This stretch of good weather has sent hikers out in droves, pushing into the snow line and discovering, in many cases, the damage that continues to haunt the Cascades from the devastating storms, record rainfall and consequent flooding in October 2003.
Too many hikers are surprised when their trails disappear. A few questions asked ahead of time will save a lot of frustration and disappointment.
The Pacific Crest Trail near Glacier Peak in the Darrington Ranger District, for instance, was decimated. Heavily damaged roads include Suiattle Road 26, Gold Hill Road 22, White Chuck Road 23, and the Mountain Loop Highway section between Barlow Pass and Bedal Creek.
Flooding destroyed seven bridges, and mudslides wiped out trail sections. Simply put, the trail is not usable. There is, however, a detour that connects Indian Pass to Suiattle Pass. Understand that some of it barely qualifies as a trail in the sense that most hikers understand.
Without bridges, there are difficult water crossings until mid-August. Some of the trail is very steep and brushy. There’s a chance you’ll lose the trail entirely. Do you know how to find your way without a trail? Can you read a map and compass? Can you deal with getting lost?
If you’re bound and determined to get to Suiattle Pass, the Pacific Crest Trail is not going to get you there. The North Fork Sauk, White Chuck and Suiattle River trails into the Pacific Crest Trail from the west have major damage.
Better to drive over Stevens Pass and take the dirt Chiwawa River Road from Lake Wenatchee to Trinity and hike in from there.
Better yet, explore a new section of the state.
U.S. Forest Service holds two informational open houses next month to review the various projects 4-7:30 p.m. May 6 at the Darrington Community Center; and 4-7:30 p.m. May 18 at the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest headquarters in Mountlake Terrace. For information, call 360-436-1155.
Rick Hood offers a workshop April 29 on Maptech’s Terrain Navigator Pro 6.0 software.
Demo software, handouts and training CD are provided. The 9-11:30 a.m. session focuses on the software’s capabilities with interactive demonstrations. The 1-4 p.m. session, limited to 15 people, is a hands-on workshop geared to those familiar with mapping software.
Cost is $50 for the morning session, $75 for the afternoon session, or $99 for both. Participants will meet in the boardroom at 331 Andover Park E., Tukwila. Register by sending an e-mail to Hood at infor@hoodcs.com; or call Hood at 425-640-8134 for more information.
Motorists driving U.S. 101 near Sequim now have a better chance of not running into the Dungeness herd of elk. Some animals wear radio collars that activate flashing warning signs whenever the herd wanders near the road.
The state Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist collared five more elk this month (three radio-equipped elk were killed by hunters last fall), bringing to nine the early warning elk.
Jack Smith, regional wildlife manager, said the collars have significantly reduced the number of elk-vehicle accidents on a three-mile stretch posted with the radio-activated signs.
"When motorists see the flashing yellow lights on the elk-crossing signs, they pay attention. That’s important in an area where a herd of 75 elk is moving across the highway several times a day," Smith said.
Entomologist Dave Pehling presents an overview of insect life, complete with slides, in Entomology 101, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 27 at the Northwest Stream Center, McCollum Park, Everett.
He’ll focus on the life cycle of mosquitoes and bring along a few of his own insect pets. If weather permits, the class will explore the grounds of the center and catch come mosquito wigglers.
The session is geared to ages 10 and older. Fee is $4 for members, $6 non-members. Advance purchase is necessary. Call 425-316-8592.
Columnist Sharon Wootton can be reached at 360-468-3964 or www.songandword.com.
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