Weekly Recreation Report

For The Enterprise

This is the Mount Adams Ranger District Weekly Recreation Report for the period beginning June 16.

HIKING:

The Soda Peaks trail from the 54 road is open to the lake, although you will encounter some snow on the north slope above the lake.

Observation Peak trail is another great hike and has been maintained to the old lookout site.

ROAD TRIPS:

Now that the snow is gone off road 54, you can do the Bare Mountain loop. From Carson take the Wind River Highway to road 64 (Dry Creek), follow this road to the 58. Take road 58 to the 54 and then on to the Wind River Highway.

You can also go on to Battle Ground by taking the 57 road. This trip offers great views of the volcanic peaks of the Cascades, lots of wildflowers and abundant wildlife.

CAMPING:

If you are planning to pack in and camp overnight in any of the wilderness areas, be sure to check the regulations.

Everyone needs to use the designated campsites and not create new ones. The approved campsites are easily recognizable by the existence of cleared areas and fire rings.

No camp should be closer than 100 feet to any lake or stream. Remember: don't burn your trash; pack it out.

FISHING:

Taking the kids shad fishing is a great way to have fun and spend some quality time with them. Shad fishing below Bonneville Dam is excellent and doesn't require expensive gear; just about any pole and reel will work, add a little weight and some shad jigs and you're ready.

Shad fishing provides a great fighting fish and, compared pound for pound to salmon or steelhead, they out-fight them hands down.

The flavor of shad is excellent but they are boney fish, which makes them less desirable for eating. They can be smoked, which softens up the bones and makes them easier to remove. You can also add a few drops of liquid smoke to a jar and they turn out exactly like kippered snacks.

WILDLIFE:

Deer and elk are in the height of their birthing season now. When out in the forest with your dog, keep it on a leash and under control at all times. Dogs running loose can and do destroy many young animals each year.

WILDFLOWERS:

Last week's cold, wet weather slowed down the blooming of wildflowers, so they are going to last a little longer.

Many places on the forest offer good wildflower viewing opportunities. One of the best areas is Silver Star Mountain. This area has all the characteristics of a subapline zone at a low elevation.

The spring flowers are just coming into their prime bloom and the summer ones are just beginning. The wildflowers in this area normally last well into July.

SAFETY NOTE:

Now that summer has arrived, many folks are coming out on the forest with boats, rafts and float tubes, and they need to think about boating safety.

Just because you are on a small lake doesn't mean you don't have to follow the Washington state boating safety rules.

Each person needs to have a flotation vest and small children are required to wear them at all times.

Float tubes are very stable in water but do flip over; always wear a flotation vest and know how to get out of the tube in an emergency.

SPECIAL NOTE:

This is the third year the Northwest Forest Pass has been required at many locations throughout the area. This year those who don't purchase a permit can expect to receive a citation instead of a warning.

We would much rather people buy the Northwest Forest Pass for $30 per year or $5 a day instead of getting a citation for $50.