Posts Tagged ‘skiing’

Winter Road Closures in Place on Gifford Pinchot National Forest (Washington)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chris Strebig (360) 891-5005

VANCOUVER, WA – Due to the unusually low snowpack this year, officials with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest would like to remind all forest visitors that there is a winter recreation road closure from December 1 to April 1 that prohibits wheeled vehicles on certain roads. These closures are to protect wildlife during the winter period and to provide for winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. This closure helps to prevent damage to the surface of the groomed snowmobile and ski trails. Compliance with this closure will help save money targeted for snow grooming. Please check with your local Forest Service Office for the list of roads that are closed.

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Idaho City Park N’ Ski Area Special Event Ski / Snowshoe For Free: Saturday, January 9, 2010

Idaho City, ID – Come enjoy the winter season at the Idaho City Park N’ Ski area on Saturday, January 9th. Nordic ski and snowshoe clinics will be offered onsite. Classes are limited. Registration is required for snowshoe clinics.

The Park N’ Ski parking permit fee will be waived that day, to encourage participants to test out their new skis and snowshoes, or perfect their skills.

The Southern Idaho Regional (SIR) Nordic Ski Patrol will offer free ski tips from 11:00 am. to 2:00 pm., at the Gold Fork Park N’ Ski parking lot for beginners. For those anxious to learn new snowshoe skills, the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) will be offering free snowshoe clinics (registration required).
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Gifford Pinchot Forest Roads 25, 81, and 83 Gated for Winter Season (Washington)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Chris Strebig (360) 891-5005 cell (360) 901-2131

Vancouver, WA – Increasing snow at higher elevations is causing the closure of some Forest roads for the winter. Winter recreationists should keep in mind that roads to Sno-Parks will not be plowed until December 1 or later.

Forest Road 25 is now gated at the south end due to increasing snow levels at higher elevations. The north end of Forest Road 25 is gated at Benham Creek, five miles north of Forest Road 99, due to an ongoing landslide. Forest Road 81 is closed beyond Cougar Sno-Park, and Forest Road 83 is closed beyond Marble Mountain Sno-Park.

Forest Service Road 52 (Skate Creek Road), from Packwood to Highway 706, is still open, however, wintry conditions should be expected. Gates at both ends of the road will be closed when snow accumulates.

On the west side of Mount St. Helens, State Route 504 remains open east of the Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitor Center as far Coldwater Lake recreation site. The Johnston Ridge Observatory is closed for the winter. Travelers on State Route 504 should watch out for ice in shaded areas and on bridges as well as for wildlife. The Washington State Department of Transportation plans to maintain State Route 504 for winter travel to Coldwater Lake and the Hummocks Trail as weather conditions and available equipment permit. Winter visitors need to be aware that road conditions can change quickly due to blowing snow. For the latest information on State Route 504 and other Washington State Highways visit WSDOT’s web site at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/Southwest/. Motorists can receive updates by calling 511.

As winter snows arrive many roads on the Gifford Pinchot will be closed for the winter months. As winter closures take effect, vehicular access will be restricted to many popular spots on the Forest. These closures are to protect wildlife during the winter period and to provide for winter sports such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. All closed areas, are open to the public with access by foot. Wheeled vehicles are restricted from all-winter sports travel routes. Snowmobiles are not allowed in wildlife winter range areas. Once implemented winter wildlife and winter sports closures will be in effect until April 1, 2010.

Please make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for winter travel. Remember to carry emergency equipment and chains. Your safety depends on good planning and good judgment. For updates on weather and road conditions, contact Forest Service offices and for statewide road information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/.

http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/news/2009/documents/final-20091025a-Roads-closures.pdf

New Pacific Northwest Outdoors Forum Launched – PNWoutdoors.net

Just launched is a new forum at http://www.pnwoutdoors.net for all of you to discuss and share your favorite Pacific Northwest outdoor activities. Discuss and plan trips. Discuss outdoor activities including wheeling, camping, hiking, snowboarding, skiing, mountain biking and more. I'll be adding more categories as the forum takes shape.

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Welcome to Pacific Northwest Backroad Adventures

If you're like me, you enjoy enjoy exploring and playing in the Pacific Northwest outdoors. You have your adventure vehicle (sometimes a four wheel drive, sometimes not) that takes you to your destination to enjoy your favorite activities (camping, hiking, exploring, climbing, mountain biking, fishing, hunting, rock hounding, prospecting, water sports, snow sports, etc.).

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