Kayakers enjoy an evening paddle at Cypress Island, one of the many areas where campgrounds and other DNR recreation facilities closed over the winter will reopen on Tuesday, May 1, for the 2012 season. Photo: Jason Goldstein.
Come out, come out wherever you are! Many recreation sites are opening for spring.
Spring is here (believe it or not), and DNR is getting ready to open many areas that have been closed for the winter season. Listed below are popular recreation areas that are reopening over the next few weeks.
Capitol State Forest
Trails and trailheads in Capitol State Forest will open for off-road vehicle (ORV) and equestrian use beginning May 1. All campgrounds—except Porter Creek—will also open May 1.
Porter Creek Campground, which has been closed since 2010, will reopen on May 23.
Here’s a list of what will be open on Tuesday:
- Capitol Forest Motorized Trails
- Capitol Forest Non-Motorized Trails
- Fall Creek Campground
- Margaret McKenny Campground and Trailhead
- Middle Waddell Campground and Trailhead
- Mima Falls Campground
- North Creek Campground
- Rock Candy Trailhead
- Sherman Valley Campground
Capitol State Forest has a number of trees down and loose branches due to the ice storm in January. Please use caution when visiting these areas.
Cypress Island Natural Area Resources Conservation Area (NRCA)
Kayakers, get ready! Pelican Beach and Cypress Head campgrounds will open May 25. Remember that Strawberry Island is open for day use only all year round. Camping is not allowed on this island.
Yacolt Burn State Forest
For those of you who enjoy using the ORV trails in Yacolt Burn State Forest, you will be happy to hear that the Jones Creek Trail System and Trailhead in Southwest Washington opens May 1.
Merrill Lake
Into fly fishing? Merrill Lake campground is now open. Don’t forget that gas-powered engines are not allowed on the lake.
Check out the DNR Recreation information page year round to ensure that trails, picnic areas, campsites, and trailheads are open before you head out. This handy page is organized by region, county, and recreation area.
And don’t forget your Discover Pass–your ticket to millions of acres of recreation opportunities on Washington state-managed recreation lands. The Discover Pass is now transferable between two vehicles.
| Follow DNR on: |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Tags: Capitol State Forest, Discover Pass, DNR, Recreation, trails, Washington, Yacolt Burn State Forest
