Forest Service to waive entrance fees for Presidents’ Day; Hurricane Ridge Road expected to be open Saturday through Monday

The U.S. Forest Service will waive fees at day-use recreation sites Monday in honor of Presidents’ Day.

This fee waiver includes many picnic areas, boat launches, trailheads and visitor centers. Concession operations will continue to charge fees unless the permit holder wishes to participate.

Fees for camping, cabin rentals, heritage expeditions or other permits still apply.

The fee waiver does not apply to SnoParks, although they might be located on national public lands.

The SnoPark permit program is sponsored by the states of Oregon and Washington.

“Public lands in the Pacific Northwest offer nearly unlimited opportunities for year-round recreation,” said Jim Peña, Pacific Northwest Regional Forester. “We hope this fee-free day encourages new and repeat visitors to come out and enjoy their national forests.”

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region manages more than 2,400 developed recreation sites, more than 24,000 miles of trails, 51 wild and scenic rivers and two national monuments.

No fees are charged at any time on 98 percent of national forests and grasslands and approximately two-thirds of developed recreation sites in national forests and grasslands can be used for free.

To find a recreation site near you, visit the agency’s online interactive recreation map.

The USDA Forest Service has four other fee-free days scheduled for 2018:

• June 2: National Trails Day.

• June 9: National Get Outdoors Day.

• Sept. 22: National Public Lands Day.

• Nov. 11-12: Veterans Day Weekend.

To learn more about the USDA Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, go to www.fs.usda.gov/r6.

Hurricane Ridge Road will be open in Olympic National Park on Monday, weather permitting.

Ninety inches of snow was reported at the sensor on Hurricane Ridge on Wednesday.

The road is open weekends and holiday Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., when road conditions permit. All vehicles must carry tire chains.

More in Life

The Rev. Larry Schellink will present “The Power of Spiritual Community” at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Schellink is the guest speaker at Unity in the Olympics, 2917 E. Myrtle Ave.
Weekend program scheduled for Unity in the Olympics

The Rev. Larry Schellink will present “The Power of… Continue reading

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith.
Unity in Port Townsend planning for Sunday services

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith will present “Love is Golden… Continue reading

OUUF speaker scheduled

The Rev. Dr. Barry Andrews will present “Walden in… Continue reading

ISSUES OF FAITH: Faith in the beauty of spring

“WOW! ISN’T THAT just beautiful?” This is what I find myself saying… Continue reading

Pictured are Susan Hillgren, on left, and Emily Murphy.
TAFY donation in Port Angeles

The Port Angeles Garden Club has donated $1,000 to The Answer For… Continue reading

The Olympic Kiwanis Club reports that its recent electronics recycling event was even more popular than planned for.
Kiwanis recycling event a success

The Olympic Kiwanis Club reports that its recent electronics recycling event in… Continue reading

Future Chefs contest names cooking contest winners

Sodexo and the Port Angeles School District have announced… Continue reading

A GROWING CONCERN: Get the dirt on soil

SINCE WE TALKED extensively about you growing your own award-winning vegetables, we… Continue reading

OPEN’s Spring Tack Sale is Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., 251 Roupe Road (off Hooker Road). Proceeds benefit rescued horses, minis, ponies (such as the one pictured with grossly overgrown hooves) and donkeys. Western and English saddles, saddle pads, halters, sheets, bits, bridles; western jewelry, clothes, boots and more. (photo by Valerie Jackson)
HORSEPLAY: Clean up after yourself and your horse

CLEAN UP ON aisle 7! Remember: Unlike a grocery store clerk who… Continue reading

ISSUES OF FAITH: Finding solace in song

WHEN OUR DAUGHTER Maggie died, I found so much comfort in listening… Continue reading

OUUF speaker scheduled

The Rev. Bruce Bode will present “Are All Humans… Continue reading

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith.
Unity in Port Townsend planning for Sunday services

The Rev. Pam Douglas-Smith will present “Love is Orange:… Continue reading