out there right now and we have one staying here in our park and he’s been in by 11 – 11:30 with all his clients fish. The rivers in good shape, at 6,200 CFS today.
About the same old stuff there using. Bank fisherman are using shrimp and eggs and the boat fisherman are starting to pull plugs, diver and bait, coon shrimp is very good for summer run steelhead and all in all fishing is pretty good.
Riffe Lake is doing good. A lot of silvers and bass. At Swofford there catching catfish, trout and bluegills. At Mayfield there starting to pick up some trout. There are a few guys starting to pick up some Tiger Musky lures. The weather hasn’t been bad, actually it’s been comfortable.
Mineral Lake Fishing Report
Fishing continues to be productive on Mineral Lake. Anglers are using worms and marshmallows or floating power eggs in yellow, charteruse, lemon/lime, rainbow, pink or white colors. Use a 3 to 5 foot leader fishing from the bottom. The brown trout are hitting the worm near the bottom. Several nice brown trout weighing in at over 1 1/2 pounds have been landed this past week. The crayfish catch has been improving. The best bait for crayfish is canned cat food or salmon heads and tails.
Thanks again.
Mike Gordon
Mineral Lake Resort
360 492-5367
Lakes and Reservoirs
Clear Lake is open year-round.
Dog Lake– open year-round.
Leech Lake -year-round fishing.
Lost Lake- open year-round.
Rimrock Lake (2,530 acres) is open for fishing year-round. On June 29, it was at 2,926 feet elevation, the same as a week earlier, and 100% full with discharge of 793 CFS. Full level is 2,926 ft.
At Getaway Sports, John Orengo, reported for June 29, apologized for the missing columns recently. You know when the prodders and pokers keep prodding and poking until you ask them how many quarts low I am? you would think you would get an answer?
“Anyway I am going fishing anyway, even if it has to be a week on the Tieton, there have been good Golden Stone hatches along with Caddis hatches which I couldn’t identify but they’re a grayish colored bug about a #14, emerging on warm days approximately 1:30. The river is fishable, but rises up in flow in the PM, but I think it’s close to behaving itself soon!
The Naches is also coming down and as usual, clearer than the Tieton. Golden Stone, Hares Ear, Zug Bug and Protruding Caddis Nymphs are working.
On the Lake fishing side, Rimrock is starting to put out silvers over 8 inches. During the cold extended spring it took a while for the plankton to grow which nourishes the young fish. Reports I’m hearing are it’s best to fish from Bear Cove down towards the dam, 12 to 15 feet deep.
Otherwise Tieton Pond and Lost Lake are fishing well with Pautkzes red and worms, producing fish and mostly limits. Fishing at Clear Lake seems to be better at low depth with Chrome, Blue, Chrome Green Kastmasters.
Which leads me to the Tip of the Week! – Whoever thinks it’s a good idea to open the Lower S. Fork Tieton with careful regulations, such as Barbless Catch and Release, Let me know.
“Tight Lines”
Fish plants in
Yakima County:Clear Lake
May 20 Rainbow 1,451 @ 1.61#
Jun. 05 Rainbow 4050 @ .37#
Lost Lake
May 05 Rainbow 4,498 @ .38#
Jun. 08 Rainbow 300 @ 1.25#
Jun. 08 Rainbow 1,508 @ .38#
Sarge Hubbard Pond
May 06 Rainbow 50 @ 6.60#
May 06 Rainbow 51 @ 2.86#
May 07 Rainbow 2106 @ .38#
Jun. 18 Rainbow 300 @ 1.25#
Jun. 18 Rainbow 624 @ .38#
Tieton Ranger Pond
May 04 Rainbow 507 @ .38#
Jun. 09 Rainbow 520 @ .38#
Tim’s Pond
May 06 Rainbow 10 @ 6.60#
May 06 Rainbow 10 @ 2.86#
June 03 Rainbow 405 @.37#
Rotary Lake
Apr. 29 Rainbow 2,509 @ .40#
Jun. 02 Rainbow 2,525 @ .37#
Yakima Sportsman Pond
Apr. 4 Rainbow 400 @ .40#
Dog Lake
Jun 17 Triploid Rain. 427@ 1.50#
Jun. 20 Rainbow 2,444 @ .38#
Jun. 24 Rainbow 4,555 @ .38#
Leech Lake
Jul. 17 Triploid Rain. 725@ 1.50#
Mud Lake
Jul. 17 Triploid Rain. 74@ 1.50#
General Lakes, Ponds and Reservoirs Fishing Season is open year-round. However many of the most popular "traditional" lakes are open to fishing only from April 25 until October 31.
