Volunteer at a National Trails Day event and make a difference!

Trails Day 2012 volunteers in Blanchard Forest. Photo by: Diana Lofflin, DNR

The American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day® is June 1. With the recent heat wave, it’s a great time to get out there and enjoy some of Washington’s beautiful trails. Celebrate National Trails Day® by volunteering to improve and develop the trails you love, at one of the many Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) events.

National Trails Day® is a celebration of the vast system of trails in the United States. All across the country organizations, as well as individuals, are organizing events to encourage people to experience the nature that surrounds them.

National Trails Day® is also a day to celebrate the volunteers that make it all possible. For every breathtaking view we have the chance to experience, there’s a volunteer who gave their time to share it with us.

Introduce a friend to Washington’s beautiful trails and invite them to one of these National Trails Day® volunteer events on June 1.

Tiger Mountain National Trails Day Event® – Near Tacoma

Help DNR and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance construct a new non-motorized trail in East Tiger Mountain State Forest. To join in the fun, please sign-up through the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.

Volunteers work on the Tarbell Trail. Photo: Josh Riepe, DNR

Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail Maintenance Day June 1- National Trails Day – Near Colville

Come out to Little Pend Oreille ORV Trail and help get the trails ready for the busy season. Volunteers will clear trails of brush, limbs, and other debris. We will also be working to replace boards on bridges, clean out culvert headwalls, and digg out or install waterbars.

Blanchard Forest National Trails Day® Event – Near Bellingham

Join a variety of groups as they work together to clean up Blanchard Forest. There is work for all skill and fitness levels. North Cascade Soaring Club, Pacific Northwest Trail Association, Skagit Chapter BCHW, Whatcom Chapter BCHW, and Whatcom Trails Cooperative are co-sponsoring the event.

Selah Cliffs NAP National Trails Day Event® – Near Yakima

Help pull knapweed along the valley bottom and clean-up the interpretative trail at Selah Cliffs Natural Area Preserve. Bring along work gloves, sturdy work shoes, lunch, water, sunscreen, and small digging tool if possible. Some tools will be available to use.

Reiter Foothills National Trails Day Event® – Near Gold Bar

Volunteers will work on ATV trails. Please bring your ATV and trailer to haul rock. If you don’t have one, there will also be opportunities to use powered wheel barrows, install signs, and other activities to build trails.

Tarbell Trail National Trails Day® Volunteer Event, Yacolt Burn – Near Vancouver

The Chinook Trail Association and volunteers will work on the Tarbell Trail between the L1300 Road and Cold Creek Day use area. We will harden the trail, do drainage maintenance, and possibly install skid resisters on puncheons.

Wedekind Trail National Trails Day® Volunteer Event, Capitol State Forest – Near Olympia

Join the Friends of Capitol Forest in replacing a section of old wooden puncheons with a number of culverts and improving drainage along the trail. Volunteers will also work on rehabbing the Wedekind Trail to remove fallen rocks and debris from the C-Line fire and fire fighting operations.

National Trails Day® on Mailbox Peak – Near North Bend

Join DNR and the Mountains to Sound Greenway at mailbox peak to continue construction of the new sustainable hiking trail. Visit the Mountains to Sound Greenway website to sign up for the event.

Nicholson Horse Trails Maintenance - Near Elbe

Join DNR and the Pierce County Backcountry Horsemen to do maintenance on Nicholson Horse Trail. Backcountry Horsemen will provide a late lunch at the end of the day for the trail workers.  Coffee and sweets in the morning!

Mt Tahoma Trails Maintenance June 1 and June 2- Near Ashford

Mt. Tahoma Trails Association and DNR will be working together to do trail maintenance on June 1 and June 2. To join in the fun meet at the Ashford Fire Station, at 29815 Hwy 706 E, by 10 a.m. Dinner on Saturday will be provided in Ashford by the Mt Tahoma Trails Association.

We’ll see you on the Trails!

If you’d like to know more about volunteer opportunities on DNR managed lands check out the DNR volunteer events page.

