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Additional firefighting resources arrived on Wednesday. That afternoon the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office issued a Level 1 evacuation notice (“Get ready”) for the area adjacent to the fire. Late Wednesday afternoon fire activity increased with some “spotting”(airborne embers igniting fuels outside the perimeter of the main fire) observed. One load of fire retardant was dropped on the west flank of the fire to slow the upslope spread shortly before sunset. Fire managers estimated the fire perimeter had grown to 160 acres by that time. That growth prompted issuance of a Level 3 (“Go”) notice for six homes and other structures nearest the fire and a Level 2 (“Set”) for over 250 residences along SR 410 effective this morning. Maps of the affected areas are available on the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/YakimaCountyOEM). This morning, fire managers are simultaneously continuing operations and evaluating the...

News Release July 25th, 2019 Cheney, WA - The Cheney Complex Fire is comprised of four separate fires in the Cheney area of Spokane County. The four fires include the 104 acre Graham Fire, the 10 acre Grogan Fire, the 21 acre Lake Badger Fire, and the 16 acre Badger fire. Yesterday, wind and topography drove the wildland fire through light flashy fuels. Dozer and hand-lines were constructed around the fires and burnout operations were conducted last night to burn any additional unburned fuels between the constructed line and the fire. Hot spots remain throughout the various fire footprints. A Level 2 evacuation order remains in effect for 6 residents and a Level 1 evacuation order remains in effect for an additional 50 residents. Motorists are advised of increased fire apparatus traffic and smoke in the area of the Cheney Complex. Last night saw no significant growth of the fires and no reported new starts. Today, crews will be working to firm up the estimated footprint of the...

News Release July 24th, 2019 Cheney, WA - The Cheney Complex Fire is comprised of four separate fires in the Cheney area of Spokane County. The four fires include the 104 acre Graham Fire, the 10 acre Grogan Fire, the 21 acre Lake Badger Fire, and the 16 acre Badger fire. The initial attack on the multiple fires was led by firefighters from Spokane County Fire District 3 and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Their efforts were joined shortly after initial reporting by firefighters from multiple agencies in Spokane County. Their speedy and gallant efforts worked to avoid any damage to approximately 30 structures that were threatened by the encroaching fire. Evacuation orders have been lowered to Level 1 for those areas that were under a Level 2 evacuation order, and the area between S.R. 904 and the railroad has been downgraded from Level 3 to Level 2. S.R. 904, which was closed earlier today, reopened at about 9:00 p.m.. Citizens are advised that they may see...

Malheur National Forest Incident Command Team Type 3 Rick Snodgrass-Incident Commander This will be the last Fire Update Friday, July 12, 2019 Fire: Blue Ridge Fire Containment: 100% Acres: 667 Start Date: July 3, 2019 Cause: Lightning Location: 4 miles NW of Flagtail Lookout Total Personnel: 40 Fuels/Topography: timber Type of resources: 1 crew and 6 engines. Today: Fire size 667 acres: Crews and engines continue to monitor the area and continuing mop up efforts. The fire is fully contained. Some resources have started the demobilization process; with demobilization continuing as resources are no longer needed. Tomorrow: Fire management will transition to a Type 4 team as of end of shift July 12, 2019. The crews will build upon the mop up efforts of the Type 3 team over the coming week. Smoke: The fire will continue to produce smoke for several days as interior pockets of fuel are consumed. Closures: Temporary road closures in effect for public and fire staff safety...

Malheur National Forest Incident Command Team Type 3 Jeremy Cowie-Incident Commander Wednesday July 10, 2019 Fire: Blue Ridge Fire Containment: 50% Acres: 667 Start Date: July 3, 2019 Cause: Lightning Location: 4 miles NW of Flagtail Lookout Total Personnel: 125 Fuels/Topography: timber Type of resources: 4 Type 2 Crews, 9 Type 6 Engines, 1 Water Tender. Today: Fire size 667 acres: Crews and engines will continue securing the edge of the fire and checking containment lines, while continuing to mop up parts of the perimeter. Tomorrow: Crews and engines will continue mop up with a total containment estimated for Friday, July 12. Smoke: The fire will continue to produce smoke for several days as interior pockets of fuel are consumed. Closures: Temporary road closures in effect for public and fire staff safety on the following roads: Forest Service (FS) Road 2400-054, FS Road 2180-173, FS Road 2180-257, FS Road 2400-275, FS Road 2400-389. For a map and more detailed...

Monday July 8, 2019 Fire: Blue Ridge Fire Containment: 0% Acres: 667 Start Date: July 3, 2019 Cause: Lightning Location: 4 miles NW of Flagtail Lookout Total Personnel: 125 Fuels/Topography: timber Type of resources: 4 Type 2 Crews, 1 Helicopter, 9 Type 6 Engines, 1 Water Tender. Incident Commander- Jeremy Cowie, Clay Waley Trainee 7.5.19: Fire was 10.8 acres. Fire crews reduced fuels around the edge of containment lines. They were able to finish all prep work to be ready for hand and aerial ignitions. 7.6.19: Fire was 22.4 acres. Firing operations were initiated on the north side of the fire with two groups burning fuel adjacent to containment lines to create a blackline and strengthen the control features. Blacklining is the process of burning combustible fuels along perimeter fire lines to aid in fire containment. Firing progressed to encompass half of the planned area. 7.7.19: Fire size 33 acres. A Type 3 helicopter with PSD (plastic sphere dispenser) machine,...

