Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Outdoors blog

Snowmobile tracks know few boundaries, including wilderness

Clara Lake area in the Wenatchee Mountains, once a haven for backcountry skiers and snowshoers, has been invaded by snowmobiles. (Wenatchee Outdoors)
Clara Lake area in the Wenatchee Mountains, once a haven for backcountry skiers and snowshoers, has been invaded by snowmobiles. (Wenatchee Outdoors)

WINTER SPORTS -- Some snowmobilers seem to enjoy breaking the law and offending others more than the sport itself.

Backcountry skiers recently documented snowmobile tracks in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Leavenworth. Sadly, they got little reaction from the local Sheriff or Forest Service when reporting the culprits' offenses and vehicle license numbers.

A group called Wenatchee Outdoors is trying to organize people to oppose snowmobile advances into backcountry that was once quiet for wildlife and non-motorized users.



Rich Landers
Rich Landers joined The Spokesman-Review in 1977. He is the Outdoors editor for the Sports Department writing and photographing stories about hiking, hunting, fishing, boating, conservation, nature and wildlife and related topics.

Follow Rich online:




Go to the full Outdoors page