Information
Please call Doug Jenkins at 509-653-1468; Fax-1-509-653-2638; dsjenkins@fs.fed.us
Closed Roads: Access to Granite Lake, Fish Lake, Lily Lake, Root Lake, Swamp Lake, and Cougar Lake via Forest Service Road #1800 is closed due to a washout approximately a quarter mile past the junction with Deep Creek Road #1808.
Forest Service road #1808 is closed at the Mt. Aix trailhead. Due to limited parking at the trailhead stock users need to unload and park near the junction with the 1800 road. Little Rattlesnake, Rd 1501 is damaged and undercut in places.
Users are cautioned that on higher elevation trails they may encounter snow along with numerous fallen trees. Crews will continue to monitor trail conditions, remove trees and make necessary trail repairs as conditions allow.
Users are encouraged to use due caution when operating in areas where trail work hasn't occurred.
This is especially important for danger trees weakened by last winter's storms. "We do not recommend users cut out danger trees", said Shepard.
"We would also like to know trail conditions and any work that may have been done".
One section of the 1900 road was under washed by the river. Barriers have been placed around the damage for traffic safety. Vehicle operators are asked to stay on the main road and avoid any travel on the shoulders which may have been weakened by run-off or high water.
For more information please call Doug Jenkins at the Naches Ranger Station, (509) 653-1411 or leave a message at (509) 653-1468.
Quads, 4x4’s, non-street-legal
motorcycles or snowmobiles. These machines are not legal to operate on Forest Service roads unless the road is specified for such use on the ORV map. The maps are available for $10.00 at the sheriff’s office and at the Naches ranger station. The very handy rain- resistant sheriff-produced map shows roads, trails, off-road routes, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, GMU's. Off-road vehicles may be operated only on off-road trails shown for them.
Naches Area
CHINOOK PASS AREA
CHINOOK PASS AREA
American Forks: 12 units.
Fee: $10. per vehicle per night, $5. extra vehicle. Elev. 2900'
Bumping Crossing: 12 sites, no fee. Elevation 3200' USFS
Upper Bumping Lake: 45 units,
Fee: $17.- $19. per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. Elev.
Lower Bumping Lake: 45 units,
Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra vehicle. Elev. 3400'
Cedar Springs: 15 units, 2 Multi-family
Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $34 MF per veh. per night, $5 extra veh.. Elev. 2800'
Cottonwood: 16 units,
Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. Elev. 2300' NWLM
Cougar Flat: 12 units Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. Elev. 3,100' NWLM
Crow Creek: Closed, 15 units,
Halfway Flat: 9units,
Fee: $10, $5 extra veh. Elev. 3400'
Halfway Flat Dispersed: Tents/RV Fee: $5 extra veh.
Elev. 3400' USFS
Hells Crossing: Scheduled opening June 15; 18 and 3 MFU Fee: $17 - 19 per veh. per night, $34 MF per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. Elev. 3,400 NWLM
Kaner Flat: 41units, Multi-family Fee: $12 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh Elev. 2678' NWLM
Little Naches: 18units, 2 Multi-family (MF) Fee: $17 - 19 per veh. per night, $34 MF per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. Elev. 2,562
Lodgepole: , 33 units, Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh
Elev. 3500' NWLM
Pleasant Valley: 16 units, $17 - $19 veh. Night, $5each additional veh., Elev. 3,300, NWLM
Sawmill Flat: 24units, Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh
Elev. 2500' NWLM
Soda Springs: 26 units, Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh.Elev. 3400' NWLM
WHITE PASS AREA
Day Use Site:
Clear Lake Day Use Site: NWLM 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fee Area - Parking $5 per veh., $15 per bus.
Boat Launches:
Clear Lake Boat Launch: - Day Use Area, $5 per day. Fee paid at boat launch or NWFP
Horseshoe Cove Lake Boat Launch: Day Use Area $5 per day. Fee paid at boat launch or NWFP
Clear Lake Boat Launch: Day Use Area $5 per day. Fee paid at boat launch or NWFP
Observation Site:
Clear Creek Falls Overlook: No Fee, Interp. display, barrier free toilet
Rustic Campgrounds:
PENINSULA:Disperse Tent/RV, $8 per veh. per night.