Lightning Caused Fire Reported on Blue Mountain Ranger DistrictJohn Day, Prairie City and Hines, Ore. – The Blue Ridge Fire was discovered as a lightning start on Wednesday, July 3. Malheur National Forest Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing the Blue Ridge Fire on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. Crews are using an indirect strategy that will allow the forest to achieve resource objectives, primarily the reduction of dead and down fuels. This indirect strategy is similar to spring burning, however the source of ignition is a wildfire. These actions will build upon fall 2018 and spring 2019 burning when the Forest safely and successfully accomplished prescribed fire operations on approximately 13,450 acres. These burnout operations will reduce surface fuels (including needle litter and dead and down wood), increase the height of some canopy, reduce small tree densities, and helped promote fire resilient trees, thereby improving our ability to protect communities from...

Washington needs to strengthen its school buildings to withstand the next earthquake, according to a new DNR report.

Geologists at the Washington Geological Survey, a division of DNR, inspected the seismic vulnerability of 222 public school buildings around the state over the past year. That research, directed by the state legislature, found many of those buildings would not be safe to occupy after a powerful earthquake.

“Our children need and deserve safe schools,” said Commissioner Franz. “It’s a question of when, not if, the next earthquake will hit. We need to be vigilant and take steps now to help keep our kids safe. Taking proactive steps to prevent damage is always smarter and more cost-effective than paying to react and rebuild after disaster strikes.”

Read more about this project in The Seattle Times.

Photograph from the Seattle Times showing damage to Puyallup High School during the 1949 Olympia earthquake

The report is available online at https://bit.ly/2NtN5bD

More information about DNR’s work to schools more resilient to earthquakes is available at here.

At the direction of the state legislature, DNR worked with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and structural engineering firm Reid Middleton, Inc. to compile this survey – the first statewide look at the seismic stability of the state’s schools.

Many Washington schools were built before the statewide building code was adopted in 1975 and are vulnerable to earthquakes. Washington has some 200 schools within one mile of a known fault, and some 70 percent of the state’s schools are located in areas of high seismic risk. Schools located in areas of higher earthquake hazards have the highest estimate of post-quake damages.

Detailed Plans Produced for 15 Schools

DNR geologists test the seismicity of soils outside a Tacoma school.

DNR geologists studied the ground on which schools were constructed and worked with Reid Middleton engineers to inspect the structural and nonstructural seismic stability of the schools. They then produced retrofit plans for 15 school buildings to provide districts with estimated costs for retrofitting the buildings to withstand earthquake.

These plans revealed the cost of seismically upgrading these 15 schools averaged a little over $1.5 million per building, though that ranged from a low of $63,000 to a high of just over $5 million. That cost, however, is much lower than the costs of repairing damages after an earthquake.

“Structural Engineers and the entire design community have long been advocating for improved seismic safety and disaster resilience for our communities.  This first ever statewide public school seismic safety assessments project and the data that we have collected will help inform our elected officials about the needs for enhanced public school seismic safety policies, programs, and funding.  We are excited to now have more statewide public school seismic safety building and site data and information to support our collective public school seismic safety advocacy work.” – David Swanson,

Further Research and Funding Needed

This work was done with a $1.2 million appropriation from the state Legislature. DNR received an additional $2.2 million for the 2019–2021 biennium to continue these assessments. DNR intends to continue to request further funding to expand these assessments to the rest of Washington’s 4,000+ permanent public school buildings.

Geology in the Public Interest

Home to the Washington Geological Survey, DNR monitors, assesses, and informs the public, planners, and municipal officials about the known risks associated with Washington’s earthquakes, landslides, tsunamis, and volcanoes to reduce the human and financial costs of natural disasters.

 

The Fourth of July is here and we are ready to celebrate! Our public lands are a great place to enjoy some summer fun like hiking, camping, and fishing during the holiday weekend. Before you head out, there are a few things we want you to know.

 

• Don’t discharge fireworks, incendiary ammunition, or exploding targets. These activities are illegal on public lands, and you WILL be responsible for the cost of fighting the fire.
• Be aware of burn restrictions. Only build campfires when and where authorized.
• Never leave a campfire unattended, and be sure it is completely out before leaving the area.
• Don’t park vehicles in dry, grassy areas as the heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.
• Be sure recreation vehicles have operating spark arrestors or a catalytic converter.
• Rethink any open flames if winds start to pick up – wind creates conditions that make fire difficult to put out.
• Dispose of your cigarettes responsibly. Partially lit cigarettes can spark fires.

Most wildfires in Washington state are human-caused, therefore taking these simple steps can help prevent wildfires. Whether it’s fireworks, cigarettes, or anything that sparks a fire, it’s absolutely essential that we all do our part to prevent unfortunate fire related incidents and preserve our public lands. For more fire safety tips, visit dnr.wa.gov/WildfirePrevention.

Instead of taking a chance by shooting off fireworks, you may want to leave it to the professionals by visiting a local fireworks show.

Report fire

If you see smoke or fire, call 911. Even if you’re unsure, a false alarm is better than a large wildfire.

As the manager of 1,200 miles of trail on public lands, part of our work at the Washington State Department of Natural Resources includes providing people with recreation opportunities in our forests.

If we don’t reach every community, then we are not succeeding in our mission.

We are dedicated to making recreation opportunities more inclusive. Social media accounts like Unlikely Hikers, Melanin Base Camp, Patie Gonia, Latino Outdoors — to name just a few — post often how they are making the outdoors truly a space for all, and our staff is continually inspired by their work.