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Spring into your DNR recreation adventure! DNR-managed lands offer a wealth of activities

Spring is officially here today and the warmer weather is starting to draw many Washington recreationists out of hibernation. Start making your spring recreation plans with these fun ideas from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

Welcome spring with a new adventure on DNR-managed lands! Photo by: DNR/Toni Droscher

Prepare – What you need to do before heading out to recreate:

1. The first stop on your trip should be to visit our recreation page to see what locations are open for the season.
2. Get your map before hitting the trails. You’ll stay safer and you might find a new route to check out.
3. Sign up for DNR’s e-newsletter and get the insider’s guide to what recreation opportunities your state lands offer (click on the join email list at the top of the page).
4. Dust off the hiking boots and review your trail etiquette for happy travels in the forest.
5. Don’t forget to purchase your Discover Pass before you head out! It’s your year-long membership to nature’s gym.

Adventure – Make it a memorable spring by trying a new recreation activity this year:

Mark your calendars: September 29 is National Public Lands Day

 

Volunteers build a new table at Lummi Island NRCA at the 2010 National Public Lands Day event. Photo: Jason Goldstein, DNR.

National Public Lands Day is a time for people across the country to rally together for one common cause: to lend a hand on public land. With nearly one-third of America’s land in public hands, it is an opportunity to maintain and support some of the natural resources that serve us all.

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has volunteer events scheduled across the state to celebrate National Public Lands Day. Some volunteers will be building sustainable mountain bike trails on Tiger Mountain State Forest, while others may be restoring native shoreline in Woodard Bay Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA). There is something for everybody!

Please join us at one of the following events and help maintain public lands on September 29!

They may not move mountains, but they do move some big rocks. Volunteers work on trail maintenance projects on Little Si Trail during the National Public Lands Day 2011 event. Photo: DNR

 

• Tiger Mountain State Forest – near Issaquah, WA – Contribute to efforts to create a sustainable network of mountain bike trails…the first in over 20 years!
• Capitol State Forest – near Olympia, WA – Grab your quad and ‘rock the loop.’ Volunteers will move gravel into place along the Lost Valley Loop Trail.
• Yacolt Burn State Forest – Near Vancouver, WA – Clean up Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) trails as you ‘pick up the burn.’ Bonus: enjoy lunch by Piston Wild Motorsports.
• Cattle Point NRCA– San Juan Islands – Protect sensitive bluffs around Cattle Point by installing a split rail fence.
  

  Volunteers help remove invasive Scott’s Broom from Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve on National Public Lands Day 2009. Photo: Nancy Charbonneau, DNR.

• Woodard Bay NRCA– near Olympia, WA – Spend the day restoring native habitat by removing invasive weeds. At the end of the event, learn about the area by joining a guided, interpretive trail walk. 
•  Camas Meadows NRCA– near Ellensburg, WA – Event canceled do to wildfire in area. 
• NEW! Mailbox Peak - near North Bend, WA - Keep hikers safe by building a new sustainable trail to Mailbox Peak.
• Reiter Foothills Motorized Trails – near Gold Bar, WA – Build motorized trail and break new ground on ATV trails.
• NEW! September 30 Reiter Foothills Non-Motorized Trails – near Gold Bar, WA – Continue the spirit of National Public Lands Day and layout new hiking, equestrian, and mountain biking trails at Reiter Foothills!

Not only is National Public Lands Day the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort on public lands, it is a chance to encourage your family to get outside, be active, and make new friends!

We’ll see you September 29!

Mountain bikers rejoice! New Tiger Mountain trail opens September 5

Mountain Bikers enjoy the natural and rugged terrain at East Tiger Mountain. Photo: Sam Jarrett, DNR

Lay first tracks on the new East Tiger Summit Trail on Wednesday, September 5. The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is opening this 1.4 mile mountain bike trail after nearly a year of construction and hundreds of hours of volunteer support.

Tiger Mountain is a unique, multi-use destination located close to Seattle. It offers exciting mountain bike trails, diverse hiking experiences, paragliding launches, horseback riding opportunities, and is an overall great forest destination for those doing a variety of recreation activities.

The construction of this new mountain bike trail was funded by grants aimed at improving mountain bike experience by building a sustainable network of trails. This first trail has some of the best that Tiger Mountain has to offer with views of Mt. Rainier and a challenging descent through the forest.

The trail will close for the season on October 15. 

Celebrate and recreate Washington’s Indian summer

…it’s gonna be a stunner!

This year an Indian summer is in the forecast for Washington State. What does that mean for Washington recreationalists?

