Friday, May 22, 2009

Some campsites will be open this weekend


By JASON KAUFFMAN
Express Staff Writer

Recent warm weather has allowed Sawtooth National Forest officials to open a number of local public campgrounds.

Due to the lingering snowpacks in other areas, a number of roads and trails will remain closed, a news release from the Sawtooth National Forest states.

Campers need to take extra precautions when they head out this weekend, said forest spokeswoman Julie Thomas.

"Regardless of where people go on the Sawtooth National Forest this weekend, they need to be aware of high, swift running rivers and streams," Thomas said. "The snow in the high country is melting rapidly and streams and rivers are running high and fast."

She said campers should keep an especially close eye on children and pets in areas around fast-moving water. Hikers, horseback riders and motorized users should be cautious when crossing fast-moving water, she said.

Even though many of the Sawtooth's developed campgrounds will be open, full services will not be provided at some sites, officials say.

Most forest roads located on the Sawtooth National Forest Ketchum Ranger District and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area remain wet and soft. Visitors are asked to stay off muddy roads and trails to avoid damage.

On the Ketchum Ranger District, the Boundary Campground northeast of Sun Valley midway up the Trail Creek drainage is open. Full services are available. Campsites cost $10 per night.

Here's a rundown of Sawtooth National Recreation Area campgrounds that will be open this weekend:

·  In the upper Wood River Valley, the North Fork, Murdock, Caribou and Wood River campgrounds will be open with full services.

· At Alturas Lake, the North Shore Picnic Area and Inlet and Smokey Bear campgrounds will not be open until June 5.

· The Pettit Lake Campground will be open this weekend.

· Except for Inlet and North Fork, all campgrounds at Redfish Lake will be open.

· The SNRA's Sunny Gulch Campground will be open. Fees of $16 per night for single units and $32 per night for double units will be charged.

· Downriver from Stanley, the Salmon River, Casino Creek, Upper O'Brien, Whiskey Flats and Holman campgrounds will be open.

· At Stanley Lake, the Inlet Campground will be open. The Lakeview Campground will not open until June 5.

· SNRA campgrounds at Sheep Trap Creek, Elk Creek and Grandjean will be open.

For current road and trail conditions for the Ketchum Ranger District, call (208) 622-5371. Other contacts for road and trail conditions include the SNRA visitor center at (208) 727-5013 and the Stanley Ranger Station at (208) 774-3000.

Jason Kauffman: jkauffman@mtexpress.com

Memorial Day celebration

A Memorial Day ceremony will take place at the Hailey Cemetery on Monday, May 25, at 11 a.m. rain or shine. For details, call 788-0139. A Memorial Day ceremony is also scheduled in Ketchum at the American Legion Hall, featuring speaker Major James D. Beaty, a 21-gun salute, a prayer and a fly-over by the Idaho National Guard. The service starts at 11 a.m. Details: 726-4733.




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