We’re proud to celebrate Pride month this June, and we want to talk about the steps we’re taking to better support our LGBTQ community members.

Connecting All Communities to the Outdoors

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz, who leads DNR, believes that creating inclusive spaces starts with access and accountability.

“We are blessed with some of the most beautiful mountains, waterways, and forests in the country,” Franz said. “While it’s my duty to protect 6 million acres of Washington’s public lands, it’s also my job to ensure people — no matter where they live and no matter their background — can enjoy these lands.”

One way we’re making it easier to connect people to the outdoors is through the Trailhead Direct program.

Together, with our partners at King County Metro Transit and King County Parks, we’re promoting this program because it gives people who might not own a car or who want to reduce their impact on our trailheads the opportunity to take a bus from the Seattle area to DNR-managed trails in North Bend.

But that’s just the beginning.

“Not only do we need to be thinking about how to physically connect people to the outdoors, but how do we facilitate a culture that makes everyone comfortable while exploring and playing in nature?” Commissioner Franz said. “I’m committed to ensuring all recreationists, no matter who they love or how they identify, feel welcome and have a safe experience on our trails and at our campgrounds.”

DNR doesn’t only manage recreation sites. Our geologists map landslide risks and monitor volcanic hazards. Our state-managed lands generate millions of dollars for public services like school construction. And we manage the state’s wildfire firefighting force.

Commissioner Franz and DNR are invested in the future of stewardship and the next generation of scientists and foresters to create a stronger and better Washington for our communities, environment, and economy.

Creating Gender Inclusive Bathrooms

Washington State Human Resources has already installed gender-affirming restroom signs outside multi-stall restrooms in their building. Gender-affirming signs are those that recognize that a person’s gender expression and gender identity may align and may fall outside the binary gender options, meaning beyond male or female.

DNR’s human resources team is in early discussions about how we can follow this example and install gender-inclusive bathrooms signs in the Natural Resources Building in Olympia and our region offices throughout the state.

According to the Human Rights Campaign, a person’s gender expression is “the external appearance of one’s gender identity, usually expressed through behavior, clothing, haircut or voice, and which may or may not conform to socially defined behaviors and characteristics typically associated with being either masculine or feminine.”

Defined by the HRC, gender identity is “one’s innermost concept of self as male, female, a blend of both or neither — how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves. One’s gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.”

Here are the new signs outside the restrooms.

Image: Washington State Human Resources

DNR bathroom facilities at our trailheads are primarily gender-neutral. If a sign at our trailhead is specific to a gender, you are welcome to use the bathroom that best aligns with your gender identity.

Natural Resources Building Aiming to Become a Safe Place

In the summer of 2016, Governor Inslee signed Directive 16-11 reaffirming the State of Washington as a safe place for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning LGBTQ+ community and directing agencies to become the front door to persons seeking refuge. The Natural Resources Building in Olympia, where hundreds of DNR employees work, is working to become an official Safe Place.

“As public servants and employees of DNR, we instinctively help when someone is in trouble,” said Marika Barto, DNR Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Chief and Ethics Advisor.

“The Safe Place program recognizes that the LGBTQ+ population in our community are subject to a disproportionate amount of hate/bias crimes. We will be equipped with the tools to create a safe and welcoming place and provide a safe harbor for any person who is feeling unsafe and seeking police support.”

Safe Places in Washington are marked by this logo sticker like this:

Image: Seattle Police Department

The logo is meant to convey inclusion and intersectionality with any and all individuals, regardless of their race, political beliefs, nationality, age, gender, sexual orientation and/or identification. While DNR is still in the early process of discussing this program, the Seattle Police Department’s Safe Place program is already in place. You can read more about it here. You can read about Olympia’s safe place here.

We’re open to your thoughts

At DNR, we know there’s more work to be done in providing authentic inclusive spaces. We’re open to all feedback and discussions. You can email us here.

Seattle is undeniably awesome — a world-class city with a vibrant history, shopping, nightlife, arts and culture, food, and more.

But when you find navigating the urban core a chore, it might be time to put the evergreen back in your state of mind.

Just outside the bustling city, you’ll find myriad outdoor activities on state recreation lands managed by Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR)

These agencies have joined forces to bring you a taste of what you can find just beyond the Seattle city limits. Find your next adventure just 30, 60, or 90 minutes from the heart of Seattle.

30 Minutes… Lake Washington

Lake Washington is huge — the second largest natural lake in the state and the biggest in King County. This freshwater outdoor recreation mecca is just a short hop by car or bus from both Seattle’s and Bellevue’s metro centers. Fishing, hiking, boating and paddle sports are all within easy reach of Lake Washington’s shore.

What to do

Fishing — It’s open season year-round at Lake Washington where you can catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, cutthroat trout, black crappie, and other panfish species. For more information on public piers and fishing opportunities, download the public piers of Lake Washington guide here.

Hiking —Saint Edward State Park in Kenmore offers a top-notch urban hiking experience. The quiet, forested grounds were once home to a seminary. The park offers the longest stretch of undeveloped shoreline on the lake. Or, trot over to Bridle Trails State Park for a stroll or a horseback ride along the 28 miles of classic Pacific Northwest forest trails.

Boating and paddle sports — Lake Washington’s generally tranquil waters are a hotspot for boating, sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Launch your craft from the WDFW ramp in Kenmore, just north of Saint Edward State Park. 

Edmonds Pier and Edmonds Marsh

No boat, no problem. Try out fishing at the Edmonds Pier with generous seasons for salmon fishing, shellfishing (as seasons allow) and some great September squid fishing.

