rangers_log_July

Always expect the unexpected…That’s life on the Cle Elum Ranger District.
Weekends are always busy and unpredictable. Throw a holiday in the mix and
things can get exciting fast! Every 4th of July we prepare to deal with people
who insist on lighting off fireworks in the forest. We put up signs. We increase
education through news releases and ranger patrol. But still…they launch ‘em
right into the forest and then wonder why they get in trouble!
No more ranting!!!!! This weekend was full of more raves than rants, after all.
Two areas had fireworks problems (Cle Elum Valley near the River and the
I-90 corridor…imagine that) and I didn’t have to patrol either, so life was good.
The G-Man (Ranger Scott), Officer Willette, and Special Agent Undercover
confiscated a few f-crackers, but that was about it for our team. The rest of us
patrolled the fairly peaceful frontcountry trail system.
On the North side, things are finally beginning to melt out and people can now
enjoy the actual single track system as opposed to our wonderful washboard
road system. Our trail crew is currently living out in the Teanaway and clearing
trails so you can enjoy them this weekend. I’ll give a report Thursday evening.
The Cle Elum Valley trails are melting out, but despite our great weather, don’t
be surprised by the numerous snow patches! The Thorp Mountain Trail
remains impassable to stock due to the snow. Ranger J-Beau and
Firefighter/Lookout wiz, Liz, hiked up to see how the Thorp Lookout was fairing
and would have made better time, at least on the descent, with skis! Hard to
believe. The Waptus Lake Trail is clear of snow, and despite last week’s grim
snowbound Pete Lake report, the hell-star won a great victory during the past
seven days, and Pete Lake Trail is now easily passable. For upper trail
reports, click on this week’s Wilderness Report.
Table Mountain Trails are also clearing fast. All the 4x4 trails are passable.
Our crew will spend this weekend logging out the upper areas (Tronson, Table
Mountain Trail, etc.).
The south side is almost all snow free, except from Mount Clifty west. Our crew
ran into some Naches riders who had ridden down from Blowout to the Clifty
intersection. They said there was considerable snow and several large
timbers blocking the way. Our crew is going to take a week off of logout on the
south side to let the snow melt. Please, please don’t ride through the snow. It
creates water trenches that leave the trail rutted as the snow melts. There is a
big push for seasonal closures because of the early season trail damage, so
please prove me right when I say we (the riders) will do the right thing and ride
the lower trails until the snow melts.

We had to close the last ½ mile of the 1326 between the Northridge Trail and Mount
Clifty. Our ORV Maintenance crew reworked that area last year, and the tread has not
sufficiently set up. The re-route also travels through a marshy area that may require
a future puncheon. This closure is temporary until the area dries (7-14 days).
Please plan your trip accordingly.
On Sunday, Officer Dano and our crew mobilized a search for two missing 4x4 rigs.
Turns out some very good Samaritans (the sort of folks you want to camp next to),
awoke to find their neighbors had not returned from a day trip (they had been gone,
on a day trail run, for 20 hours at this point). The neighbors did the right thing and
contacted the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Department and Deputy Dano responded
immediately. As it turns out, one of the rigs had broken down and another fine citizen
towed them down to highway 410, where they could finally get something to eat and
call for help. We were all relieved! Kudos to the Sheriff’s Department and to my crew
members! My Motoshots were working on the Cle Elum Ridge Trail when the call
came in and they made it to Quartz Mountain in less than 30 minutes. Our Taneum
Base Volunteer, Kimi, monitored the radio traffic, made sandwiches, gathered extra
fuel and gear, and had the supplies ready for Rangers G-Man and Nickleback when
they arrived with an extra support vehicle. If you get lost or need help on the Cle Elum
Ranger District, you will get help (but please don’t test this…). Big thanks to my crew
and the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Deputies and Dispatch.
Well, that’s it from this Ranger. Next week I am heading out with W.R. John to check
out one of my favorite trails. This is only exciting and scary for me, because it’s my
first hike since breaking my leg and having reconstructive surgery. Wish me luck!
See you on the trail, Mikki D