The Signpost Blog
Carpooling: Be (and Save) Green
With gas prices rising and glaciers melting, WTA encourages those who register for trail work parties to carpool. That way, trail volunteers can be green, and save some cash as well.
Every time you sign up for a work party, you'll receive an invitation to our automated carpool system, which allows volunteers to coordinate rides with one another. After you register for a trail work party, you'll be prompted to choose one of these options: willing to drive, needs a ride, or willing to drive or ride. Then, in the space provided, give a brief description of your ideal meeting place (often a local park & ride is a good meeting spot).
This information, as well as your e-mail address, will be forwarded to the people who sign up for your trip. Your phone number will not be included, so please make sure the e-mail address you give is accurate. You can then contact, or be contacted by, others interested in carpooling. If you're riding, don’t forget to help your driver with the cost of gas.
This service is pretty effective, a whopping 80 percent, and will give you the chance to meet your fellow volunteers ahead of time – and maybe even have sing-alongs on the way to the trail!
If you have other questions, click here for more info.
"Best TrailsFest Ever"
A whole lot of people were smiling on Saturday at Rattlesnake Lake.
If you missed us on Saturday, you missed out on a lot! We were so happy to see the 3,000 or so happy TrailsFesters that came out to paddle kayaks, brush up on their map and compass skills, learn some new bird songs, and take home some cool new outdoor gear. So many of the attendees were families, many eager to try their first outdoor adventure on a trail. Other were familiar faces, avid hikers and longtime WTA members who came to check out the latest gear and try a new s'mores recipe.
One TrailsFest feature we brought back this year was a hands-on WTA trail maintenance booth. We set up a backcountry camp, cooked up some cowboy coffee, and demonstrated for folks how we use a pulaski to even out new trail tread, a shovel to cut roots, and a crosscut saw to remove downed logs that have fallen across the trail. Youngsters grimaced at the bitterness of cowboy coffee, but lined up eagerly for the chance to take a turn practicing on the 2-person crosscut saw. If you missed your chance to try the tools, give the real thing a try by signing up for a work party this summer.
Many of the activities in this year's dynamite lineup were well-attended and well-received. One observation I made is that a lot of folks don't like to cook on the trail! Our most popular presentation was "No-Cook Outdoor Food" by the folks at Freezer Bag Cooking. Over 70 folks turned out for this talk! Also quite popular were Hilleberg the Tentmaker's "Create your own Backpacking System" with over 60 attendees, and "The Mystery of Sasquatch" with 50 folks at wrapped attention.
We'd like to extend a special thanks to all of the sponsors of TrailsFest 2008 for helping to make this day a reality and bring the great outdoors of Washington to so many people. TrailsFest 2008 sposnors were Hilleberg the Tentmaker, Green Trails Maps, KPLU, Marmot Mountain Works, REI, Chaco, Erin Baker's Wholesome Baked Goods, Gregory, Teko, Freezer Bag Cooking, CLIF Nectar, Outdoor Research, and Helly Hansen.
We had a fantastic day and hope you did, too. We hope you'll join us again next July for another fabulous TrailsFest!
Avoiding Trailhead Theft
Hiking is an escape from civilization, a chance to relax and break free from the pressures from our crazy everyday world.
Nothing ruins that experience like returning to the trailhead to find your car broken into.
Car break-ins at trailheads are relatively rare, but they do happen, and they tend to cycle from area to area.
We've been receiving recent reports of frequent car break-ins off the Mountain Loop Highway at trailheads to hikes such as Lake 22 and Mount Dickerman. Elsewhere, a perennial problem area is the Rachel Lake trailhead in the Cle Elum Ranger District.
How can you avoid the disappointment and hassle of a broken window and stolen stuff after a hike?
The number one rule is: Don't leave anything valuable in your car. That means wallets, cameras, iPods, and other electronic equipment. Rule number two is: the glove compartment and trunk aren't safe. A thief can and will break a window and pop open your trunk from inside the car. To help demonstrate to thieves that your car doesn't have any valuables in it, empty and leave your glove compartment open. With my Subaru station wagon, I leave the trunk area cover open so that thieves can see all we've left in there are dirty socks and directions to the trailhead.Some hikers go so far as to leave their cars unlocked to demonstrate there's nothing worth taking and to prevent an exploratory window break.