What to do

Fish— King salmon (Chinook) fishing peaks between mid-July and mid-August. But salmon fishing is open year-round here.

Squid jigging — Reel in a different kind of catch this summer and fall. Squid begin arriving in June and July. But starting in September, scores of migrating squid show up to feed by night. Bring your flashlight, and tackle to the pier and try something new!

Birding — One of the few urban saltwater estuaries remaining in the Puget Sound, Edmonds Marsh is a stop on the Great Washington State Birding Trail – Cascades Loop. Stroll the boardwalk, and see how many of the 90 species of birds that frequent this marsh you can spot.

Lake Sammamish State Park and the Sammamish River

Seattleites and visitors to the area are lucky when it comes to great places to play on, in and near beautiful waterways. Lake Sammamish State Park in Issaquah offers wide-open spaces, tranquil waters, two swimming beaches and a state-of-the art, ADA-compliant playground. In addition, the park hosts youth programs, summer concerts, stewardship projects, boating events and more!

What to do

Paddle — Boating is big on Lake Sammamish. But you don’t need a second mortgage — or your own kayak or paddle board — to enjoy a day on the water! Rentals are available.

Fish — The Sammamish River connects Lake Sammamish with Lake Washington. Both are excellent fishing lakes. If you enjoy angling, try for smallmouth bass on the river when the weather warms and they begin to feed.

Hike — Enjoy a trek along beautiful Issaquah Creek and watch for songbirds.

Swim — If it’s warm, go for a swim at the park’s Sunset or Tibbetts beach.

Saltwater State Park 

A beach within reach! Located on the Puget Sound, Saltwater State Park in Des Moines is a quick ride down Interstate 5 from Seattle. It offers all the fun of a day at the shore without the long drive to the coast.

What to do 

Camp — A night under the stars with just a short drive from the city? Yes, please! The park’s 47 sites do fill up quickly, but you can reserve them up to nine months in advance.

Explore tidepools —McSorley Creek’s fresh water meets the salt water here, and the volume of creatures that call it home are vast and varied. Wade in the shallows and turn over rocks (gently) to make discoveries. In the fall, you may see salmon spawning on the creek!

Dive —Saltwater is the only state park with an underwater artificial reef for diving. It is also a protected marine sanctuary.

Picnic — You’ll find ample picnic tables, shelters, and barbecue pits to cook up a great lunch or dinner.

60 minutes … Tiger Mountain and Raging River state forests

Looking for that wow factor you can only get from high above the city? Look no further than Tiger Mountain. Located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range, the mountain offers spectacular sweeping views of Issaquah and Seattle. This day-use recreation area and working forest boasts more than 13,000 acres of soaring peaks, roaring river lands, and miles of sun-dappled forest trails.

What to do

Hike — You could spend years exploring the many trails at Tiger Mountain. We recommend starting with  Tiger Mountain Trailhead and Tiger Summit Trailhead off Highway 18. Want more? Head over to West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area for another 41 miles of spectacular hiking.

Bike — Like to bike? Bomb down the Raging River State Forest’s 17-mile bike oriented single-track system. The trails range from easy to expert-only riding levels. This recreation area is expanding, so if you have ridden it before, try it again soon!

Soar — Fly like an eagle at Poo Poo Point! Local hang or paragliding aficionados are likely familiar with this popular launch spot. Not that much of a daredevil? Why not take a hike there and watch gliding enthusiasts riding the breeze — and catch some great views. 

Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area

Climb on, let’s go! Mount Si NRCA is home to four incredible mountain peaks just waiting for you to summit! A diverse landscape of peaks, streams and lakes, the area is also home to old-growth forest, wildflowers and host of forest creatures including black bear, elk, deer, cougar, coyote and mountain goats.

What to do

Hike — If mountain hiking is your bag, this is your destination. Get to the top of popular Mount Si, Mount Tenriffe and Green Mountain, then put a pin in Little Si. Once you complete all of these, go ahead and yodel — you definitely earned it.

Climb — Not every crag has a mountain and not every mountain has a crag, but these do, and they are amazing. The Mount Si NRCA has multiple locations to challenge you with world-class rock climbing. Watch out for goats! 

Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resource Conservation Area

The Middle Fork Snoqualmie NRCA is positive evidence that an Ice Age is not a bad thing. Soaring peaks and glacier-carved basins make these DNR-managed lands near North Bend a diverse outdoor playground. You’ll find legendary hiking and mountain-climbing opportunities here but also some perfect destinations for a weekend family picnic.

What to do

Hike — Middle Fork NRCA is home to one of Washington’s top hiking destinations: Mailbox Peak. Those who make it through the jagged, steeply-rising switchbacks to the summit have the opportunity to leave behind a letter to the universe in — you guessed it — the mailbox at the top. But Mailbox is not the only gem. Hike up to Granite Peak to take in views of Russian Butte, or along Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lake to view some glacially carved awesomeness.

Picnic — Not all hikes need to go to the top of something to be wonderful. Plan a weekend trip with the kids to Champion Beach. Once the snow is gone, hikers of most ages should be able to manage this gentle, 1-mile hike. Bonus: kids (and kids at heart) can explore the banks of the Snoqualmie River after lunch.

Dash Point State Park

Looking to put your toes in the sand? Craving a classic day at a sandy oasis near home?  Dash Point State Park is your destination!  It won’t seem like it, but you’ll be right near the heart of Federal Way — just a short drive to the store if you forget the marshmallows!