It means we get to play in warm, summer-like weather through September and possibly into October and November. It’s not too late to try out that hike or off road vehicle (ORV) adventure you’ve been aching to do. DNR has got the scoop on some great adventures to embark on as you head into your endless Indian summer.

So grab your trusty Discover Pass and head up to one of these treasured sites on DNR-managed state lands (below).

At Cypress Island, you too can bask in the spender of summer, and of nature. Photo by: DNR/Jason Golstein

Pelican Beach, Cypress Island Natural Area
Ever dream of a kayaking adventure through the San Juan Islands? If so, Pelican Beach at Cypress Island is your destination. Just a short trip out of Anacortes, nearly 90% of this beautiful island is protected by DNR. Don’t worry if you’re new to sea-kayaking, there are many outfits around the area that offer guided tours to Cypress Island. Pelican Beach will awe you with magnificent views and natural Washington forests that reach down and touch the water. And the adventure doesn’t stop at the water. The island is covered in trails, incredible vantage points, and campgrounds with full amenities. Since 1923, Cypress Island has been recognized as a place of incredible ecological and historical importance and preserved for kayakers everywhere to delight in. Check out the weather, currents, and some safety tips before you head out on this voyage.

Not only does Oyster Dome offer breathtaking views, but Blanchard Mountain also offers mountain biking, paragliding, horse-back riding, and hiking. Photo by: DNR/Diana Lofflin

Oyster Dome, Blanchard Mountain
This scenic lookout is a bit of a hike from the Blanchard Upper Trailhead, but it’s well worth the effort. There are many treasures along this trail, including stunning views of the sound. Once you scramble up to the top, you are greeted with a breathtaking view of the San Juans, Fildalgo Island, Whidbey Island, Vancouver Island, the Olympics, the Skagit River flats, and the shining Samish Bay. Blanchard Mountain is a great place to try out a new adventure — it’s a favorite to mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrian riders alike.

This short yet rugged hike offers an incredible vantage point of Capitols State Forest and old growth trees that do not disappoint. Photo by: DNR/Jessica Payne

Fuzzy Top, Capitol State Forest
In the mood for some rugged hiking? This amazing hidden trail contains Capitol State Forest’s finest stand of old-growth trees. Many Capitol Forest enthusiasts swear this hike is the best in the area. The stand is surrounded by stages of logged and young replanted trees, giving those who hike in to it a breathtaking vista of Capitol Forest. Fuzzy Top provides a unique educational opportunity to teach recreationalists the value of old forests and DNR’s practice of replanting. The trailhead may be a little difficult to find, and the trail is rather rustic, so make sure you check out DNR’s map and view some directions before you go.

Dramatically sculpted by the great Glacial Lake Missoula floods, Dishman Hills NRCA give you the chance to see Spokane the way it was before civilization. Photo by: DNR/Jane Chevay

Dishman Hills NRCA, Spokane
Dishman Hills Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) is a 518-acre nature reserve tucked inside the city of Spokane. Dishman Hills was dramatically sculpted by the great Glacial Lake Missoula floods and is guaranteed to wow. Springs freckle the land making it a true oasis for wildlife. Bring the kids and enjoy the singing of frogs, colorful wildflowers, and over 50 species of butterflies. Because it is a conservation area, leave your mountain bikes, horses, rollerblades, rock climbing gear, and motorized vehicles at home. The serenity will give you a unique chance to see the land the way it was before the chaos of modern civilization. View some trails where you can enjoy wildlife, rare species of plants, and spectacular geological features.

Enjoy the end of summer with a romp and roar in the sand at Beverly Sand Dunes ORV park.

Beverly Dunes, Grant County
Do you need a hefty dose of excitement in your life? Love to rip and roar through the trails but want to try something new? What better way to celebrate your endless summer than at Beverly Dunes off road vehicle (ORV) park. Riders of all ages can enjoy these dunes located near the town of Beverly on Lower Crab Creek. Want to try ORVs for the first time? Read these important safety tips to get you started. For more details on Beverly Dunes, view DNR’s Recreation Guide.

Poo Poo Point offers incredible views and a spectacular picnic show watching paragliders soar off the mountain.

