Trails Report

This year, hikers looking to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend are going to have to pick and choose carefully when selecting a hiking destination. Most flood-damaged roads are still closed and will likely stay closed until at least early July and many trails are still buried in snow. The best bets for trail adventures are dayhikes: The Columbia Gorge trails, the valley trails in the Okanogan Forest, the Issaquah Alps, and the rolling hills of Entiat area.

North Cascades, east slope

Ranger District contacted: Methow Valley, Winthrop office (509) 996-4000.

Snow level: 4,000-4,500 feet, rising to 5,000 in areas.

Notes: While high country trails are still off limits (unless you enjoy treacherous snow trails), there are some low and mid-elevation trails open and hikeable, namely Foggy Dew and Driveway Butte Trails. Each are open for 3 or 4 miles.

Alpine Lakes, east slope

Ranger District contacted: Entiat (509) 784-1511.

Snow level: 4500 feet.

Notes: The Mad River Trail is snow-free and hikeable forest service crews have cleared debris and brush from the trail for 10.5 miles (one way) so this is a good option for an overnight backpacking trip. Other trails in the area are still snowcovered.

South Cascades, east slope

Ranger District contacted: Naches (509) 653-2205.

Snow level: 4,000 feet, patchy snow throughout.

Notes: The Rattlesnake Meadows Trail is a long, scenic path that follows the Naches River up into the William O Douglas Wilderness. The trail is rough and may be partially damaged by floods, but the lower section is good for dayhikes.

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