CROSS-POSTED TO CENTRAL/EASTERN WASHINGTON FORUM
I just had another pleasant conversation with John McGowan, the manager of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area, across the street from Royal Columns. The annual eagle nesting closure went into effect on February 1, and is in effect now for the reach of the Tieton River Trail from the Tim Pond Wall to the west (upstream) end of The Bend. This closure includes all points uphill of the trail, not just the trail itself. So that there is no confusion, that means the cliffs are closed to climbing.
The closure will be in effect until about April 1, at which time the closure will be limited to a 300-yard-radius around any active nest(s). Normally, this will allow most of the trail to be opened and access to certain cliffs or parts thereof. It has been John’s experience that the eagles are migrating upstream a little further each year. In recent years, the upstream limit of the trail closure would terminate at the metal suspension bridge used to access The Bend. You could go right (upstream) to Moon Rocks, but the trail was closed to the left.
So the upshot is if you want to climb in the Tieton River Canyon, go upstream of The Bend. You can start your climbing at Moon Rocks or further upstream and you’ll be all good. And if you see any eagles or falcons up the canyon, be a good steward of wildlife and call John at 509-653-2390 and let him know. Remember, we can all get along!