Poo Poo Point, Tiger Mountain
The name of this trail alone is bound to make you laugh, but what it has to offer is anything but silly. This wide trail, lined with old forests and wildflowers, opens up into a grassy mountainside where hang gliders and paragliders can be found launching throughout the summer. There is a picnic spot above the launch area where you can enjoy views of Issaquah Valley, Lake Sammamish, Bellevue, and on clear days, Mount Baker. For detailed directions, check out the Washington Trails Association’s page.

Try a new adventure on DNR land in the late summer months
Butterfly-filled picnics, hikes to breathtaking views, and romping around the sand dunes! Whether it’s mountain biking, kayaking, or a rugged new hike, make sure you grab your Discover Pass and head out to make the most Washington’s rare and amazing Indian summer.

Tell Dad to ‘Take a Hike’

Enjoy a picnic in the wildflowers and sunshine for Father’s Day, International Picnic Day, and the Summer Solstice this week. Photo: DNR

…A nature hike that is.

This Father’s Day, show Dad how much you appreciate him with a Discover Pass and treat him to a special trip to one of our recreation sites, and once…just this once… let him beat you up the trail!

 You and Dad can visit one of the treasured sites on DNR-managed state lands (below) for a day or just a couple of hours this weekend—and discover your favorite summer hang-out.

Poo Poo Point, Tiger Mountain
The name of this trail alone is bound to make Dad laugh, but what it has to offer is anything but silly. Tiger Mountain offers hiking adventures for all activity levels. This wide trail lined with old forests and wildflowers opens up into a grassy mountainside where hang gliders and paragliders can be found launching throughout the summer. There is a picnic spot above the launch area where you can enjoy views of Issaquah Valley, Lake Sammamish, Bellevue, and on clear days, Mount Baker. For detailed directions, check out the Washington Trails Association’s page.

Hikers enjoy the view from Samish Overlook, the gateway to Oyster Dome Trail. Photo: Diana Lofflin, DNR

Oyster Dome, Blanchard Mountain
This scenic lookout is a bit of a hike from the Blanchard Upper Trailhead, but it’s well worth the walk. There are many treasures along this trail, and you can print our map before you go. Once you scramble up to the top, you are greeted with breathtaking view of the San Juan Islands, Fildalgo Island, Whidbey Island, Vancouver Island, the Olympics, the Skagit River flats, and the shining Samish Bay.

Fuzzy Top, Capitol State Forest
This amazing hidden trail contains Capitol State Forest’s finest stand of old growth… just like Dad. You can fill the hike with wisecracks asking your father where he was when these monolithic trees were still seedlings. Many Capitol Forest enthusiasts swear this easy hike is the best in the area. The trailhead may be a little difficult to find, so make sure you check out DNR’s map and view some directions before you go.

Dishman Hills NRCA, Spokane
This 518-acre nature reserve just east of Spokane is the perfect spot for an afternoon picnic with Dad this father’s day. This area, that was dramatically sculpted by the great Glacial Lake Missoula floods, is guaranteed to wow Dad with over 50 species of butterflies. View some trails where you can enjoy wildlife, rare species of plants, and spectacular geological features.

Take Dad to Beverly Dunes for an ORV adventure! Photo: Clay Graham / Eastern Washington Adventures

Beverly Dunes, Grant County
Does Dad need a little excitement in his life? Get the summer started at the Beverly Dunes ORV park. Riders of all ages can enjoy these dunes located near the town of Beverly on Lower Crab Creek. View DNR’s Recreation Guide for more details.

So whether it’s a butterfly-filled picnic, a hike to breathtaking views, or romping around in the sand dunes, make sure you grab your Discover Pass and head out with Dad to ‘take a hike’ this weekend!

Happy Father’s Day

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YOU can make a difference. Volunteer for National Trails Day,® June 2!

Volunteers making a difference on National Trails Day 2011. Photo: Ray Lapine

Are you ready to make a difference and get some fresh air? Join DNR on June 2 and participate in a national movement to celebrate trails.

On National Trails Day,® formed by the American Hiking Society, you can celebrate trails and make a difference by volunteering with DNR and our partners at events across the state.

