Outdoors

POSTED: Thursday, Jul. 02, 2009

NOTEBOOK: Campsites filling up quick for holiday weekend

Folks at the Glacier Public Service Center expect a busy weekend along the Mt. Baker Highway, with the traditionally more popular campsites, the Douglas Fir and Silver Fir campgrounds, already filling up, said Jessica McAloon, an administrative support coordinator at Glacier.

Many of these camp sites can be reserved, but there are always a number of sites left open on a first-come, first-serve basis. People can also set up dispersed campsites outside of the traditional areas so long as they pick up after themselves and they don't create fire rings, McAloon said.

"If (a fire ring) is already there then they can use that," McAloon said.

Also, with the dry conditions, it's wise to keep a bucket of water or a shovel nearby, McAloon said, to help contain any fires.

DRY WEATHER MEANS INCREASED FIRE RISK AT MT. BAKER/SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST

Folks heading out into the brush to enjoy what looks like will be a beautiful July 4 weekend should be aware that the lack of rain in the area has heightened the fire risk in Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest.

That means be careful with campfires while out and about in the woods and, of course, no fireworks. Fireworks are prohibited on National Forest lands.

The fire risk is actually much higher than is typical for this time of year. It's just been unusually warm and dry, which is great for picnics and camping, but also turns trees into great tinder.

Always check conditions before heading out, which can by done easily by visiting fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/ on the Web.

WWU CHAMPIONSHIP ROWING RUN TO BE TELEVISED

Waterhounds take note: On Saturday, July 4, at 11 a.m. there's an opportunity to relive Western Washington's victorious run at the NCAA Division II women's rowing championships, where the team took home its fifth consecutive title.

Western's accomplishment was the first time that a team in any NCAA rowing division has won five straight titles since the NCAA began a rowing championship in 1997.

Catch the action on KIRO TV, channel 7.

CASCADE RIVER ROAD OPENS IN NORTH CASCADES

For anyone headed to the North Cascade National Forest over the holiday weekend, the Cascade River Road recently opened access to the popular Cascade Pass Trail.

The day hike offers some great views of peaks and glaciers and provides the shortest and easiest access to the alpine environment in the North Cascades. As the trail climbs steadily up the pass, take in views of peaks such as Eldorado, Johannesburg, Magic, Mixup and McGregor.