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Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Fish4Fun on October 19, 2024, 10:46:50 PM

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Title: Oak Creek / Bethel Ridge Access
Post by: Fish4Fun on October 19, 2024, 10:46:50 PM

Was just reading on a Facebook page that Oak Creek was closed due to the fire this summer. Can anybody on here verify that the gates are open or locked off of Highway 12.

Title: Re: Oak Creek / Bethel Ridge Access
Post by: Dan-o on October 19, 2024, 11:02:36 PM

When I was there for muzzy elk, the Oak Creek gate was physically 1/2 open, but there was signage posted clearly showing the road as closed to general traffic.   Fire and DNR crews were using the gate, so it wasn't locked.

The signs made it clear that it would be closed to traffic for the season.   

The entire Bethel Ridge road from Nile (on the 410) to where it dumps out on hiway 12 near Rimrock Lake was open.

There were a bunch of roads closed on the end that dumps out on hiway 12......   Down low on Bethel ridge road.
And any entrance along hiway 12 was closed.   

Title: Re: Oak Creek / Bethel Ridge Access
Post by: Fish4Fun on October 19, 2024, 11:05:39 PM

 Dan, thanks for the info we are heading over on Tuesday to set up camp in our normal place……. I hope

How was deer season for you ?

Title: Re: Oak Creek / Bethel Ridge Access
Post by: Dan-o on October 19, 2024, 11:11:50 PM

Quote from: Fish4Fun on October 19, 2024, 11:05:39 PM

Dan, thanks for the info we are heading over on Tuesday to set up camp in our normal place……. I hope

How was deer season for you ?

I let a 4X4 walk in one of our usual spots because I have a late Naneum tag.
Do you know how many years it's been since I could shoot a good buck there?
Go figure...... :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

Title: Re: Oak Creek / Bethel Ridge Access
Post by: yakimanoob on October 22, 2024, 01:00:54 PM

The Oak Creek Rd gate was closed on Sunday afternoon at least. Officially, the area remains closed until tomorrow Oct 23rd (Wednesday), but the website says they'll reevaluate upon expiration, so who knows.

You can always try calling the South Central WDFW office at 509-575-2740 and ask. I'm sure they're getting a lot of calls, but I've generally found that office to be really helpful.

Two thoughts:

• They've hardly been enforcing foot traffic, although it's a lot more risky in my book to take an animal on closed land than it is to just be hiking.
• The Retreat Fire was no joke; with the weather coming in with opener, be prepared for LOTS of deadfall, and it wouldn't hurt to have a contingency plan if the road washes out while you're back there.

Good luck everyone!

https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/wildfire (https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/wildfire)