 

Where can YOU make a difference?
Check out one of our DNR-sponsored events: (events passed)

• Yacolt Burn State Forest – Maintain trails on the Cedar Creek Falls Trail
• Elbe Hills State Forest – Enhance horse trails and Sahara Creek Campground
• Middle Fork NRCA – Celebrate and listen to remarks by Commissioner Goldmark and Sally Jewell
• Mailbox Peak – Participate in new trail construction
• Bradley Bike Trails – Improve trails on the Olympic Peninsula
• Tiger Mountain State Forest – Break ground on new bike trails
• Blanchard Forest – Recover trails on the Lower Trailhead
• Capitol State Forest – Get dirty and install culverts on motorized trails
• Capitol State Forest – Lay gravel on new Equine Loop Trail

We’ll see you on the trails!

Volunteer events are happening all the time! Check out our volunteer calendar for a complete listing.

Rescheduled: Snoqualmie corridor recreation plan open house Feb. 1

Map of the Snoqualmie Corridor Recreation planning area. Click on the map for a larger version.

Do you like to spend time in the hills, valleys, lakes, and streams along the Snoqualmie corridor? Did you know that DNR manages 53,000 acres of state trust lands and natural areas in the corridor? These lands include Mount Si, Tiger Mountain, Rattlesnake Mountain, Middle Fork Snoqualmie, and Raging River.

Would you like to play a role in developing a long-range vision for recreation on DNR-managed lands along the Snoqualmie corridor?

DNR is hosting an open house from 7 to 9 p.m., February 1, at the Snoqualmie Middle School, 9200 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie. You’ll have the opportunity to share your ideas about recreation in the area and learn why DNR is working with citizens, recreation groups, and other partners to develop a comprehensive recreation management plan for the area.

The public is an integral part of this planning process—we value your perspective. This open house is one of many ways to get involved.

If you can’t make the meeting, you can still be ‘in the know’ about the planning process. Sign up to get electronic updates delivered to your inbox. (Include the word “Subscribe” in the subject line.)

Look for an online survey soon!

For more information, contact Doug McClelland, 206-920-5907.

Read more.

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Help plan for the future of recreation in the Snoqualmie corridor at an open house Jan. 18

 

Map of the Snoqualmie Corridor Recreation planning area. Click on the map for a larger version.

Do you like to spend time in the hills, valleys, lakes, and streams along the Snoqualmie corridor? Did you know that DNR manages 53,000 acres of state trust lands and natural areas in the corridor? These lands include Mount Si, Tiger Mountain, Rattlesnake Mountain, Middle Fork Snoqualmie, and Raging River.

Would you like to play a role in developing a long-range vision for recreation on DNR-managed lands along the Snoqualmie corridor?

DNR is hosting an open house from 7 to 9 p.m., January 18, at the Snoqualmie Middle School, 9200 Railroad Ave. SE, Snoqualmie. You’ll have the opportunity to share your ideas about recreation in the area and learn why DNR is working with citizens, recreation groups, and other partners to develop a comprehensive recreation management plan for the area.

The public is an integral part of this planning process—we value your perspective. This open house is one of many ways to get involved.

If you can’t make the meeting, you can still be ‘in the know’ about the planning process. Sign up to get electronic updates delivered to your inbox. (Include the word “Subscribe” in the subject line.)

Look for an online survey soon!

For more information, contact Doug McClelland, 206-920-5907.

Read more.

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Recreation Alert: Dry weather means Tiger Mountain bike trails can stay open a little longer

 

Entrance to Preston Railroad Grade Trail, East Tiger Mountain. Photo: Manuel W/Flickr

Good news for mountain bikers and other recreationists hoping to squeeze in more outdoor activities in this good weather: The Tiger Mountain multi-use trails will remain open this weekend, October 15-16, and possibly through the following weekend.

Typically, DNR closes these trails for the season in early October as the fall rains set in and the trails get soggy and cause problems with water quality and drainage. Luckily, this year, we’re able to extend the season.

Tentatively, the trails will remain open until Monday, October 24. Check our website for updates on the trail situation or contact Sam Jarrett at 206-375-0448.

The Tiger Mountain Multi-use Trails, located on the east side of Tiger Mountain off Highway 18, are extremely popular with mountain bike riders but are also available to other non-motorized uses including hiking and horseback riding. The trail system includes Preston, Iverson, and Northwest Timber.

For more information about recreation on DNR-managed lands visit www.dnr.wa.gov/recreation.

Don’t forget your Discover Pass!

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