submitted by Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region
This Labor Day weekend, your National Forests in Washington and Oregon are ready to welcome you – but it will take all of us, working together, to keep them open and welcoming for everyone.
Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires. This is fire season in the Pacific Northwest. Usage restrictions on motorized equipment and campfires are in place for everyone’s protection. SmokeyBear.com has more information about best practices for fire prevention, but a few key points are: Check tow chains to make sure they won’t drag on pavement or hit rocks (which can create sparks); carry a shovel and water or fire extinguisher in your vehicle at all times; and never park, drive or idle any motor vehicle on dry grass. If you’re a target shooter, avoid metal or exploding targets (these are also restricted in some areas). And as always – leave fireworks at home!
Recreate Responsibly. “Know before you go” means check forest websites for closures and current public use restrictions (InciWeb also has information about fires on both National Forest and adjacent lands). Carry the 10 Essentials, every time – even for day trips! If you’re on a trail, stay on it as much as you can to prevent vegetation damage and trail erosion. Wear a mask when passing others on the trail, or any time you can’t maintain 6-10’ of physical distance. When nature calls, use a restroom or know how to dispose of your waste (at least 200 feet from trails or water sources, in a hole at least 6’ deep). Even better? If you pack it in – pack it out and leave no trace!
Recreate Respectfully. Share the trail – many of our trails are open to multiple recreation activities, including dog walking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Keep in mind that outdoor recreation opportunities are in high demand; if your planned destination is at capacity, have a backup destination planned. Improper parking in day use areas and at trailheads can interfere with other visitors and emergency vehicle access. Model good behavior and outdoor etiquette, and help create a culture where everyone feels welcome!
A few recreation updates from around the region for this holiday weekend:
- In Washington, Olympic National Forest roads 24 and 2451 leading to the Staircase Entrance to Olympic National Park and Lake Cushman remain closed due to crowding and public safety concerns. Lake Cushman is also closed. The portion of Forest Road 24 leading to Mt. Elinor is still open
- In Oregon, areas around Opal Creek Wilderness on the Willamette National Forest are closed due to the Beachie Fire, including Three Pools, Jawbone Flats and Opal Creek day use areas, multiple trails, and several campgrounds.
- Additional areas in the Columbia River Gorge have reopened – including Multnomah Falls. However, visit capacity has been reduced and tickets are now required to access the recreation area at the falls.
On behalf of staff and volunteers on Your Northwest Forests and with the U.S. Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region, we wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe Labor Day holiday.
