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Gold Creek Restoration Project Area Closure on Cle Elum Ranger District
The area closure order is in place to provide for public safety in the Gold Creek Pond and River Valley area in the Cle Elum Ranger District within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The Forest Service will continue staging operations including the haul of large trees with root wads and dump truck hauls and placement of fill material, the removal of recreation infrastructure, and other site preparation activities. Heavy construction traffic will be increasing within the closure area, including the stream channel and access road. Helicopter-placed wood structures will occur in areas directly adjacent to a trail. All of these activities pose a serious risk to public safety and can create conflicts along the narrow access road. The set an annual seasonal closure timeframe is between April 1 through November 30 to allow for winter non-motorized recreation, pending on-site public safety conditions.
This Order is effective June 23, 2026, through June 22, 2028, unless rescinded sooner.
Alert Start Date: June 23, 2026
Alert End Date: June 23, 2028
Order Number: Gold Creek Area Closure Order: 06-17- 03-2026-12
Contact Information
Contact Name: Cle Elum Ranger District
Contact Number: 509- 852-1100
Associated Documents
Forest Order
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Forest Service
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Cle Elum, WA
Gold Creek Area Closure order: 06-17-03-2026-12
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited to provide for public safety in the Gold Creek Pond area in the Cle Elum Ranger District within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This Order is effective June 23, 2026, through June 22, 2028, unless rescinded sooner.
PROHIBITIONS:
- Entering into or being upon National Forest System lands, as described below and displayed on the attached maps Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.53 (e)]. Being on a National Forest System trail, as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.55(a)].
- Being on a National Forest System Road as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.54(e)].
CLOSURE AREA DESCRIPTION:
Seasonal closure to the Gold Creek area
The area described below will be close seasonally, April 1 – November 30, for the duration of this Order.
- The area T. 22 N., R. 11 E., Section 14 north of Forest Service Road (FSR) 4832, west of FSR 4832-142 and 4832-146, south of T. 22. N., R. 11 E. Section 11, and east of T. 22 N., R. 11 E., Section 15.
- The area in T. 22 N., R. 11 E., Section 11, 10, and 2, including Gold Creek and 800’ west of Gold Creek.
Developed Recreation Areas Closed
Gold Creek Pond Day Use Area
Trails Closed
Gold Creek Trail #1314 in T. 22 N., R 11 E., Sections 14, 11, and 2, W.M.
Roads Closed
FSR 4835-142 from the junction with FSR 4832 to the junction with and 4832-146
See Exhibit A for closure map.
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
- Residents and landowners that use FS-4832-142,146 to the extent necessary to access their land.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.16 USC § 551 and 18 USC §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Executed in Wenatchee, Washington this 23rd day of June 2026.
Maps
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