Remember, trailhead thieves aren't looking to steal cars, they're looking for credit cards and electronic equipment they can quickly sell for cash. If you do experience a break-in, be sure to report it to the nearest ranger station. This helps rangers determine where the problem areas are and better patrol the area.
If you absolutely must bring your iPod and stuff with you, but don't want to carry it on your hike, put it in a ziplock and stash it somewhere off the trail. I've done this on a long overnight in the Olympics and it worked fine. Just remember where you stashed it!
Fire Closes Trails Near Mount Adams
The Cold Spring fire south of Mount Adams continues to burn, closing roads, campgrounds and trails and affecting WTA's trail work schedule.
The fire, which started July 12, has burned about 7,600 acres 11 miles north of Trout Lake. The biggest question on WTA volunteers' minds concerning this fire is: did it hit Bird Creek Meadows? Bird Creek is a gorgeous alpine area where WTA has done extensive trail work.
At this point, we don't know if the meadows were directly affected, but because of access and safety issues, the Bird Creek Volunteer Vacation location will be moved to another trail, likely in the Mount Adams Ranger District. This popular weeklong is scheduled for August 2-9. WTA is contacting volunteers who signed up for this trip about location changes. For more info, please contact Alyssa Kreider by e-mail or 206-625-1367.
The Cold Spring Fire has forced closure of the following Gifford Pinchot National Forest campgrounds: Morrison, Cold Springs, and Horse Camp. Roads closed include FR 8040 and FR 80 and 82 at the forest boundary north of Trout Lake, closing access to all roads, trails, and campgrounds. For specific closure information, please contact 509.395.3402. State Departnment of Natural Resources campground closures include Bird Creek and Island. The town of Trout Lake and nearby recreation activities remain open. Recent closure information can be found here.
Photo: Firefighter base camp for the Cold Spring Fire south of Mount Adams. Photo by Darryl Lloyd.
New at TrailsFest this year
You've been to TrailsFest.
You've hiked the Ledges Trail. You've communed with the packgoats. You've climbed that rock wall and you're quite sure you've tried every kayak model there is.
Been there, done that.
But you're coming back for another TrailsFest! And you'll be so glad you did. Of course we've got all your favorite things to do, and we've also got lots of new activities, presenters and exhibitors at TrailsFest 2008.
Here's a sampling of what's new at TrailsFest this year:
- Hiking in Cougar Country, an informative talk presented by REI Seattle. 10am at the Education Center.
- Native Plants of the Cascades, put on by Evergreen Escapes, 10am at the Hilleberg Outdoor Classroom.
- Common Birds of the Cascade Foothills, by Seattle Audubon. Bird walk leaves the Green Trails Maps Corral at noon.
- The Mystery of Saquatch, 1pm at the Education Center
- Hiking with Dogs, by guidebook authors Lisa Wogan and Craig Romano, 2pm at the Hilleberg Outdoor Classroom.
- Ask the Master Hiker, hosted by Washington Trails Association, all day at the Education Center.
- Live, Rescued Raptors, at the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center booth.
- Kid's DIY National Park Journal, at the National Parks Conservation Association booth.
Plus, we'd like to extend a warm welcome to several new exhibitors
at TrailsFest this year. Just a few of these new exhibitors you'll want to visit include Northwest Women Flyfishers, Women Climbers Northwest, Issaquah Alps Trails Club, Sierra Designs, Zamberlan Boots, and the Grizzly Bear Outreach Project.
We'll see you for another great TrailsFest this Saturday!How to Buy a Tent
Buying a tent is serious business. Getting caught in the middle of the wilderness with the wrong tent can be at most disastrous, and at least terribly uncomfortable.
Before buying, consider where and when you typically like to camp. If you usually hike during the summer, but might give winter camping a try, you’ll be best off with a three-season tent. If your tent is not quite right for a special trip, simply rent or borrow another one.
Once you whittle down your options, be sure to assemble it in the store. Building a fire and assembling s’mores in the aisle is not advised, but do use the fly and the stake-out points to fully pitch the prospective tent. Pocket the directions and resist looking at them to see how easily you can put it together without help. This is encouraged because eventually you might have to pitch the tent in the dark or without the directions because you dropped them in a river.
