Forest Reminds Visitors about Responsible Recreation and Office Closures for the Holiday

Release Date: May 26, 2016

Memorial Day weekend marks the kickoff of summer and is typically one of the busiest and most popular recreation weekends of the year on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Thousands of people will visit the forest to camp, hike, bike and enjoy the great outdoors. Forest visitors are encouraged to obtain recreation information prior to the weekend as most national forest offices will be closed over the three-day holiday. The Wenatchee River Ranger District in Leavenworth will be the only Forest Service office that will be open on Saturday, May 28 and on Memorial Day. All other Okanogan-Wenatchee NF offices will be closed over the Memorial day weekend.

“This is a popular weekend to be out experiencing the Forest,” said Mary Bean, Recreation Program Manager for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. “It’s not uncommon for some campgrounds to be full by late Thursday evening, we recommend planning ahead.”

Forest visitors are reminded to have a contingency plan in mind this weekend as sites fill up fast, no matter what the weather. 

Please use caution when driving on forest roads. Road damage from winter and spring conditions continues to be an issue on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Due to the harsh winter conditions and quick spring runoff of snowpack, there are instances of washout on numerous roads around the Forest. Forest engineers and staff are working hard to identify and assess damage, and prioritize repairs.

“We encourage forest visitors to check in early with their local office for an update on current conditions,” stated Jason Peterson, Engineering Staff Officer for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. “We are asking visitors to use caution when driving on forest roads and to not drive through muddy or flooded roads to avoid becoming stranded or causing further damage.”

Please be a good steward of your public lands and care for the places you play. Here are some helpful tips to enjoying the forest this weekend:

  • Visitors are encouraged to visit local ranger stations for an update on campgrounds. Some campgrounds are available for advance reservation (7-day advance reservations required) through www.recreation.gov .
  • Forest visitors are encouraged to share the trail and show trail courtesy to other recreational users.
  • When parking, please do not park in front of locked gates or block driveways to public property.
  • Forest wildlife is out and hungry so please store all of your food properly, especially in areas prone to bears and other smaller wildlife.
  • Please make sure campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving the campsite. Never leave a campfire unattended.
  • Keep a clean camp and dispose of garbage in appropriate receptacles or take it home if no garbage services are provided.
  • Maintain an appropriate and safe distance from wildlife when viewing.

For information about campgrounds and other recreation sites, road conditions and closures in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest please contact individual ranger district offices during normal business hours.

  • Chelan Ranger District, 428 W. Woodin Ave., Chelan, WA; 509-682-4900; hours M-F 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed for lunch 11:30 to 12:30
  • Cle Elum Ranger District, 803 W. 2nd Street, Cle Elum, WA; 509-852-1100; hours M-F 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; closed for lunch 12:30 to 1:15 p.m.
  • Entiat Ranger District, physical address 2108 Entiat Way, Entiat, WA; 509-784-4700; hours M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Methow Valley Ranger District, 24 West Chewuch Road, Winthrop, WA; 509-996-4000; hours M-F 7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Naches Ranger District, 10237 Hwy. 12, Naches, WA; 509-653-1401; hours 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch noon to 12:30 p.m.
  • Okanogan Valley Office, 1240 South Second Ave., Okanogan, WA; 509-826-3275; hours M- F 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; closed for lunch 11 a.m. to noon
  • Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Headquarters, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA; 509-664-9200; hours M-F 7:45-4:30
  • Tonasket Ranger District, 1 W. Winesap, Tonasket, WA; 509-486-2186; hours M-F 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; closed for lunch 12:30 to 1 p.m.
  • Wenatchee River Ranger District, 600 Sherbourne, Leavenworth, WA; 509-548-2550; hours M-Sat 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.