What to do

Camp — Dash Point is a larger park than Saltwater, with many more campsites for both tents and RVs. Don’t have either? Try a cabin! Small, cozy cabins — each with its own fire ring to gather around — are available to rent as well.

Skim board — Long, wide stretches of fine sand make Dash Point a skim boarder’s paradise. A cross between surfing and skateboarding, skim boarding carries risks but can be an invigorating pastime with practice. Get used to falling — it’s definitely part of the learning process.

Fish — You can score from the shore at Dash Point! Bring your tackle, and catch your lunch or dinner.

Fly a kite —Round up your favorite kite-flying partner, and enjoy a breezy afternoon at the beach.

Hike and/or bike — Stroll or roll. Dash Point is as nice a park for a cool, forested afternoon hike or ride as a warm day at the beach.

90 minutes… Blake Island Marine State Park

Thanks to geological forces, Western Washington is rich in islands, large and small. Blake Island Marine State Park is a favorite spot for kayakers, boaters and tourists. From the island you get a commanding view of Seattle, but you feel like you’re a million miles away…

What to do

Tillicum Village — Argosy Cruises offers unique excursions from Pier 54 in Seattle that take you on a tour of Northwest native history, culture and traditions. Tours include a live storytelling show and traditional salmon feast. Tillicum Village is not a part of Blake Island State Park, but Argosy also offers shuttle service to the island for campers as well as beach exploration programs and kayak excursions.

Kayak — As a stop on the Cascadia Marine Trail, Blake Island is a favorite among human-powered boat enthusiasts. Once ashore, you can hike in and camp at one of the three marine trail campsites, or choose from one of the 44 standard campsites. Get there in time for sunset — you won’t be sorry.

Boating — Blake Island is meant for mooring, with 1,500 feet of moorage dock, 24 mooring bouys and a pumpout station. Electrical service is available at the park’s dock. Moor, then head into the interior to explore the island’s network of trails!

Reiter Foothills State Forest 

A dramatic landscape of mountain peaks, lush forest, rivers and cascading waterfalls awaits you at Reiter Foothills State Forest. Motorized and non–motorized recreationists can find something to love in Reiter Foothills.

What to do

Go moto! — Reiter Foothills has miles of fun, challenging 4×4 trails and ATV single-track trails with more planned for the future. Bring your favorite rig, and stir up a little dust!

 Go non-moto! — Miles of hiking and biking trails snake through Reiter Foothills.

Before you go, you should know:

The Discover Pass is your ticket to state recreation lands managed by State Parks, WDFW and DNR. An annual pass is $30, and a one-day pass is $10. (Transaction fees apply in some cases.)

Fishing: Pick up your fishing license and download a copy of the 2019 fishing pamphlet. (TIP: Check with the Department of Health before consuming certain kinds of fish.)

Water access sites: Where are the boat ramps? WDFW offers a comprehensive list.

Boating safety and education: Do you have a Boater Education Card? Do you know if you need one? Washington State Parks’ Boating Program has more information.

Trail etiquette: Do you know who has right-of-way on a trail?

Getting there. Don’t have a car? Try taking the bus: King County Metro Transit, Community Transit (Snohomish County). King County Metro also offers its Trailhead Direct service from late April through late October. Also, ZipCar offers a Discover Pass to its members!

Make a reservation: Book your state park overnight stay online, or call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

Looking for more inspiration?

Our agency websites offer a wealth of information you can use to plan your next dream outdoor vacation. Visit us today!

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Washington State Parks

 

Wildfire knows no boundaries. Not state, federal or private. Not wilderness or trail. As hotter, drier weather conditions return for summer in Washington, wildfire is an unfortunate inevitability.  

Wildfire touches more parts of our lives than ever before and preparedness extends beyond clearing brush around your home. What happens when wildfire reaches our favorite recreation areas? Do you know what do you do if you encounter smoke or fire while out on the trail?

Before you head out for summer adventures, use this guide to ensure your trip is fun and safe.

Before your trip

Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has several resources you can use during wildfire season to stay up-to-date on what is happening on the landscape. 

Before you load your pack and head out check fire conditions and DNR Wildfire Twitter alerts for emergency information in the area you plan to visit. There are a few key things you want to know before you go:

• Are there fire closures in the area or nearby where you plan to visit? Always obey these closures for your safety and the safety of our fire crews.
• What are the weather advisories? Look out for red flag warnings — low humidity, windy, and hot conditions — that indicate severe fire danger.
• Are there campfire bans or restrictions? These can apply to specific locations, elevations, counties, and regions. If there aren’t campfire restrictions, brush up on how to properly extinguish your campfire. On DNR-managed land, campfires are only permitted in approved campground fire rings.

Packing for your trip

If you determine the place you are planning to visit is safe, pack your bags with wildfire preparedness in mind. Hot, dry summers mean wildfires can spark at any time across the state. While you already know you should never hit the trail without the 10 Essentials, your maps and water are more critical than ever.

Make sure you have physical maps that display the terrain of the area you are visiting so you can easily navigate the landscape should fire and smoke divert you from the trail. Your phone isn’t always a reliable resource in the backcountry.

Pack a little more water than usual. Wildfire conditions are likely to leave you thirsty, especially if an emergency arises and you are away from water sources longer than anticipated.

If you own colorful gear, now is the time to pack it. In case of emergency, colorful gear will be easier for fire crews to spot you from the ground or the air.

If you see a smoke column on the trail

If you are out on the trail and see a smoke column or dense smoke in the distance, don’t ignore it. You need to act.

