Forty for Forty: Opening Day

Article in partner with The Wenatchee World 

Forty for Forty: Opening Day

Participating in any kind of ‘Opening Day’ is typically a celebratory occasion. In the case of Opening Day in the Wenatchee Foothills (April 1 each year), the celebration is about the end of winter, return of warmer weather, and the start of the spring wildflowers.
 

The celebration is also about instant access to many miles of trail that were closed for the benefit of mule deer throughout the snowy months. Tracts of land that open up for non-motorized visitation as of the beginning of April include the Sage Hills, Home Water Preserve, Horse Lake Reserve, Cashmere Canyons Preserve, and Mountain Home Ridge.
 

Much of the fun of this particular ‘Opening Day’ is its unpredictability. Some years bring gray skies, nippy winds, and only the tiniest of white wildflowers (Salt-and-Pepper) daring to face the elements. Other years bring blue skies, warmer temperatures and a bouquet of early bloomers like desert buttercups, spring beauties, prairie stars, and bluebells taking the gamble that a late
freeze will not nip them in the bud.

The other noteworthy aspect of Opening Day is the human element. People who have grown weary of walking their neighborhood streets, segments of The Loop Trail, or Saddle Rock are out enjoying the change in venue with a different sense of community. People, who in a month may be plugged into their Spotify playlists or racing to beat a time on Strava, are much more in the moment and willing to chat with others encountered along the trail. It’s a mood I wish would last longer, because why shouldn’t we celebrate the miracle and the beauty of these places every time we pay them a visit? Sadly as the months scroll by, the moods of visitors change. But not so on Opening Day. From those months of deprivation comes a greater appreciation of these natural lands and a communal enjoyment of seeing fellow trail lovers emerging from their winter shells.
 

Opening Day Details
 

Where. Tracts of land in our surrounding foothills that have reopened for the warm months
ahead include: Sage Hills, Home Water Preserve, Horse Lake Reserve, Cashmere Canyons,
and Mountain Home. We recommend visiting the low-lying areas in the Sage Hills for the first
half of April. In particular, the Sage Hills Trail, Broadview Trail, and Balsamroot Trail are among
the first to dry out and firm up. Usually, the higher trails on the Horse Lake Reserve and in
Cashmere Canyons will have muddy patches until later in the month.

Map. This Wenatchee Foothills Trail Map is useful in planning an Opening Day Walk:
https://www.cdlandtrust.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/2020%20Foothills_Trail_Map_.pdf 

Early Season Trail Etiquette. In early season the soils of some of the reopened lands may be
moisture-ladened and soft, especially as you gain elevation. Stay off trails when your boots or
bike tires leave prints more than a ¼” deep. Let such trails dry out and return in a week or two.
Cyclists who encounter short sections of muddy trail, should walk their bikes past such areas to
avoid leaving ruts in the trail — the grooves formed by bike tires accelerate the erosion of trails
during rain events.

All-Season Etiquette. All rules of responsible trail use apply when visiting these foothills lands
where a private organization or an individual landowner has allowed public access. Don’t litter,
and pick up any trash you find along your route. Use only the official trails and avoid
cross-country travel or the use of faint social trails. Keep your dogs leashed and scoop their
poop. Hunting and firearms are prohibited. Obey the posted hours of visitation. Camping is
prohibited as are campfires. Finally, smiling is mandatory — even if you’re winded and sweating.

Special Note. The trails of Cashmere Canyon Preserve are on private land and, due to the
generosity of the land owner, open to walkers and joggers. Dogs, mountain bikers, and
equestrian use are all prohibited.

Upcoming Event: Our trails reopen on April 1st, and we’re celebrating with the first event on
one of these newly reopened trails! Join us on April 5th at Kenzie’s Landing for Pets and People
Outdoors Dog Walk. Chelan-Douglas Land Trust and the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society
are hosting the 2nd Annual Pets & People Outdoors. This event aims to build community by
creating opportunities for people and their pets to come together and experience the beauty of
the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust’s protected trails. Register here:
https://www.cdlandtrust.org/outings-events/events/pets-people-outdoors-0 

Andy Dappen is a retired writer, the founder of the WenatcheeOutdoors.org website, and has
volunteered for Chelan-Douglas Land Trust in different capacities for over 20 years. Here are
several ways you can join him in supporting the work of the Land Trust: Become a Member | Chelan-Douglas Land Trust