WBDR E-burg fire re-route

[hayshaker]

This is a possible re-route for the WBCDR due to the fire closures near Ellensburg Washington. Reecer Creek Road is closed to through traffic as of 8-13-12 because of the Taylor Bridge Fire.

I do not know the Wenatchee/Squilchuck/Stemilt area all that well and welcome ideas and suggestions. This thread is just a start to provide info to those that are in the process of trip planning. It is hard to say how long the roads will be closed. With SR 97 and HWY 10 being close I chose NOT to send the route to Liberty.


TONY


Eburg fire reroute.gpx

[DockingPilot]

Thanks Tony!

[pdxmarcus]

Much obliged, Tony!

[dvwalker]

tony, watching the local news looked like the fire may have been located west of the wind generators, just off of 97.

Do you know if they closed down NF-35? It may be possible to route out of Ellensburg north on Wilson Creek to NF-3517 to NF-35....This would keep Table mtn and Mt Lillian in the route if that is the case....You're route also works, and one could back track to Mt Lillian.

[hayshaker]

Originally Posted by dvwalker

tony, watching the local news looked like the fire may have been located west of the wind generators, just off of 97.

Do you know if they closed down NF-35? It may be possible to route out of Ellensburg north on Wilson Creek to NF-3517 to NF-35....This would keep Table mtn and Mt Lillian in the route if that is the case....You're route also works, and one could back track to Mt Lillian.

Latest fire map http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/respons...0-fire-map.pdf


My professional instinct is to recommend staying well away from the fire area for a couple of weeks at best. Even though the fire has not burned to there still makes me think that the roads will be closed due to evacuations and firefighter safety. It might be possible to route up through Coleman Canyon to Naneum Bridge to Grouse Springs to tie into Liberty/Beehive Road but is not an easy route on a big bike. It's something I would do but don't know everyones riding capabilities.

Another option might be to go all the way into Cle Elum and use 970. There is a road to Liberty/Beehive that goes almost directly to Haney Meadows but seems out of the way to me with the closures on 97 near Ellensburg.

[DockingPilot]

You still thinking Colockum Road is a option as well ?

[hayshaker]

Originally Posted by DockingPilot

You still thinking Colockum Road is a option as well ?

Yes, I have not seen any mention of a closure there. The route I posted keeps you out of the worst rocks by using Naneum Ridge to Jump Off Joe Road. It also uses the most dirt I can think of in that area as opposed to staying on Colokum Pass all the way down to Malaga. If you stay on Colokum to the North it gets pretty rocky for a few miles.

If the down log in Mission is an issue then you could go through Malaga to #2 Canyon and hit that bypass posted months ago.

Hmmm..if Colokum is open then Coleman probably is too. That may be another option along with the route out to Mission Peak. It offers a good view.

It is just hard to say when things will return to normal.

[eakins]

thanks for the update.

[dukegnarley]

thanks for the update, I'm leaving the gorge on the 1st

[hayshaker]

Originally Posted by dukegnarley

thanks for the update, I'm leaving the gorge on the 1st

Posted this in the PNW section too but Reecer Creek might be open.

http://co.kittitas.wa.us/response/20...re/default.asp


TONY

[DockingPilot]

Meaning the Taylor Bridge fire is snuffed and route open Tony ?

[hayshaker]

Originally Posted by DockingPilot

Meaning the Taylor Bridge fire is snuffed and route open Tony ?

Not out.... but under control (I still have a fire truck and crew there). If you look at the map it shows some road closures but Reecer Creek is not one of them. I'm hoping someone gives it a try and posts back if it is open.

TONY

[DockingPilot]

Thanks for the current info Tony