Two washouts on the Monument Creek Trail have been repaired.
Submitted by Methow Valley Trails Collaborative
The larches have been colorful and have brought their typical swell of traffic to many trailheads. We also received our first mountain snow this weekend, so go prepared for the weather should you venture up high.
Mountain larches are starting to drop needles in many locations, but those looking for a later showing can find the western larches turning at the Loup.
Trail users should also be aware that modern firearm hunting season starts Oct. 17. This is a time of year when you should avoid recreating at dawn and dusk, wear bright colors, and keep dogs on leash whenever possible.
Most trail crews have transitioned from clearing blowdowns to addressing other deferred trail maintenance needs since the short days and cold nights are prohibitive to extended overnight trips.
• North Cascades corridor: The Washington Trails Association (WTA) wrapped up a successful week of tread repair on the Copper Pass trail outside of Bridge Creek. Many trailheads have been crowded for larch season, so please park respectfully and expect crowds on the weekend if venturing into the corridor.
• Mazama/Harts Pass: The Methow Valley Trails Collaborative (MVTC) crew repaired two washouts on the Monument Creek Trail before Eureka Creek. MVTC and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, Methow Chapter, have a collaborative work party planned to repair washouts and brush on the West Fork of the Methow at the end of this month. The washouts on both trails are from this past December’s atmospheric river. Ptarmigan Fire closures are still in effect for many trails accessed from Harts Pass.
• Winthrop/Chewuch Drainage: No new work to report.
• Twisp River Drainage: MVTC spent some time brushing the first mile of the Scatter Creek trail this past week. A WTA crew worked on the Copper Pass trail from Twisp River Road’s end and cleared a mile up this trail. Hundreds of trees remain between where work stopped and the pass.
• Lower Valley/Loup: Evergreen’s work on Goldilocks continues. The entire trail is still not open for public use; however, several options are open for your enjoyment, and the mountain larches are colorful.
