2014 Summer Fires: Trail Access in the Methow Valley

TO SEE THE MOST RECENT FORESTRY OPENINGS PLEASE CLICK HERE. 

DUE TO EXTENSIVE FIRE, WIND AND FLOOD DAMAGE IN NORTH CENTRAL WASHINGTON, TRAIL ACCESS MAY BE QUESTIONABLE. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE MOST RECENT UPDATES ON SPECIFIC TRAILS IN THE REGION. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE FOUND BY CLICKING ON THE "TRAIL CONDITIONS" TAB ABOVE.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ON ANY OF THE OPEN TRAILS IN THE METHOW VALLEY AND DISCOVERED DOWNED TREES OR OTHER TRAIL OBSTRUCTIONS, PLEASE REPORT THE TRAIL AND LOCATION OF OBSTRUCTION TO BILL FORD @ 509-997-0133.

FIRE SEASON IS STILL UPON US AND SOME BURN BANS ARE STILL IN EFFECT. PLEASE REMAIN CAUTIOUS AND VIGILANT IN ALL AREAS.

Soldiers Love Horses Too!

Suekii Cornwall and Mary Pat Bauman rode into Winthrop over Memorial Day. Visiting soldiers from Fort Lewis were in town and were eager to take pictures with a couple of cowgirls!                       (Photo courtesy of Mary Pat Bauman)

(L-R) Suekii on "Colie", visiting soldier, Mary Pat on "JJ"

Fraser Creek Ride

On May 29th Suekii Cornwall, Cathy Upper, Ann Port, Fran White, Kathy Bader, Julie Johnson, and Betty Wagoner had perfect weather and a great time on their ride at Fraser Creek. Surprisingly, the group encountered Honeysuckle in full bloom in the hills (see photo below). (Photos courtesy of Julie Johnson and Betty Wagoner)

Betty on "Koda"

Best view!!

Honeysuckle along the way...

Suekii on "Colie"

Julie on "Sunny"

President Cathy relaxes during a break

Huge Ponderosa Across Twisp River Road is Removed!

There was a big old ponderosa right across Twisp River Road (NF-4440) near South Creek! We can't camp if we can't get there from here, so...

Joe getting ready to start cutting!

On May 19th Joe Hebert and Bill Ford cut out enough to get through. A Fish and Wildlife biologist who was going up to check on a wolverine trap waited for them to cut it out and took the photo of them on Bill's camera. Bill says it's the biggest he has cut (it was measured it at 33" diameter at the last of the three cuts they did)!

                  (Photos and story by Jan Ford)

(L-R) Joe Hebert and Bill Ford

Bill with the tree after the cut...

Patterson Mountain/Moccasin Lake Ride

On May 16th six riders had a beautiful day on Patterson Mountain. Cathy Upper, Mary Pat Bauman, Kay MacCready, Julie Johnson, Betty Wagoner, and Dave Stephanson rode three "meadows" covered in Lupine and Arrowleaf Balsamroot with snow-capped mountains off to the west. The scenery was spectacular! 

(L-R) Mary Pat, Cathy, Betty, Julie, Kay

This ride was on the privately owned property of Moccasin Lake Ranch, which our Chapter had permission to enjoy.

(Thanks to Betty Wagoner and Julie Johnson for story content and photos)