Washington State Lockout/Lockdown

[nwalpineguide]

Well it continues.

I tried to do some spring scouting up the Little Wenatchee river drainage last week, intending to see if the road to Irving Pass was open yet. Heck, the 65 road was still gated just beyond the Two Rivers quarry. Not certain it will open at all this year. So, I jumped on my mountain bike and peddled a few miles up river where I found another barrier sign to further travel. FIRE DANGER? Are you kidding me? In May!

No, this ain't Alberta! It's the great Nanny Sta.., uh, um I mean Washington State. Where the Fun Police are HARD at work.

At least the buck I saw hiding in the brush wasn't too concerned. Old man winter, the cougars and wolves didn't get them all. Seeing good migration sign now as well in my traditional haunts. About 3 weeks later than usual but good numbers of deer headed back into the wilderness.

[jstone]

How far up did you ride?

[Russ McDonald]

Isn't that forest service land.  Staye has to control of that.  Also if there was a late fire from last year and they weren't able to do any rehab, they will still keep a fire closure in place until they are able to get back in to check the area.

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[CJ1962]

The Forest Circus is/has closed a ton of land to keep you safe.  Wife and I tried to go down to the Goat Rocks fire to look for mushrooms and it was all closed.  No reason given.  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1089075.pdf

I really hate living in a nanny state.  I wish they would just tell people there is danger of falling trees.  Be prepared and travel at your own risk.

[nwalpineguide]

How far up did you ride?

Rode the bike to the junction with the Rainy Creek road that (I assume) heads to Smithbrook and eventually Stevens pass. I assume this looking at a map because I've never driven that road. This junction is near the Riverside Campground. See images attached.

[jrebel]

Idaho gates roads too when they are not safe for travel.     

My guess is the snow melt off is causing dangers that they are trying to mitigate.  Whether that be mudslides, washouts, river / bridge crossing and unknown damage due to debris fields breaking loose, etc.  Be patient.....I'm sure these roads will open up in due time. 

For what it's worth....there have been quite a few deaths this spring due to water run off and debris in rivers that have caused drownings.   

[jackelope]

That looks like national forest, not state. It's not WA state's doing.