okanogan-wenatchee national forest

This is a great time of year to go outdoors and see the beautiful fall colors, or hike before winter arrives. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Public Affairs Officer Robin DeMario says just expect it to be very busy. "During the first weekend of October 1,500 people were counted at Rainy Pass picnic area and the Pacific Crest North Trailhead ...

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest announced Tuesday that this fall, firefighters across Central Washington will once again be using fire to help restore watersheds and better protect nearby communities. Just over 3,500 acres of prescribed burning is planned when favorable weather conditions set in ...

From the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest (USDA): Campfire restrictions have been lifted on national forest lands in Chelan, Kittitas and Yakima and Okanogan Counties. This means that forest visitors can once again enjoy campfires in all locations where campfires are normally allowed on the Methow Valley, Tonasket, Chelan, Entiat, Wenatchee River, Cle Elum, and Naches Ranger Districts ... Read M

If you are going to head outside to the National Forest this weekend, it's important to be prepared with multiple hunting seasons underway. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Public Affairs Officer Robin DeMario says it starts with your clothes ...

The national forests could be crowded with the Labor Day weekend. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Public Affairs Officer Robin DeMario says it's important be patient as popular campgrounds will fill up quickly. "Before leaving home, be sure to check on existing restrictions and closures ...

The Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has issued a challenge to users of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Public Affairs Officer Robin DeMario says they are being asked to pick up five and help your forest stay alive. "The idea is to pick up five pieces of trash the next time you visit your national forest ...

There has been some slight growth in the size of the Chikamin fire, burning north of Plain in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, as it now nears 400 acres. Containment is also growing though as crews are at 65%. On Monday, helicopter bucket drops were used to cool down hotspots along the west flank as the fire slowly backs down toward a wet ravine ...

If you're looking to get outside and hike in the national forest, make sure you are prepared for the hot temperatures. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Public Affairs Officer Robin DeMario has a few tips. "You may not be acclimated to the high temperatures, so take it easy and think about whether or not you should leave your dog at home rather than take them out in the hot temperatures ...

The U.S. Forest Service says the pandemic interrupted the prescribed burning plans that were set for the spring in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. In an email to KPQ, a spokesperson said, "In addition to limiting additional respiratory irritants in nearby communities, our pause on prescribed fire is also about keep firefighters safe and protected from unnecessary exposure to COVID-19

The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is closed for the forseeable future, but Public Affairs Officer Robin DeMario says that shouldn't stop you from getting out into nature. "Now is a great time to discover nature and urban forests in your own neighborhood ...