Sage Hills Trails Seasonal Closure

As the temperature drops and the threats of snow become a reality, the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust wants to remind the community of the annual closure of all Wenatchee Foothills trails north of Fifth Street, commonly referred to as the Sage Hills Trails. The trailhead parking areas at Horse Lake, Day Drive, and Canyon Number One Road will also be closed. The closure remains in effect from December 1^st, 2011through April 1^st, 2012.

Each December, these trails close to minimize human impacts to wildlife, particularly mule deer. Survival for deer is a battle against starvation – a deer may lose up to thirty percent of its body weight during the winter. Pregnant does and fawns particularly struggle with limited fat reserves. Dogs, on or off leash, and the mere presence of humans often cause deer to flee, wasting their precious energy. It is tempting for folks to get out on the trail to experience some of winter’s magic, but the winter closure is the most important time to avoid stressing deer.

About a third of the popular Sage Hills Trail, managed by the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, crosses the Home Water Wildlife Preserve. The Chelan PUD owns the Home Water Preserve as wildlife mitigation for Rock Island Dam and is required by federal regulators to manage it for mule deer and other wildlife. Allowing trail access across the preserve while protecting wildlife is a balancing act. Please respect the seasonal closure, as non-compliance may lead to a permanent closure of the PUD Wildlife Preserve to recreation.

Recreationalists looking to get out in the winter have many other local options. Jacobson Preserve, Saddle Rock, and Dry Gulch all have great trekking potential. The Loop Trail is a great place for biking, walking, or snow shoeing. Click here for a map of the Wenatchee Foothills trails.