If you don’t have cell reception, assess the situation. Are you in the forest? On a ridge? In a saddle between peaks? In a chute? Is it windy? These are dangerous scenarios as fire can move quickly across these types of terrain. Don’t panic, but get moving. Observe which direction the smoke is flowing and head in the opposite direction. Keep an eye on the conditions. Shifting winds can change the fire’s direction of travel in a snap.

If the smoke and fire are not blocking your exit, the safest thing you can do is turn around, head back to your car, and drive to safety. Call 911 or DNR wildfire dispatchers at 800-562-6010 as soon as you regain cell reception.

If you see fire on the trail

Situational awareness is paramount.

While you are on the trail, make mental notes of any bodies of water, large swaths of clean, exposed rock, and open areas with little vegetation that you pass. Though it is unlikely that you will find yourself caught in extreme fire danger if you followed the above tips before you set out, wildfire is unpredictable. These areas can offer potential refuge in extremely dire situations.

If you get caught in an area where you can see the actual fire, try to run in the opposite direction. If that is not possible, find the best refuge you can. You are looking for rock fields with minimal brush, green meadows with minimal brush, and bodies of water with objects you can behind to protect yourself from radiant heat. If you are on a ridge and see fire below you, find refuge on the opposite side of the ridge. Fire typically travels upslope.

Other things to keep in mind

Breathing in smoke is unhealthy. Even if there isn’t an active fire burning near the area you would like to visit, wildfire smoke often blankets the state throughout the summer. Breathing in wildfire smoke can cause you to have itchy eyes, a sore throat, runny nose and shortness of breath, and chest pains in more extreme circumstances. Sensitive groups like children, older people, and people with asthma are especially susceptible.

You can lessen your chances of suffering from the adverse effects of wildfire smoke by checking local air quality reports before you head outdoors. It is best to avoid exerting yourself, i.e. doing activities that cause you to breathe deeper and harder, in areas with poor air quality.

Fire safety and awareness tools

Fire danger by county

DNR Wildfire Twitter updates

Incident Information System (InciWeb)

Information on wildfires

How to prepare for a wildfire

Living with fire

Incident Summary: The 243 Command Fire started on Monday night, June 3, near Highway 243 and Wanapum Dam. The winds pushed the fire easterly through the Lower Crab Creek Canyon. The fire crews were able to contain it between the canyon’s northern and southern ridges. It is presently 85% contained with 20,380 acres burned. The cause is still under investigation.The fire has been handled by the Southeast Washington Interagency Type 3 Team 3, Tony Gilmer is the Incident Commander.Fire’s Summary: Early the fire was pushed by strong winds from the west. As it was running to the east, air was pushed up and out to its sides. On the south side of the canyon, the fire tried to cross the road and run up the ridge. Crews made sure that fire did not cross that road. The north side of the canyon is sheer vertical with draws. Crews fought to keep the fire from running up these draws. Over the first few days the fire moved east, running and spotting ahead of the flame front. By Wednesday...

With 1,200 miles of trails and 80 campgrounds, it’s no surprise that Department of Natural Resources-managed lands offer some of the most diverse ways to experience the outdoors.

You can cross-country ski in the shadow of Mount Rainier, enjoy one of over 25 beachfront campsites in the San Juan Islands, test out your skills on one of our expert-only downhill-only mountain bike trails or rock climb at some of the state’s most brag-worthy destinations. If you look closely, you might even find one of 3 million hidden containers, called Geocaches.

“My agency is committed to creating more opportunities for people to get out and explore our public land,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. “That’s really what geocaching is all about – discovering more outdoors.”

This summer, we’re in on the game. We’re hiding five geocaches at some of our most popular trails and campgrounds. Check Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz’s social media pages over the next few months for hints.

How Geocaching Works

To find geocaches hidden along DNR trails visit Geocaching.com or use the Geocaching app and find coordinates in an area near you. Using the app or a GPS-enabled devise, navigate to the geocache’s coordinates.

Image credit: Groundspeak Inc. (dba Geocaching HQ)

Once you find a geocache, you can log your experiences online to earn points. Some geocaches can contain small items to reward navigators – make sure to replace the items with something of similar or of higher incentive for future geocachers.

Before you leave on your next geocaching adventure, don’t forget to download our mobile-ready trail maps, which will help you navigate in real-time while you’re out exploring. View and download our mobile maps at dnr.wa.gov/MobileMaps. (It’s a great idea to bring along a printed version, too!).

Leave No Trace

Anytime you’re on the trail, it’s important to be a good steward of the land. Here are some tips to cache in and trash out.

• Stay on trail, don’t create your own
• Pack out all of your waste
• Respect wildlife
• Share the trail with others
• Don’t damage trees & plants
• Do your part to protect our public lands

If you’re inspired to do more, look into volunteering and taking action. Geocache’s Cache In Trash Out program is an environmental initiative supported by the geocaching community.

Image credit: Groundspeak Inc. (dba Geocaching HQ)

Since 2002, CITO has helped preserve the natural beauty of cache-friendly spaces. In that time, more than 363,000 people have volunteered at 18,000 CITO events.

DNR also hosts dozens of work parties throughout the year for trail maintenance. Learn more here.

About DNR

In addition to providing opportunities for geocaching and other recreation, DNR also generates revenue for public services statewide, keep forests development-free, support clean air and water and uphold some of the highest environmental standards available.

To start exploring DNR trails, visit dnr.wa.gov/go. To learn more about geocaching, visit geocaching.com.

