Cragging Access Restrictions

[Peter_Puget]

Access Restrictions:

 

Lifted from the Access Fund site –

 

 

Midnight and Noontime Rocks and Vicinity: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Fores Closed to entry April 1 to July 31 to Protect Nesting Raptors. Raptors have been observed on and between Midnight and Noontime Rocks. During the nesting period, the site will be monitored and if conditions warrant, some restrictions may be lifted. Contact: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests, Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth Ranger Districts 509/548-6977.

 

Beacon Rock State Park Restriction affects the south face of Beacon Rock and is in effect from Feb. 1 - July 15. Contact: Ranger - State Park Manager Tel: 509.427.8265.

 

Tieton River - Oakcreek Wildlife Recreation Area. Royal Columns & Tim Pond Wall. Restriction runs from Feb. 1 through July 31. Contact: John Mcgowan - Area Manager Tel: 509.653.2390.

[catbirdseat]

Someone posted on the Mountaineers site that they called Mr. McGowan and was told that the Royal Columns restrictions would extend until April 15. Now which is correct?

[Peter_Puget]

Probably 4/15 - but why don't you (CBS) call him to verify?

[sobo]

Probably 4/15 - but why don't you (CBS) call him to verify?

 

Just got off the phone with John McGowan. The entire Tieton River Trail and adjacent cliffs are closed until April 1st unless raptors establish a nest(s). If nest(s) is/are established, only the specific area(s) around the nesting site(s) will remain closed, until July 15.

 

So what that means is that at this time, the areas of Tim Pond Wall, Royal Columns, The Bend, Moon Rocks, and any other area along the cliff band parallelling the river are closed until at least April 1st. Check for signs or call John after April 1st to get the latest beta on any establishment of raptor nests.

 

Climb safely, but somewhere else for right now.

[joepuryear]

Sobo, I don't believe the closure applies to Moon Rocks. Thanks for the update!

I try to keep a current conditions posted on my website here: Tieton access

I always appreciate getting updates and suggestions.

 

[sobo]

Joe,

Well, I didn't ask about MR specifically, but John said, "...the river trail and all cliffs adjacent to it..."

 

Since the trail runs directly below MR, I just assumed that MR would be closed as well.

 

If I have the time, and can catch him in the office again, I'll ask specifically which cliffs are open/closed (or anyone else on this board could do that and post the results...).

[sobo]

All,

Just got off the phone with Bruce Berry, who is John McGowan's Assistant Wildlife Manager at Oak Creek Station.

 

There is currently one established eagle nest in the cliffs between The Bend to a point about 0.5 mile downstream. This is the same place where a pair nested last year.

 

So, the closure is still in effect until April 1st, then John and Bruce will most probably stick some signs up along the River Trail in the next coupla weeks to tell people to stay on the trail.

 

Hey, Joe, you were right. Moon Rocks is NOT affected by the closure. You can climb there right now. The upstream end of the closure area terminates at the bridge at The Bend.

 

Climb safely!

[sobo]

Just got off the phone with John McGowan. The Tieton, from Moon Rocks to Royal Columns, is open as of today, April 1.

 

One nest has been established just east of The Bend climbing area, just around the corner from the left-hand-most climbs (climber's left). Signs are posted along the trail designating the area that should not be accessed. As long as you stay on the trail, and don't venture around the lefthand corner of the last climb at The Bend, we'll be all right.

 

Now go get some!

[mike_m]

Same topic, different area.

 

Middle East Wall at Vantage is closed till August 1 due to nesting raptors.

[catbirdseat]

The last time I was there it was too cold to climb at Middle East Wall. Now that it's warm enough there are raptors there.