DNR Closures of Note

The chronic shortfall in funding is already having an impact on the ground. Just take a look below at DNR's list of areas that will be closing for the season starting October 15 and through the fall. Other areas will be reducing services due to cuts in the current budget.

What does this mean for hikers?

First, check DNR's webpage before you head out to hike or camp for info on closures and reduced services. Some areas may have locked gates and fewer or no amenities, such as toilets. However, the public can still access areas beyond locked gates by foot.

Second, mark your calendar to join us for Hiker Lobby Day on February 3, 2010. We need a great show of support in Olympia this session if we are to win the fight for DNR lands.

Seasonal closures or reduced services will take place in the following counties:

Clark and Skamania counties — Yacolt Burn State Forest

Dougan Creek Campground will close for the season November 1.

Jones Creek ORV trail system and all trails in Yacolt are closed to ORV/motorized use from December 1 through March 31.

Cowlitz County — Merrill Lake

Closes November 15. Reopens around April 15, depending on snow.

Grant County — Beverly Sand Dunes

Closes for the season November 15 and re-opens March 15, 2010.

Grays Harbor and Thurston counties — Capitol Forest

The following will close for the season from December 1 – May 1:

Margaret McKenny,  Middle Waddell Off-road Vehicle (ORV), Mima Falls, Sherman Valley, North Creek, Fall Creek, and Porter Creek campgrounds. Middle Waddell ORV, Rock Candy, and Fall Creek trailheads.

King County — Tiger Mountain

Tiger Summit Trailhead closes October 15. DNR is considering leaving the multi-use, non-motorized trails open until November 1, depending on weather and trail conditions. Be sure to check the website for closure information.

Kitsap County — Green Mountain State Forest 

Green Mountain Campground gate (GM-1) generally closes from October 16 – May 31. Area is open year-round for walk-in access.

Mason County — Tahuya State Forest

Camp Spillman and Kammenga Campground closes October 15. (These campgrounds will be closed indefinitely due to budget cuts.)

Snohomish County — Morningstar Natural Resources Conservation Area

Starting this month, DNR staff will be removing amenities such as toilets due to budget cuts. Road access will change as well. Please be sure to check the Northwest Region recreation web page for details.

Yakima County — Ahtanum State Forest

Effective November 15, Snow Cabin and Ahtanum Meadows campgrounds will be closed indefinitely due to budget cuts.