SOUTH FORK TIETON: Dispersed Tent/RV, $8 per veh. per night.
White Pass Campgrounds
Clear Lake North: 33 units, Fee: $10 per veh. per night, $5 extra vehicle. Elev 3100' USFS
Clear Lake South: 22 sites,
Fee: $10 per veh. per night, $5 extra vehicle. Elev. 3100' USFS
Dog Lake: 11 units, $8 per veh. per night. Elev. 4,300, USFS
Leech Lake: 16 units, $8 per veh. per night. Elev. 4,300, USFS
Hause Creek: 42 units,
Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. $34 MF per veh. per night, Elev.
Indian Creek: 39 units,
Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. Elev. 3000'
Indian Creek Rec. Area: Tent/RV,Fee: $8 per veh. per night, $5 extra veh. Elev. 3000'
Willows: 16 units. Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night,$5 extra veh.
Elev. 2400' NWLM
Windy Point: 15 units Fee: $17 - $19 per veh. per night, $5 extra vehicle. Elev. 2000' NWLM
Group Site Fee increases. Group reservation sites require a reservation. Reservation fee $10.00 in addition to new fee.
Amer .Riv. Guard Station $50.00
ClearLake (Grade Forest) $60.00
Indian Flat $100.00
Kaner Flat $60.00
Pine Needle $50.00
www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee, recreation, camping and click on the Naches Ranger District. Also at Naches Chamber of Commerce wsite; nachesvalleychamber.com/visitorinformation.html.
Boulder Cave Day Use Site and National RecreationTrail:
Open 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Fee Area - Parking $5.00 per vehicle and $15.00 per bus.
NACHES AREA, TRAIL CONDITIONS:
#953 Crow Lake Way 6/03– Cleared 2 1/2 mi.
#954Fifes Ridge 6/08– Cleared 2 1/2 mi.
#958B Pleasant Valley Lake- clear
#958C Goat Pk.- 6/24 trees cleared
#970 Swamp Lake FR Rd. 1800 is closed just past Jct. #1808 & #1800
#972 Goose Prairie Cleared from TH to within ¼ mi of Am. Rdg Tr
#973 Richmond Mine 6/10 Cleared from TH to appx. 2 ½ mi. Thunder Ck. very high.
#974 Nile Ridge 6/17 High water at most crossings. First 3 miles from Bumping side after bottom 3 miles, logs will exist. No problem for horses. Mosquitoes
#975A Spring 5/28 Cleared from TH to Jct. with Tr. # 975 and back down.to Trail.
#979 Pear Butte 6/22 Cleared for 3.5 mi. Run into deep snow.
#980 Twin Sisters FR 1808 Closed just past Mt. Aix TH
#982 Mt Aix 6/22 cleared out for 2 miles. Snow then patchy. FS 1808 closed just past TH.
#999 Pleasant Valley Loop 6/11 Cleared out and snow free. Use caution at crossings.
#101 MJB Road to TH clear. First half mile clear and then fallen trees. Trail has not been cleared yet. 06/19
#1104 Sand Ridge Tr. 5/28 clear from TH to Jct. with Shellrock Lk. Tr. #1148. Unknown if bridge damage on trail loop..
#1105 Indian Ck. South 6/5 clear for 1 ½ mi. Hazardous Ck. crossing there. Stock not recommended until snow melts. Not possible to cross Indian Ck.
#1117 Hidden Springs 6/16 clear for 2 mi. to spring. Mosquitoes
#1118 North Fk. Tieton 5/28 clear for 3 mi. from TH.
#1120 S. Fk. Tieton Loop 6/04 clear from bulletin board box to Jct. with loop trail. First bridge over Conrad Ck is damaged but usable. Stock can ford Creek.
#1144A Round Mtn. 6/19 snow level 5,000 ft. Cleared to jct. with lookout trail.
#1147 Little Buck 6/09 clear
MAPS: National forest maps are on sale at the Naches Ranger Station, Whistlin' Jack Lodge and Rimrock Grocery.
Special Forest Products
Naches Ranger District
Permits are required for gathering forest products including firewood, transplants, rocks and minerals, posts and poles, floral cuttings, cones, and boughs. Free use permits are available for small quantities of certain items for personal use. Firewood cutting open. Permits available by mail.