Finally, get inside, preferably with those you will be sharing the tent with, or with other customers willing to indulge you. Make sure there’s enough room in every direction—sit up, lie down, get in and out, and remember, you’ll be in sleeping bags and you’ll be getting dressed in there too. Test the pockets and the zippers, and watch for snagging, which can be frustrating when you really need to get out and answer nature’s call late at night.
Take your time when researching and comparison shopping. Don’t buy a tent on impulse unless you already know it’s the model you want. Properly researching this essential piece of gear can mean the difference between an uncomfortable camping trip and a pleasant one.
Definitely check out Allison Woods' tent review from the July 2008 issue of Washington Trails Magazine here. And if you're in the market for a tent, visit us at WTA's Trails Association's TrailsFest this Saturday, July 19 near North Bend. Several tent manufacturers and retailers will be there, including Hilleberg the Tentmaker, Sierra Designs and Second Ascent.
I'm a Talking Head!
I did my first stint as a talking head on the radio this morning, appearing on KUOW-FM's Weekday with Steve Scher. I was joined by fellow hiker and guidebook author Craig Romano, and the call-in show rambled far and wide over a variety of hiking-related topics. I had a chance to talk about my marginally crazy pursuit of hikes that can be done without a car. I gave an account of my recent overnight backpacking triathlon to Mytrle Lake in the Mid Fork Snoqualmie region that involved Metro buses, my trusty mountain bike and a very slimmed-down overnight pack. You can read my trip report here (I wouldn't recommend it for everyone, that's but it sure felt nice to do an overnight trip into the Alpine Lakes without buying a drop of gas!)
Some of the other topics we chatted about included finding snow-free hikes, funding issues for trail and road maintenance, whether one should worry about bears on trails, the joys of trail work and...ORVs on trails.
That last topic was a bit of a surprise, and Craig and I gently disagreed with Arlene Brooks of the Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association about the impact of motorized recreation on trails and the environment. There was some mention that we could all share trails, but I hastened to point out that rarely can a trail truly be "shared" by motorized and non-motorized users. Because hiking those trails becomes difficult and often unpleasant, motorized trails effectively exclude hikers, bikers and equestrian users. So hikers want any talk of expanding ORV routes to be done extremely carefully and judiciously, with proper attention paid to impacts. Read more about the topic here.
But Craig and I weren't there to debate ORV groups, but to encourage folks to get out and enjoy the joys of hiking. Whether it's heading up Mount Townsend for the wildflowers and mind-blowing views, or a short jaunt up Rattlesnake Ledge in North Bend (where I'll be leading a hike at WTA's TrailsFest)...it's time to go take a hike!
Hike with WTA to Silver Star Mountain
On a Wildland Discovery Hike, you'll enjoy a scenic excursion with great views. You'll meet other hikers that are involved with Washington Trails Association. You'll breathe fresh air and see wildflowers and wildlife. But that's not all.
What sets a Wildland Discovery Hike apart? The trails and wildlands we visit on these outings need some special help. These trails face threats and we learn all about them. From funding issues to overuse to neglect, these trails need hikers to stand up and advocate their protection.
This Sunday we'll take folks out for a Wildland Discovery Hike to Silver Star Mountain in the Gifford Pinchot National forest. There are a few spaces left on this hike and you can sign up here.
Wildland Discovery Hike to Silver Star Mountain
When: Sunday, July 20
Round Trip: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Green Trails Map: #396 Lookout Mtn
Silver Star is a great hike with wide-open views and incredible wildflowers. Unfortunately, illegal motorized incursions on the trail from adjoining DNR lands are frequent. WTA has supported efforts to block these incursions in the past, but most barriers placed to stop them have been destroyed. We'll discuss how hikers can support grants that will enforce these regulations and keep Silver Star a wonderful trail to hike.
Want more info on our Wildland Discovery Hikes? Give outreach coordinator Kindra Ramos a call at (206) 965-8563.
New Shuttle for Hikers to Snoqualmie Pass
I'm a bit of a fanatic about using bikes and buses to get around, and I've previously written about the topic here and here. Well, I just received some great news this morning: Washington State Parks is starting a shuttle to carry bikers and hikers up I-90 to Snoqualmie Pass, beginning today, July 11.
