Post by: RightPlace-RightTime on July 15, 2011, 02:19:39 AM
Post by: Black Ram on July 15, 2011, 04:26:49 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 15, 2011, 05:52:32 AM
Post by: wall of wood camp on July 15, 2011, 09:42:55 AM
Post by: yakimarcher on July 15, 2011, 11:44:35 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on July 15, 2011, 11:51:03 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on July 15, 2011, 12:06:41 PM
Post by: FWilliams on July 15, 2011, 12:51:08 PM
Post by: Special T on July 15, 2011, 12:57:30 PM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on July 15, 2011, 01:19:34 PM
Post by: colockumelk on July 15, 2011, 01:43:06 PM
I am all for some road closure (Tiny spurs that lead nowhere sort of like veins) but I hate to see these main roads closed off. Its never good for these arteries to be closed off like this. I really feel for the guys that have hunted these areas for 30-40 years. Alot of traditions are going to be lost this year. Especially for the old timers and the disabled that can't walk in 5 miles to still access their old hunting grounds. My heart goes out to alot of people this year. Hopefully our state can scrounge up some funds to repair them or maybe some private guys with equipment will donate their time and gear to reopen them. I'm sure some people will quit hunting this year because of this which is EXTREMELY unfortunate. This is truly a bad situation.
Post by: rtspring on July 15, 2011, 02:40:15 PM
I agree this will cause lots of issues with people not being able to get the their normal spots. But for the guys that hunt up there, I am sure they know the back ways in to Rock Creek and Gold Creek. You would still be able to come up the 1701 and get there from the top.
On the other hand maybe it will cut down on the traffic in these areas and provide some great hunting for those that are willing to put the miles in..
I for one know Rock Creek was a great deer hunting spot a few years back.
Post by: asl20bball on July 15, 2011, 03:30:53 PM
Post by: Curly on July 15, 2011, 03:45:12 PM
Post by: unluckyjohn on July 15, 2011, 04:22:51 PM
Post by: yakimarcher on July 15, 2011, 04:24:41 PM
Post by: PAW66 on July 15, 2011, 04:41:03 PM
Post by: stickinmaster on July 15, 2011, 04:48:34 PM
Post by: blu65ss on July 19, 2011, 11:54:06 PM
Post by: Elk whack master on July 20, 2011, 01:11:32 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 20, 2011, 05:25:26 AM
Post by: boneaddict on July 20, 2011, 05:32:27 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on July 20, 2011, 05:54:47 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on July 20, 2011, 06:48:34 AM
Post by: brianmtsinc on July 20, 2011, 07:14:48 AM
Post by: dreamingbig on July 20, 2011, 11:16:00 AM
Post by: gasman on July 20, 2011, 03:31:53 PM
Only way in is by quad or 4x4 :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
To bad I got a Obserbatory bull tag, Or I wouls set up camp up there :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: SniperDanWA on July 20, 2011, 05:19:54 PM
so the 1701 rd is still open? I thought someone told me it was also closed.
Was on 1701 this past Sunday from 410 to Barber Springs Road. Only one small washout, nothing bad. Lots of jeeps up there this weekend tearing up the hills.
Post by: brianb231 on July 20, 2011, 09:14:31 PM
Anybody know?
THanks
Post by: SniperDanWA on July 20, 2011, 09:42:57 PM
Does anyone know where you can view a map of these jeep roads and trails they are talking about in the closures? I have googled them and looked and looked and I cant find a map that shows these trails anywhere?
Anybody know?
THanks
I use an app on the iPad, called Maps. It is using Google, but it drills down great and has all of the roads labeled. I know it is also available on the iPhone. The other option is to use Google Earth. I found it less helpful, but it did have roads marked.
Post by: Gamblin Guy on July 20, 2011, 10:07:33 PM
http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/ (http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/)!ut/p/c5/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gjAwhwtDDw9_AI8zPyhQoYAOUjMeXDfODy-HWHg-zDrx8kb4ADOBro-3nk56bqF-RGGGSZOCoCAPi8eX8!/dl3/d3/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnZ3LzZfMjAwMDAwMDBBODBPSEhWTjJNMDAwMDAwMDA!/?navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&cid=fsbdev3_053623&navid=091000000000000&pnavid=&ss=110617&position=Not Yet Determined.Html&ttype=detail&pname=Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest- Home
Post by: rtspring on July 20, 2011, 10:35:54 PM
I wonder just how many people will not come up just because of the road mess.. Bring your camera's fella it gonna get down right funny up there, from the 410 side anyways...........