Send – Full name: Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, Phone # and Area Code: Drivers Lic. ID and expiration date: Make check out to U.S. Forest Service, Send to Naches Ranger district; 10237 U.S. Highway 12; Naches, Wa. 98937.
Min. order is 4 cords for $20.00
Max. order is 10 cords for $50.00
Naches Ranger Station
Books and Other Information
The non-profit Discover Your Northwest or DYNW sells outdoor books and other items to raise funds for interpretive projects and unfunded Forest Service programs.
Naches Ranger District; NWIA Trail Guide;; NWIA; 4.95.
The Bald Eagle of Alaska, BC and Washington; David Hancock; $12.95.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hummingbirds; Western National Parks Association; $5.95
The Creaky Knees Guide; 100 Best Easy Hikes; pages 293; Seabury Blair Jr.; $11.95
Naches Ranger Station: www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee, 10237 U.S. Highway 12, Naches WA 98937. Open 7:45-4:30 Mon- Fri.
(509) 653-1401.
Foyer is open 24 hours a day where handouts and forest information are available to the public during non-office hours. Information www.nachesvalleychamber.com
Fireworks Illegal in National Forests
Other Outdoor Interests
Sunrise/Sunset
Wed. 7/01 5:16am / 9:11pm
Thu. 7/02 5:16am / 9:10pm
Fri. 7/03 5:17am / 9:10pm
Sat. 7/04 5:18am / 9:10pm
Sun. 7/05 5:18am / 9:09pm
Mon. 7/06 5:19am / 9:09pm
Tue. 7/07 5:20am / 9:08pm
Ticks, protect yourself
Avoid tall grass and shrubby areas.
Stay close to the center of hiking trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.
Wear long-sleeved shirts tight at the wrists, long pants tucked into socks, and shoes covering the entire foot.
Wear light-colored clothes that show ticks easily.
Examine your body for ticks, and pay special attention to your head (including your scalp), back, neck, armpits, and groin area.
Examine pets closely for ticks on a daily basis, especially around the head and inside the ears.
Wearing an insect repellent also might help. Read and follow all precautions and directions on the label.
Campfire Safety:
Use an existing fire ring or construct a fire ring out of rocks.
Clear all vegetation away from
the ring and don’t build a campfire underneath low tree branches.
Keep water and a shovel nearby.
Put your campfire out:
Drown it with water.
Stir the embers after they are covered with water and make sure everything is wet.
Feel the coals and embers with your hands. They should be cool to the touch.
When you think you are done, take an extra minute and add more water.
General Information for All Areas
See the guide listing resorts, restaurants, motels and businesses serving every tourist need in this beautiful recreational area!Local Current Weather Reports
from U.S. NOAA National Weather Service's Network Information Center
Scroll down to your zone in the hourly current Washington State Weather Forecast by Zones
Today's Seattle Area Pollen Levels
Current NASA Reports on El Niño.
Elsewhere in Washington-
Current Headlines
Information from Washington Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia WA 98501-1091, phone 360-902-2256 or www.wa.gov/wdfw. Obtain details from WDFW on rule changes mentioned below. Anglers and hunters who wish to be fully up to date must visit the WDFW's web site www.wa.gov/wdfw/.
Read the regulations in your fishing and hunting pamplets! Many rules are changed. Violations and dangerous wildlife – 1-877 933-9847.
Reports below are by or excerpted from WDFW reports.
Gov. Gregoire appoints members to Fish and Wildlife
Commission
Gov. Chris Gregoire announced the appointments of David Jennings, Rollie Schmitten and Dr. Brad Smith to the Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Jennings lives in Olympia and has been active in fish and wildlife management issues for almost 20 years. He attended the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forest resources. He also earned a master’s degree in public health from the University of Oklahoma. Jennings works at the Washington State Department of Health in the division of environmental health. He was also the water protection program manager at DOH. Jennings is the past president of the Gifford Pinchot Task Force and the Black Hills Audubon Society. In 2006, the Black Hills Audubon Society named him conservationist of the year.