The new "Bus-Up 90 Shuttle" will run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and starts at Cedar Falls, which is near Rattlesnake Lake outside North Bend. The shuttle runs to Hyak, east of Snoqualmie Pass. The ride will be air-conditioned and the shuttle has room for backpacking gear, plus a trailer to provide transport for bikes. The shuttle is primarily intended for folks intending to hike or bike down the John Wayne Trail, a 20.5-mile gravel path that follows the old Milwaukee Railroad.
The shuttle will also provide return service and apparently can make stops at trailheads along the western I-90 corridor if you pre-arrange it. There will be three departures daily from Cedar Falls and Hyak. You can find the schedule here.
This is simply awesome!
I've always thought a shuttle system up I-90 would be great idea...fantastic for tourists visiting from out of town, for those who don't own a car, and those wanting to leave their cars at home. The one downside is it's not particularly cheap: $20 for adults, and $15 for seniors (65 +) youth (age 6 to 15) and active military. There is no charge for children under age 6 when accompanied by paying adults.
Passengers' bicycles will be accommodated on a space available
basis. Group and family discounts are also available. Fares are cash
only.
You need to reserve the shuttle in advance. Call 877-BUS UP 90 (877-287-8790) or visit the the Bus-Up 90 website.
If you want to go completely carless from Seattle, you'll want to bring your bike and take either the Metro 214 bus to North Bend (weekdays only) or on Saturdays take the Sound Transit 554 to Issaquah Park & Ride and transfer to the Metro 209 route to North Bend. It's about a 5-mile bike ride from North Bend to the Cedar Falls parking lot. Note that there is no bus service to or from North Bend on Sundays.
I'll be taking this shuttle later this hiking season and I'll let you know how it goes....
What's next for the Carbon River Road
- Photo by M and T
When we look back on the storms of November 2006, what stands out in our minds is the concerted effort by volunteers, land managers and elected officials to restore the damage done to Mount Rainier National Park. We can be proud of all the work put in to reopening this northwest icon. But some strings still dangle.
The Carbon River Road, which has washed out dozens of times in several locations over its history, was hit very heavily by the storms. Roughly 600 feet of road was washed out, and large gullies were formed at Falls Creek and just beyond Chenuis Falls Campground. Now that the road is closed, hikers heading to the Carbon Glacier or accessing the Wonderland Trail from the northwest corner of the Park have an additional 11 miles round trip to hike. The Ipsut Creek Campground, at the end of the road, now sits on an island where Ipsut Creek and the Carbon River flow together.
Mount Rainier National Park is conduction a pre-scoping process in advance of releasing an Environmental Assessment (EA) on the long-term disposition of the road. None of the conceptual alternatives they propose would restore permanent vehicular access to the campground. While we’re sad to see the Carbon Glacier put outside of dayhike range for many hikers, it is difficult to imagine a scenario in which the Carbon River Road is sustainable. The fact that the road is now on a lower alignment than the river makes it particularly vulnerable, and the fact that it is hard against the Wilderness boundary limits reconstruction options. Mount Rainier staff have been planning for this possibility for some time, as their General Management Plan calls for relocation of facilities to the Park boundary and closure of the road in the event of a major washout. The Park, along with non-profit conservancies and Congress has been working to purchase 800 acres at the boundary where they’ll locate entrance facilities and a new campground.
The conceptual alternatives proposed by the Park include:
Alternative 1: No Action, or continue current management. The road would remain closed and become an informal hiking and biking trail with a camp at the former Ipsut campground. Facilities would be relocated to the boundary expansion area.
Alternative 2: This alternative would turn the road into formal hiking and biking trail and relocate facilities to the boundary expansion area. Over time, new sections of trail would be built to link intact road segments. The campground would be retained as a hike- and bike-in facility.
Alternative 3: In the near term, road access would be retained to Chenuis Falls. As the road continues to wash out, a new hiker-only trail would be built upslope south of the current road alignment. The campground would be relocated to the boundary expansion area and replaced with a hike-in backcountry camp.
Mount Rainier National Park held public meetings to unveil these alternatives and the rationale behind them. The alternatives are open for public comment through the end of July. We would be interested in hearing your thoughts as well. Please contact Jonathan Guzzo at jonathan@wta.org or by phone at (206) 625-1367 if you have thoughts or questions. After the Park has completed this pre-scoping process, they will release an EA, which will give hikers another opportunity to comment.
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