Post by: brianb231 on July 21, 2011, 04:36:03 PM
Post by: crazyantler on July 21, 2011, 08:46:09 PM
Post by: luvtohnt on July 21, 2011, 09:24:12 PM
There are a lot of things happening in the forest this year that is making things difficult. Snow, excessive blow downs, flooding, continual rain. All I can say is everyone needs to be extra careful this year while out and about in the forests.
Brandon
Post by: gasman on July 21, 2011, 09:31:27 PM
I know the jeep trails tha lead back from Bald Mt to Quartz Mt. and I am confident on them with my jeep or quad :tup:
As for no search and rescue, just let em lie. I will be more happy back there if some thing goes wrong then having to come home.
Besides, who is going to cal search and rescue :dunno: Not me.........
If you think I am full of BS, ask huntlakewood or Rocky :hello:
Post by: boneaddict on July 22, 2011, 06:14:41 AM
Post by: Instinct on July 22, 2011, 08:06:17 PM
With Milk creek rd closed, it should be hot up top durring early archery season.
Only way in is by quad or 4x4 :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
To bad I got a Obserbatory bull tag, Or I wouls set up camp up there :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
U know ya wanna give me barbie since im gonna be up in there :chuckle:
Post by: CedarPants on July 22, 2011, 10:05:28 PM
so the 1701 rd is still open? I thought someone told me it was also closed.
Was on 1701 this past Sunday from 410 to Barber Springs Road. Only one small washout, nothing bad. Lots of jeeps up there this weekend tearing up the hills.
Is this the only way into the Barber Springs area now? Buddy of mine heading to the west side today took a quick detour for a short scout and Manastash road was closed. I plan on heading over to scout next weekend and am wondering if I'm gonna have to cut down to Yakima then up 410 to the 1701, as it sounds like there may be no way in out of Ellensburg.
Post by: christopheri on July 23, 2011, 09:53:46 AM
With Milk creek rd closed, it should be hot up top durring early archery season.
Only way in is by quad or 4x4 :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
To bad I got a Obserbatory bull tag, Or I wouls set up camp up there :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
In the spirit of Hunting Washington forum members helping other members I would be happy to trade you my over the counter tag for you Obserdatory bull tag so you can set up camp at Mill creek. No need to thank me just pay it forward. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: gasman on July 24, 2011, 05:33:51 PM
With Milk creek rd closed, it should be hot up top durring early archery season.
Only way in is by quad or 4x4 :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL: :IBCOOL:
To bad I got a Obserbatory bull tag, Or I wouls set up camp up there :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
In the spirit of Hunting Washington forum members helping other members I would be happy to trade you my over the counter tag for you Obserdatory bull tag so you can set up camp at Mill creek. No need to thank me just pay it forward. :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Thast a good one :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
As for Barber Springs. You can still access it through Cascade Park. (Wenas)
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on July 25, 2011, 08:46:26 AM
I hope this word gets out to more than just us here at HUNT -WA. This road closure area is gonna be one hell of a mess when all these hunters show up and the roads are closed. These are not short little roads, major roads with lots of camps off them and the spur roads from them...
I wonder just how many people will not come up just because of the road mess.. Bring your camera's fella it gonna get down right funny up there, from the 410 side anyways...........
Seeing all the lightning strikes throughout that whole area this morning, I would say that the FS should rethink their choice to not fix the roads. Let one or two big fires happen in the area and then what? What would the dollar loss and expense for that be? then they would loose time getting equipment in place to make roads passable cusing how much more damage?
Post by: boneaddict on July 25, 2011, 12:35:16 PM
Post by: Curly on July 25, 2011, 12:41:34 PM
Post by: dreamingbig on July 25, 2011, 12:47:13 PM
Post by: Instinct on July 25, 2011, 01:29:38 PM
Post by: PlateauNDN on July 25, 2011, 04:34:42 PM
so the 1701 rd is still open? I thought someone told me it was also closed.
Was on 1701 this past Sunday from 410 to Barber Springs Road. Only one small washout, nothing bad. Lots of jeeps up there this weekend tearing up the hills.