Schmitten, of Lake Chelan, attended Washington State University, where he earned a degree in forest management with an emphasis on fish and wildlife. Schmitten is a former Cashmere City councilman, Chelan County Port commissioner and state representative. He was appointed the director of the Washington State Department of Fisheries. He also served as the director of the
Northwest Region for National Marine Fisheries Service, a department of the National Oceanic
and Atmosphere Administration, before being named national director of NMFS. In 1999,
Schmitten was promoted to NOAA Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs, working directly under the U.S. Department of Commerce. In that role,
Smith, a resident of Bellingham, is dean of the Huxley College of Environmental Studies at Western Washington University. Prior to that appointment, Smith served as the first director of the Office of Environmental Education for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Smith, who has extensive international experience on environmental issues, serves on the International Scholars Program for the U.S. Information Agency. He was a Fulbright Scholar to Great Britain and worked as a research fellow for Environment Canada and the Canadian Fish and Wildlife Service.
All three were appointed to a term ending Dec. 31, 2014.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission’s primary role is to establish policies and regulations designed to preserve and protect our state’s fish and wildlife, as well as our natural habitat. The commission is also charged with monitoring the Department of Fish and Wildlife as it implements the goals, policies and objectives established by the commission. The commission also classifies wildlife and establishes the basic rules governing the time, place and method used to harvest fish and wildlife.
Be careful with fire on public recreation lands
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches with drier-than-normal conditions in some parts of Washington, state land managers ask those heading outdoors to be careful with fire.
People cause 85 percent of Washington’s wildfires, and caution and common sense are the keys to preventing damage, state land managers agree. Obeying fire restrictions and not letting a campfire get out of control are among the most important steps outdoor enthusiasts can take to preserve recreation lands.
Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) firefighters protect more than 12 million acres of private and state-owned lands, including lands managed by WDFW and state parks. Wildfires take a steep toll on state resources, devastating public recreation lands, destroying wildlife habitat and requiring costly firefighting efforts.
The risk of a wildfire sparked by human activity goes up in prolonged dry weather or on a windy day.
Fire-danger levels and burn ban information is available at http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/firedanger/BurnRisk.aspx.
The Fourth of July holiday brings extra risks from fireworks, even though fireworks are not allowed on state public lands.
Many state lands have additional restrictions on fire use. Campfires and other kinds of open fires are not allowed on many of the 900,000 acres of wildlife lands managed by WDFW. On WDFW lands where campfires are allowed, they usually are restricted to metal fire rings and must be kept to less than three feet in height and diameter. Specific rules by location can be found at http://wdfw.wa.gov/lands/wildlife_areas/public_conduct.html.
Many of Washington’s 121 state parks allow campfires, but only in metal fire rings or grills in established campgrounds or picnic areas. Campers and picnickers are reminded to be careful with barbecue grill ashes and briquettes by drowning them with water and disposing of them properly in either a campfire ring or a designated container provided in some parks.
During high fire-danger periods, bans on any open flame including campfires may be in place at specific parks. State park managers work with DNR and county fire districts to set fire restrictions at individual parks based on conditions in and around the park. These restrictions may allow only gas stoves or briquettes in conditions where there is high fire danger. Campfire information for specific parks is available by calling park offices.
Those recreating outdoors should follow these DNR campfire tips:
Never start a campfire when wind is strong or local conditions are so dry that fire danger is high
Use a screen over and around a campfire to minimize sparks flying out.
Keep fires less than three feet in height and diameter
Keep five gallons of water and a shovel nearby.
Never leave fires unattended.
Extinguish a fire by drowning it thoroughly with water, stirring until cold, and then drowning it again.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire call 1(800) 562-6010 or 911.
How Contaminants Get in Fish
Fish is brain and heart food - but trying to balance its health - boosting benefits with concerns about contaminant level can leave you floundering! Sad and true, contaminants are in most foods, but don’t give up on fish, because fish are still an excellent health choice.
Contaminant levels in fish slowly build up over time as they eat other fish containing contaminants. This process is called bioaccumulation. Washington waters accumulate contaminant from natural and man-made sources. Mercury is the most common contaminant found in Washington waters. It is a natural-occurring metal that recycles between land, water, and air and enters fish tissue. Most of the mercury which enters Washington waters comes from household and industrial wastes released into the environment during incineration, and burning of coal and other fossil fuels. Once in water, mercury is converted to methylmercury. Methylmercury quickly enters the food chain where it increases up the food chain as it is passed from smaller organisms to larger predatory fish. The methylmercury is then stored in the muscle of the fish. There is no method of cooking or cleaning fish which will reduce mercury.
