Washington's Wynoochee River is a scenic run that flows through the Olympic National Forest and Simpson Resource Company lands. This class I-III whitewater run is enjoyed by kayakers and canoeists and has been for many years. It is popular not only because of it's scenic qualities but because the dam-regulated flows in mid-summer, make float trips possible here when water is insufficient elsewhere. Early this summer paddlers discovered that a popular access point on Simpson land was closed. We are also concerned with the future of access on National Forest land.

River access on National Forest Land

During the spring of 2003, Olympic National Forest released an Access and Travel Management (ATM) plan. This plan is an excellent solution to the deteriorating road network. It includes plans to decommission unnecessary roads that have a significant detrimental impact on rivers in the National Forest and includes plans to improve roads that serve public recreation needs that will protect natural resources while still providing access (Additional Background).

American Whitewater continues to work with the National Forest Service and filed comments identifying roads that were important for river access. One road that is important for river access, but that the Forest Service recommended for closure, was Forest Road 2200-020, a short spur road providing put-in access for day trips on the Wynoochee Gorge and a take-out for those who wish to run the easier section upstream. It also provides access to Anderson Bar, a popular unimproved camping area for overnight trips on the Wynoochee.

The ATM plan recommends "closing" the 2200-020 for three primary reasons. First, the road is rated high aquatic risk due to the proximity and connections with the river and the riparian area, and the existence of a ford across a tributary stream near the river. The area around Anderson Bar has been abused by slob campers resulting in significant quantities of garbage and human waste, and the Forest Service currently does not have the resources to manage the dispersed recreation occurring at this site. Finally, the road is also an easement to private timberland owned by Simpson and there are concerns related to impacts to their land.

Given this background, it's important to note that the National Forest has not made a final decision regarding the future management of this road. The ATM is not intended to provide site-specific decisions, only background information and a general plan to be used for on-the-ground management. While the recommendation for closing the road would likely mean installation of a gate, public input will influence the final decision. If you have additional questions, comments, or recommendations, contact Dave Craig, District Ranger, USFS Hood Canal Ranger District, 295142 Hwy. 101 S., P.O. Box 280, Quilcene, WA 98376 (<dcraig@fs.fed.us>, 360-765-2200).

River access on Simpson Resource Company Land

Historically, Simpson lands have been open for public access. While the company has stated that they would prefer to continue this practice, the last 10-15 years have brought increased abuse of private timberland, including garbage dumping, vandalism, stealing of wood and special forest products, and other crimes. Obviously, it is impossible to fence off thousands of acres of timberland, so Simpson has chosen, more and more frequently, to install gates where problems have occurred. Recently a gate was installed on the road providing access to the take-out for the Wynoochee Gorge run. At this particular site Simpson was having trouble with someone stealing cedar. These trees are found in the riparian zone and are purposely not harvested by the company so they can continue to provide fish and wildlife benefits along the river corridor.

The current plan now is that the gate will be opened during certain times of the year to coincide with public demand (primarily hunting from September through December) and will be closed when fire danger is high or when abuse of their property is occurring.

The good news is that Simpson has chosen to develop relationships with clubs in providing access to their lands for recreational purposes. A club identifies itself to Simpson's Land Use Committee, provides a description of its potential activities (i.e., what activity, when will Simpson land be accessed, who will be responsible, etc.) along with a certificate of insurance. Simpson will then provide a key, revokable if issues arise, which can be used to access gates on Simpson property. Regardless of these arrangements, individuals and groups are asked to keep an eye out for environmental or other damage to Simpson property. The access is not available during high fire danger or when forest management activities are taking place in the area. Recently, PaddleTrails Canoe Club and American Whitewater began working with Simpson to develop a relationship with the goal of providing continued access to the Wynoochee Gorge for recreational purposes.

Paddlers should also be aware that camping is not allowed on Simpson land without a permit. Those interested in an overnight trip (popular with canoeists) should contact Patti Case with Simpson, (<pcase@simpson.com> or 360-427-4733), at least two weeks before the scheduled trip to obtain a permit. If you have any additional questions, comments, or recommendations regarding Simpson's public access policies Patti is the chair of Simpson's Land Use Committee.