Is this the only way into the Barber Springs area now? Buddy of mine heading to the west side today took a quick detour for a short scout and Manastash road was closed. I plan on heading over to scout next weekend and am wondering if I'm gonna have to cut down to Yakima then up 410 to the 1701, as it sounds like there may be no way in out of Ellensburg.
Head south from E-burg towards the Wenas and turn north onto the Observatory Rd and head west from there til you get to the mud flats rd and head west from there or you can stay on the observatory rd until you get near it then break off and head west from there and you will eventually hit barber springs leading to the 410.
Post by: CedarPants on July 25, 2011, 05:26:14 PM
Post by: boneaddict on July 25, 2011, 05:28:13 PM
Post by: gasman on July 25, 2011, 06:10:17 PM
Let it burn only stands for Wilderness. Anything outside of wilderness still gets attention.
And National Parks. Like Mt Rainier and Yellowstone NP.
Post by: boneaddict on July 25, 2011, 06:11:00 PM
Post by: Nilehunter on July 25, 2011, 07:50:14 PM
I just came back for the Nile area and they have closed roads up there..The culvert on the 1601 road, at the nile, is washed out and one side of the culvert is caved in. The 1605 road is closed with three washout areas. Talked to one of the Game people and she said the same as already stated, are not going to fix due to lack of funds. They have put in for some flood relief money.
Two weeks ago, the wife and I walked the 1605 all the way down to the creek and there was only one wash out. I could have gotten past it in my minni van. So I do not get why its closed. This last weekend the closed road sign was moved to the side, wishfull thinking had me hopeing the road was being worked on. If not I'll get in there from the back side come season.
Post by: sled on July 25, 2011, 09:08:12 PM
Post by: Smokey Bear on July 30, 2011, 01:22:22 PM
Post by: rtspring on July 30, 2011, 05:38:23 PM
there is a road in between milk creek and gold creek they closed back in the 90's. It was a highway for vehicles back in the day. Now people ride horses up in there and see lots of game....
Post by: colockumelk on July 30, 2011, 07:27:32 PM
As bad as this may seem at first. I hope the animals in this area gain from it. I know these are some peoples favorite hunting grounds but if it helps the deer populations come back I am all for it..
there is a road in between milk creek and gold creek they closed back in the 90's. It was a highway for vehicles back in the day. Now people ride horses up in there and see lots of game....
I completely agree. While this closure sucks for many I try to look at the bright side of things inall negative events. Hopefully the animal numbers and bull:cow, buck:doe ratio gets alot better because of this. Also the best part is that this will put a major dent in poaching. Thats what Im happiest about.
Post by: gasman on July 30, 2011, 11:08:37 PM
Th snowmobile trail from the LN area is one way to get in to it and the 4x4 trail from Lilly pond is another......
And there is still others if you know where you are goung and have spent any time exploring up there.......
Post by: SniperDanWA on July 30, 2011, 11:39:33 PM
Post by: Smokey Bear on August 01, 2011, 12:07:37 PM
I just hope Lttle Naches isn't worse of a zoo than last season.
:dunno:
Post by: dreamingbig on August 02, 2011, 07:52:27 AM
Post by: bobcat on August 02, 2011, 08:02:47 AM
Post by: longashes on August 02, 2011, 08:29:18 AM
Post by: CedarPants on August 02, 2011, 08:35:47 AM
Post by: RightPlace-RightTime on August 10, 2011, 05:11:27 AM
Post by: brianmtsinc on August 10, 2011, 06:44:10 AM
Post by: gasman on August 11, 2011, 08:23:52 PM
They are also patrolling the closed areas on motorcycles and are fining anyone that even walks back behind the barriers.
Post by: Instinct on August 11, 2011, 08:50:59 PM
Talked with the OHV ranger last weekend and he informed me that the work will not start until next summer :bash:
They are also patrolling the closed areas on motorcycles and are fining anyone that even walks back behind the barriers.
So what if u just stumble upon the closed areas when hunting by foot they can still give u a ticket?
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on August 11, 2011, 08:55:50 PM
Talked with the OHV ranger last weekend and he informed me that the work will not start until next summer :bash:
They are also patrolling the closed areas on motorcycles and are fining anyone that even walks back behind the barriers.
I can see fines for going around the barriers in a vehicle, but on foot that is some serious crap there what the hell are you going to damage with a set of boots really. I dont even hunt there, and that pisses me off seems to me that all these closed roads would make for some great hunting for those who really want to put some miles on their boots guess the ranger district doesnt agree. Maybe someone should remind them they are payed by the very people they are harassing back there.
