Tieton Closure Information?

[Marcus_Engley]

Greetings,

Got in a few pitches at Tieton this weekend, on a windy but otherwise gorgeous trip. On the way out (on Sunday) we saw a pair of climbers at the Bend, just finishing up the long, two pitch 5.8 (I think). I was under the impression that both the Bend and Royal Columns were closed until further notice, for golden eagle nesting. Anyone know for sure?

I'm going to call the Naches Ranger Station and find out what the story is-- I'll post the details here. The sign indicating the closure was not posted in its usual spot on the other side of the bridge (by the Bend). Andy Fitz, are you out there?

Thanks!m

[rayborbon]

Nothing is closed unless they catch you.

[Marcus_Engley]

quote:

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Originally posted by rayborbon:

Nothing is closed unless they catch you.

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I can deal with climbing in any of the hundreds of other spots nearby for the three months out of the year that golden eagles need for nesting.

[rayborbon]

Good for you Marcus..

[Andy_Fitz]

I'm out there...just not home very much due to a remodel that's had me living with my in-laws for the past FIVE WEEKS.

 

The Bend and Royal Columns were both closed this year because a golden eagle nest site moved west. John McGowan, manager of the Oak Creek Wildlife Area (where both cliffs are located) e-mailed me today to let me know the closure of the RCs and Bend is lifted for the year. (There's still a restricted area near the nest site.) So, THE CLIFFS ARE NOW OPEN.

 

Here's what John says about future closures:

 

"For future reference, WDFW will keep the entire area along the river closed from FEB 1 thru APR 15, or until such time in the spring that the active nestsite selected by the eagles can be determined. We will then move the closure signs appropriately and open up the remainder of the area to activity."

 

Please respect these closures. We've managed to climb in the Tieton for a lot of years without trouble, due in no small part to climbers complying with the (relatively short) nesting closures.

 

Andy Fitz

Washington Access Fund Coordinator