Fish also absorb polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and chlorinated pesticides from water, sediments, and the food they eat. These contaminants concentrate in the fat of fish. Cleaning and cooking fish properly will lower the amount of PCBs, PBDEs, and chlorinated pesticides by 40-50 percent. Larger, older fish accumulate more contaminants than smaller, younger fish because they take more in over time.
Wa State Dept of Health
How to help minimize the spread of invasive species:
Feeding pack and saddle animals with commercially processed feed pellets, steam rolled grains, or state certified hay for one or more days prior to your trip to the forest helps prevent the transport of weed seed in stock manure.
Make sure all animals, including pack and saddle animals and dogs, as well as visitors’ clothing and shoes are free of weed seeds.
Keep vehicles on established roads and parking areas to minimize the spread of previously established invasive plants and noxious weeds.
Clean your vehicle and pack and saddle animal trailer before entering the forest—DO NOT clean manure from trailers on National Forest lands. Naches Ranger District
STATE CERTIFIED WEED-FREE HAY AND CROP PRODUCTS:
2/18/09
Commercially processed feed (pellets or steamed, rolled grains) or state certified weed-free crop products are now required on all National Forest managed lands.
This new requirement doesn’t just apply to stock users, but to anyone who uses crop products on National Forest lands. The new requirements apply to those who use products such as straw for bedding or for placing under tents. In some cases crop products/mulch are used for soil erosion, soil restoration, or re-vegetation projects. You can still use products for all the above they just need to be state certified.
Weed-free hay or crop products have been inspected according to standards used by the North American Weed Management Association (NAWMA) and member states. Under NAWMA standards, fields are inspected to ensure the absence of seed and reproductive parts from listed invasive weed species. Fields which pass the inspection are state certified and the producer may then officially label the product as weed-free hay or crop product. In a like sense, state certified weed-free mulch comes from fields that pass inspection and are then state certified and labeled for use in restoration and re-vegetation projects. _Naches Ranger District:
STATE CERTIFIED WEED-FREE HAY AND CROP PRODUCTS 2009:
2/25/09 Question: What steps can recreational stock users take to minimize the spread of noxious, invasive weeds?
Answer: Feeding animals exclusively with commercially processed feed pellets, steamed rolled grains, or state certified hay one or more days before your trip will not only help you be sure your stock can eat these products, it will also help prevent transport of weed seed in manure. You can also help by making sure your vehicles, boots and your animal's coat and feet are cleaned or weed seeds prior to your trip. This includes pets. Finally, keeping vehicles on the roads and in designated parking areas helps minimize the spread of weeds.
Question: Why are feed pellets or steamed rolled grains allowed, while non state certified hay cubes are prohibited?
Answer: Feed pellets are made by finely grinding the ingredients, heat treating, and then compressing into pellets. This process kills a very high percentage of viable seed that may be in the source ingredients. Similarly, steaming and rolling grains kills most viable seeds that may be present, including those of invasive, noxious weeds. While commercial processing feed may not in all cases eliminate all weed seed, feed pellets and steamed rolled grains are considered a reasonable option for preventing invasive and noxious weed spread. Naches Ranger District
See WDFW's other Fishing Rule Changes
See WDFW's weekly Trout Stocking Report
SEE WDFW's Weekender for
More Information Pertinent to All Areas:
Dog Salmon Sickness
Dogs which eat dead salmon may become ill with salmon sickness.
The disease, which causes internal bleeding, is usually effectively treated by a veterinarian if treated early in the infection, but it is often fatal if untreated.
Numerous salmon carcasses are now being placed in rivers and streams; these carcasses replace nutrients which were there years ago when salmon were naturally migrating to and spawning and dying in local streams. Such nutrients are important to the attempts to re-establish natural salmon runs.
So if your dog becomes sick after eating salmon, you must take the dog to the veterinarian.
WHY DO LEAVES CHANGE COLOR? Every autumn short daylight hours and cooler temperatures induce a chemical change in trees resulting in magnificent palates of color. Three known pigments are responsible for the varying colors. Chlorophyll, which absorbs red and blue light from the sunlight, carotene which absorbs blue-green and blue light, and anthocyanins which absorb blue, blue-green, and green light. When chlorophyll and carotene occur in the same leaf together they remove red, blue-green, and blue light from sunlight that falls on the leaf. The light reflected from the leaf appears green.