Post by: JKEEN33 on August 11, 2011, 08:56:20 PM
Talked with the OHV ranger last weekend and he informed me that the work will not start until next summer :bash:
They are also patrolling the closed areas on motorcycles and are fining anyone that even walks back behind the barriers.
So what if u just stumble upon the closed areas when hunting by foot they can still give u a ticket?
I find it hard to believe that they can fine you for walking in. It's seems that would be an easy one to beat. It's public land. I haven't been out yet. Do the signs say No Trespassing or Road closed?
Post by: jstone on August 11, 2011, 09:50:34 PM
Post by: RightPlace-RightTime on August 11, 2011, 10:43:25 PM
Post by: gasman on August 12, 2011, 04:59:32 AM
So can anyone else confirm spring creek rd is open. The road goes up the mtn and you can see whistlin jacks as you go up. Thanks
Yeah, its open......
And to really piss you off.
The wash outs aren't as bad as hey make them seem. There is enough room to fit a jeep or a narrower size vehicle around them, a full size truck could probably squeeze through but it would be a little hairy.
Merrick told me that the only reason it is closed is because they cant get Search and Rescue up there is some thinghappens but we all know that is BS and its politics, pure BS politics....( he don't understand the closure also :dunno:)
Post by: brianmtsinc on August 12, 2011, 06:27:10 AM
The signs say roads closed to all wheels and foot traffic. that means you cannot legally be in the road, but you can walk in the ditches. They close it this way because if anyone gets hurt by the washouts, the forest service can say they closed the road. It is all about legal issues.
Forgive the following rant but this pisses me off! For the record, I hunt by foot and mountain bike, and these roads being closed is a good thing for me this year. I am happy about that for myself but there are many others not as able or simply choose to hunt other ways.
The thought that they are patrolling this area AND writing tickets to people WALKING in Pisses me off!! :bash: :bash:
They work for us! This is out of control government :bash:
If it is all about "legal issues" how about they simply post a sign that says "Road Closed - Enter at your own Risk" ?? This is another "freedom" being taken away by a government that thinks they know better than the citizens they are suppose to serve. :bash:
Shame on those that set this policy and on any warden or officer that would enforce it.....
Post by: trophyhunt on August 12, 2011, 06:37:37 AM
Post by: colockumelk on August 12, 2011, 09:29:34 AM
I would definately tell them to pound sand and keep on walking. What are they gonna do? :cryriver:
Post by: hunterdan on August 14, 2011, 08:55:10 AM
Post by: Curly on August 14, 2011, 12:05:44 PM
The forest Service just re wrote the closure order because people were giving hell to them. Now it is roads closed to all motorized vehicles. Foot traffic and mountain bikes are now OK.
Awesome. That's good news! :tup: And how it should be.
Post by: brianmtsinc on August 15, 2011, 10:35:36 AM
:IBCOOL:
Post by: Instinct on August 15, 2011, 10:46:40 AM
Post by: bigtex on August 22, 2011, 09:28:41 PM
If a forest service worker asks me for ID and my truck isn't anywhere around and I'm walking up the road in the mountains, I'm telling him to screw off. He's not a law enforcement officer, I understand if your at camp and have a fire or littering and he writes a citation but up in the hills and he stops me for my ID!!! I just don't understand what the hell is wrong with this country, Damn liberals. Just venting
FYI Trohphyhunt
The USFS has two forms of enforcement.
- There are USFS Law Enforcement Officers which are fully fledged federal officers, these are the guys with the guns and cuffs. There are very few of these in WA, less then 30. These officers can also be comissioned as state or county officers as well, so they can make cases/arrests at both the federal and local levels.