 

The problem first gained attention in bigleaf maple trees, which have been dying off since 2011 in some parts of Washington and Oregon.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the University of Washington, the U.S. Forest Service, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and Oregon State University tried to find out why. They investigated a wide variety of insect-related diseases and disease-causing fungi to determine if any of those could be the cause of the sick and dying bigleaf maples.

Despite many attempts to uncover the cause and treat the trees in Western Washington, by the end of 2018 there were no signs of recovery. The most recent decline symptoms include partial or entire crown dieback, discoloration and reduced size of the leaves, crown thinning, and death.

A University of Washington study suggests that increased human development, higher summer temperatures, and severe summer droughts are linked to the declining health of bigleaf maples.

Now scientists fear that other Pacific Northwest tree species are suffering a similar fate. Across Washington, people are reporting diebacks not only in big-leaf maples, but Douglas-fir, western red cedar pines, and western hemlock, Washington’s official tree.

Damage and mortality in Douglas-fir and western red cedar was immediately noticeable during the drought in 2015. Symptoms included entirely red crowns, red tops and scattered red branches, with symptoms becoming more severe during record-breaking heat in spring 2016. It was more difficult to notice in western hemlock, because many dying hemlocks dropped foliage without color change.

DNR has received a number of calls from people who have seen tree dieback on their property. Read on for more information about why it’s happening and how to help your trees.

Droughts and tree health

Branch flagging in Douglas-fir in Thurston County caused by drought stress.

Droughts occur when average temperatures increase and average precipitation decreases. As explained by the Oregon Department of Forestry, drought conditions can “create water stress inside the tree and can reduce growth or cause mortality.”

In Washington, drought conditions have reached moderate to severe levels since 2012, leaving many of Washington’s native trees struggling to survive because they can’t get enough water. And drought conditions are expected to get worse with climate change.

It is important to care for trees that are exposed to drought conditions, as they become more vulnerable to pathogens, insects, and diseases. The Oregon Department of Forestry suggests the following 10 tips to mitigate drought stress on trees:

1. Select native and local drought-tolerant species that are appropriate for your site and soil conditions.
2. Thin stands during normal years, not within a drought if possible, as thinning can cause a short-term increase in water stress. Remove damaged, stressed or overly mature trees.
3. Control vegetation (especially grasses) that compete for soil moisture.
4. Remove or destroy freshly dead or dying trees and slash or blowdown created in the previous year to prevent insect infestations and outbreaks.
5. Avoid damaging and compacting soil around tree root zones from vehicles, grazing animals, etc. – especially during the wet season.
6. Irrigate landscape trees during dry weather. Apply water slowly over many hours so it penetrates to tree roots, or use drip irrigation.
7. Apply mulch to landscape trees to retain soil moisture.
8. Do not alter drainage patterns near established trees.
9. Do not fertilize during droughts. Fertilizer stimulates foliage production and can increase water requirements.
10. It may be less effective to use systemic pesticides, which are absorbed into a plant’s tissues, on drought-stressed trees because these pesticides rely on water translocation within the tree.

Research on bigleaf maple decline

Many bigleaf maple trees in Washington have exhibited symptoms of decline, including partial to entire crown dieback, discoloration and reduced leaf size, loss of leaves and death.

In 2011, more and more bigleaf maples in Western Washington seemed to be sick or dying. Some of the most prominent symptoms were yellow flagging of large branches, small leaf size, and partial or entire crown dieback. Sixty-one sites were sampled to determine if Verticillium wilt was the causing factor.

In 2014 and 2015, DNR, the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State University, and the Oregon Department of Forestry conducted a survey to determine if microscopic root diseases were the cause of the bigleaf maple’s dieback. By mid-2016, many causes had been investigated such as armillaria root disease, verticillium wilt, fungal pathogens neonectria and nectria, and other small pathogens. All of these causes were ruled out.

By the end of 2018, there was no improvement in the condition of the bigleaf maples in Western Washington, but increased drought conditions correlated with the declining health of the trees.

Climate change, drought, and the forest

Seven out of the past 10 years have been warmer than average in Washington state, supporting projections by the Climate Impact Group at the University of Washington.

The group’s report found that “the Pacific Northwest is projected to warm rapidly during the 21st century, relative to 20th century average climate, as a result of greenhouse gases emitted from human activities.”

Regarding precipitation patterns, Washington has seen a mix of wetter, normal, and drier years over the past 10 years. This mixed precipitation pattern is also supported by the Climate Impact Group’s report, which suggests that seasonal precipitation changes will be mixed but “most models project drier summers.” Precipitation patterns are expected “to be primarily driven by year-to-year variations rather than long-term trends, but heavy rainfall events are projected to become more severe.”

Unfortunately, heavy rain events caused by climate change are not going to offset the effects of drought conditions on trees. As explained by DNR scientist Glenn Kohler: “Increases in rainfall are coming in spring and fall, not during the hot, dry summer months when trees are experiencing the most moisture stress during these severe droughts.”

Washington’s iconic native trees aren’t the only things that climate change is threatening. If emissions continue to increase, temperatures will continue to rise, which will have a negative impact on Washington’s economy, agriculture, habitats, and water resources.

In 2018, the Climate Impact Group updated its report on how climate change will affect the state, and the far-reaching consequences of inaction.