Energy from light absorbed from carotene is transferred to chlorophyll where it is used in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll is a very unstable compound and will break down quickly under the right conditions. On the other hand, carotene is fairly stable and will remain in the leaf much longer than chlorophyll; therefore you get leaves that appear yellow.
During the warm summer months, the leaves of trees produce sugar from carbon dioxide and water by the action of light on chlorophyll. Water and nutrients flow from the roots, through the branches, and into the leaves. The sugar produced by photosynthesis flows throughout the tree and is used for growth and some is even stored for energy.
As the days become shorter and nights cooler, chemical reactions begin to take place. A very significant change is the development of a corky membrane between the branch and the leaf stem. The flow of nutrients is interrupted and chlorophyll production stops and as it does carotene turns leaves from green to bright yellow. In some trees the concentration of sugar in leaves increases, the sugar reacts to make anthocyanins. This pigment causes yellow leaves to turn bright reds and purples.
Temperatures are the big factor in the change of colors. Cold temperatures destroy chlorophyll and if the temperatures stay warm, sugar production remains high and anthocyanins form. Bright sunshine also destroys chlorophyll and increases anthocyanin. Dry weather increases sugar production and anthocyanin so the brightest colors are produced when dry, sunny days are followed by cool, dry nights.
Bear & Cougar Contacts
The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife reminds outdoor people that black bear and cougar populations are growing rapidly following the 1996 citizen-initiative prohibition of hunting with hounds. Cougar populations have doubled since the 1980's. People must never feed or approach wild animals, especially animals with young. Campers must store food in odor-proof sealed containers in cars or hung in trees, never in their camp or tent. If a bear comes around your camp, very probably it is interested only in food it smells; get rid of or away from the smell of food, especially on your clothing.
If an encounter turns serious: 1) Don't run, and hold children to keep them from running; running makes you look like prey; 2) Make yourself look larger by raising your arms or standing on a rock or stump; 3) Maintain constant eye contact with a cougar to establish dominance, but totally avoid eye contact with a bear as, like a dog, a bear interprets a stare as a challenge; 4) If a cougar stalks you, follows you, or comes toward you so that you can see it, it is preparing to attack you; you must constantly stare at it, holler angrily at it, pick up any weapon you find such as a stick, and move carefully, probably walking backwards, toward shelter like your vehicle; 5) If attacked, get really angry and show it, fight with rocks, heavy sticks or anything, and try to remain on your feet.; these actions give you about a 90% chance to survive..
Another effect of the hound hunting prohibition is a drastic increase in deer predation, as every adult cougar kills about one deer per week year-round.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife's Elk Herd Plans
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Web Site including much information and live pictures of Mt. St. Helens
Gifford Pinchot National Forest Sno*Park Reports
For your planning for summer, information about National Forest Campgrounds including number and type of campsites is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.netbiz.net/~nrrc/main.html. You must know the exact name of the campground. If you specify your "dream" requirements for a campsite, the system often will return, "none available." However, if you specify your minimum campsite requirements, you will usually get the results you desire.
Reservations of some National Forest Campground Campsites is available by phoning 1-800-280-2267. In most campgrounds, only a few sites are available for reservation by this method, but in a few campgrounds, all sites are reservable by this method and none are available first-come-first-served.
Forest visitors enter the forest areas to encounter an environment more natural, less "constructed" by man, and nearly always have an enjoyable and safe outing. However, these areas by definition inseparably include, and visitors expect, prepare for and take responsibility for encountering slides, rocks, fallen or falling trees or branches, narrow single lane roads with two-way traffic, log trucks, steep grades, no shoulders, loose gravel, sharp corners, potholes, washboards, mud, ice, snow, avalanches, cliffs, severe weather and natural impurities in water.The Ten Essentialsto have with you whenever you hike, and to keep in your car:
The Five Extra Essentials
National Forest Camping Limits
Parking at Trailheads
Only one vandalism occurs per approx. 1,000 nights parked, but that one will be very painful if it's your car.
This information is obtained from many sources including sport shops, hunters & fishermen, our own observations and the US Forest Service Ranger Districts & the US National Park Service.
E-Mail: outdoors@wpshopper.com
Visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest web site for more recreational and other forest information.
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