- There are USFS Forest Protection Officers. FPO's are limited in what they can enforce. These are the individuals that do a lot of the ATV, Snowmobile, parking enforcement, etc (petty stuff). These officers are not armed, however they do have enforcement authority. Many USFS employees are designated as FPO's, rarely is being an FPO their sole duty. For example, it is completely possible that the individual that is clearing brush could issue a federal citation
Post by: brianmtsinc on August 29, 2011, 12:29:14 PM
This guy (not exactly sure of his name so I won't post it) went on to tell us that the Milk and Pine creek drainages are getting hammered by hunters thinking that because it is a closed road system, and they know a way in via a jeep road, they will have a great area to themselves. He said there is NO legal way to access either drainage other than by foot or mountain bike, and that he has been assigned daily to those 2 road systems until sometime in November. :dunno:
What pisses me off about this is not the closure, but that instead of placing signs on these CLEARLY well traveled jeep roads (they can call them a snowmobile road all they want, but jeeps run them ALL the time!!) The US forest service, with all of it's extra money, has decided to pay this guys salary and operating expenses, in hopes of getting it returned (plus some) in tickets!! He stated that " The tickets range from $125 - $175 depending on the guys attitude that I stop". :dunno:
He was very arrogant and seemed as though he could not wait to start writting the tickets. He let us go only because he pulled up to us as we were picking up a bunch of trash someone had left in the middle of the road. Otherwise we would have been ticketed for driving a road we believed was open.
I KNOW it is my responsibility to know the laws and to only travel on legal roads, and I accept my responsibility here. But who are the decision makers that decided to take away from our supposedly stretched too thin forest service workers, to patrol this area on a daily basis, but would not spend a hundred bucks and post the entry points to at least keep honest people out? :bash: :bash:
Post by: brianb231 on August 29, 2011, 12:49:43 PM
I was told the same thing as I was stopped. They said tickets will be written and it will be patrolled daily!
I was surpised by this as I knew a way in there and I thought Pine was not part of the restricted area.
Guess I was wrong. Be advised or bring your checkbook I guess.
Looks like I will be hiking in a ways.....
Good Luck
Post by: gasman on August 29, 2011, 03:14:06 PM
Yes, the trail you were on is a snowmobile trail, not a jeep or quad trail. I have also been on it to take the short cut to Whistling Jacks.
As much as you don't like him being there, he is needed to patrol the areas up there, and he only works the weekends, not 7 days a week ;) But the sherrif will be patroling the roads on motorcycles.
As far as no legal way in there, there is two jeep trils that take you to the top area around Milk Lake, and there is nothing they can do if you are in there. Only the road is closed to vehicle traffic, not the jeep trails ;)
Post by: brianb231 on August 30, 2011, 08:23:02 AM
You ran into the former chinook pass sheriff. he retired and now is one of the 2 OHV rangers. Yes he knows what he is talking about. You broke the law. deal with it. they are going to write a closure area on all the jeep and snowmobile trails FYI. there is at least 2 people on 7 days a week. It is not the forest services fault for not allowing people in and writing tickets. it is what the laws and the constitutions say.
This is just a guess, but you must be either the new sheriff or the number 2 OHV guy??? LOL Just playin... But I just hope they do patrol the hell out of it becuase when I hike my arse off and ride my mountain bike up that mountain the last thing I want to see is 6 rigs at the top!
So I am all for it at this point.
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on August 30, 2011, 03:54:39 PM
Post by: Instinct on August 30, 2011, 04:58:18 PM
Post by: brianmtsinc on August 31, 2011, 07:25:21 AM
Naches sportsman - As I clearly stated - I know it is my responsibility to know the law and where I can and can't go. That was not my point. My point is, that I feel this is simply a way to ticket hunters and bring in more revenue. Hell, I'd be happy to go to kinkos and print up 4 signs and post them on each snowmobile trail to save others from getting fined - but my guess is that is probably against the law too. :dunno:
My :twocents: - patrol the area. Enforce the law. But do your best to make sure honest people are aware they are entering a closed area.
Like I said - that is just my :twocents:
Post by: bobcat on August 31, 2011, 07:27:26 AM
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on August 31, 2011, 10:09:57 AM
Na diyarchery naches knows those roads hes always on top wth whats goin on wth the forest dept. Always good idea to pick up a green trail map and see where ur at to make sure u dont get fisted by the man.
where can i call to get info on biking in or walking in? a red dot road closure would mean no driving in. When i was there three years ago they had the red dot green dot system going. That says nothing about foot traffic or bike traffic.
Post by: bobcat on August 31, 2011, 10:13:39 AM
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on August 31, 2011, 10:17:40 AM
Post by: Instinct on August 31, 2011, 10:53:38 AM
Post by: 6x6in6 on August 31, 2011, 11:12:32 AM
but you can walk or bike into theses areas?Yes, unless it's posted otherwise.
Green dot/no green dot only applies to motorized vehicles.