Learn more about what DNR is doing to combat climate change in this video:

We’re celebrating National Trails Day with even more opportunities to get out and discover recreation opportunities with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Venture out to the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area on June 1st for the opening of the brand new Oxbow Loop Trail. The 1.9-mile length loop trail project includes a parking lot and offers increased recreation access east of North Bend, just 40 minutes from Seattle.

The majority of the project funding came from the Natural Areas capital budget and is part of an ongoing project to enhance day-use access at sites along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River.

Discover Oxbow Loop Trail

Oxbow Loop Trail is a relatively flat 1.9-mile hike that provides a much-needed lower intensity hiking addition to the very popular and often overcrowded recreation areas within the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley.

The trail begins by winding through older forest stands, providing intermittent views of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, Oxbow Lake, and the surrounding mountain peaks of the Middle Fork Valley.  The trail predominantly uses renovated segments of a former forest road before transitioning across an 80’ length trail bridge and onto a narrower trail located on a slope break above the lake on the south end.

To download or print a trail map, click here.

The public planning process

The new day-use site is a result of the local input and community support that went into that planning effort. DNR designed, permitted, and managed the development of the new trail and trailhead through a collaborative project between its Natural Areas and Recreation programs.

The agency also partnered with Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust (MTSG), who performed the heavy lifting on the development of trailhead parking, restroom installation, and trail development. A local DNR trail crew, with support from a Washington Conservation Corps crew, assembled an 80’ length trail bridge, assisted with trail surfacing, and installed signage and kiosks. RTI Fabrication provided the trail bridge materials, while Columbia Helicopters provided aerial bridge transport and placement.

DNR released the Snoqualmie Corridor Recreation Plan, a guide including high-priority plans to identify, evaluate, design, and develop river access and day use trail opportunities at four locations along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, in March 2015.  DNR continues to work with partners to further enhance the site by exploring opportunities to provide interpretive and environmental education.

Visitors will continue to see improvements identified in the plan on the ground for the next decade.

Getting there
Traveling on Interstate 90, take Exit 34 and follow 468th Ave SE to the north, turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road and follow for several miles as it transitions to NF Road 5600 and until you reach the Oxbow Loop Trailhead. Directions

To download or print a trail map, click here.

A Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead, get yours here.

Washington has some of the best landscapes and outdoor activities in the world, and this weekend is an incredibly popular time to go out and enjoy them. But enjoying our great outdoors consciously is everyone’s responsibility.

A few simple considerations can ensure your weekend is fun and safe.

Memorial Day weekend represents the spiritual beginning of the summer for many of us and Washington state has no shortage of amazing outdoor opportunities. From off-roading in Sadie Creek, to mountain biking in BBQ Flats, to camping at Dragon Creek, Washington’s outdoors are a great place to spend the long weekend.

However, some outdoor activities can pose a risk to our public lands. Higher temperatures and drought conditions have increased the fire risk in Washington and nearly half the state is in a drought emergency. This year, DNR has already responded to more than 300 wildfire calls and about half of these fires have occurred in Western Washington. Most fires are human-caused and can be prevented by following these tips:

• Don’t park on dry grassy areas. Residual heat from exhaust systems can ignite the dry grass.
• Be sure recreation vehicles have operating spark arrestors or a catalytic converter.
• Put out your campfire completely. Remember, if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
• Be aware of burn restrictions. Only build campfires when and where authorized.
• Don’t discharge fireworks, incendiary ammunition, or exploding targets. These activities are illegal on public lands, and you WILL be responsible for the cost of fighting the fire.
• Dispose of your cigarettes responsibly. Partially lit cigarettes can spark fires.

When we all do our part, we can prevent unfortunate fire related incidents and preserve our public lands. For more fire safety tips, visit dnr.wa.gov/WildfirePrevention.

Staying in for the Weekend? Take Some Time and Prepare Your Home

Now is a good time to prepare for wildfire. Help reduce hazards around your home and property by clearing excess debris and eliminating dense or overgrown vegetation around your home. For more tips on how to prevent wildfire damage to your home, go to http://www.firewise.org.

In partnership with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Blue Mountain Elk Initiative and Oregon Department of Forestry, fire management officials on the Heppner Ranger District are implementing a large-scale prescribed natural fuel burn today. The Lovlett prescribed burn is anticipated to take 4-5 days to complete and includes 500 acres of grass, brush, timber litter and timber understory south of Sunflower Flat near Lovlett Creek. The objective of the burn is to improve foraging habitat for big game, reduce long-term wildfire risk through reductions in existing fuel loading, and to restore the ecological functions of a fire adapted ecosystem to the area. Additional information about this prescribed burn is available by visiting the Umatilla National Forest’s prescribed fire interactive map. This map displays burning activities and is available at https://tinyurl.com/y8b433th. The interactive map allows the user to zoom in on certain areas and click on a burn unit for more...

PENDLETON, Ore. – With the recent warmer and drier weather, fire management officials on the Umatilla National Forest are preparing to implement early season prescribed burning activities as soon as Monday, May 13, across portions of the Forest. “Frequent, low-intensity fire is essential for healthy forests and reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire caused by excessive fuel buildup,” said Andrew Stinchfield, Deputy Fire Staff Officer. Prescribed burning is an effective tool for removing excessive amounts of brush, shrubs, and trees, while also encouraging the growth of native vegetation. In addition to reducing wildfire risk, prescribed fire also improves overall forest health and resilience to insects and diseases, and enhances habitat for elk, deer, and other wildlife. Prescribed burning is also highly dependent on weather conditions, which have to be within a narrow criteria window in order to use prescribed fire. Factors such as wind speed and direction,...