KINDLY NOTE: I can barely look at any pictures or coverage of the endless wildfires in the Pacific Northwest, Montana and California, let alone natural settings near and dear to me, and so I have chosen not to post any directly, yet I’ve provided links to horrific pictures for those who’d like to see the devastation to 3 fires in my location (that I’ve showcased below) and beyond. My own pictures and outdoor recreation links are meant to: remind all of us of the majesty of nature right now during this awful time in our nation; of its ability to humble mankind; of the fact that we share this planet with amazing creatures; to heed a never-ending call to keep our footprints light; and perhaps to remember to teach our children well.
. . .
There are currently 13 active wildfires in Washington State with 163,055 total acres ablaze: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, South Puget Sound Region, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Idaho Panhandle National Forest, Colville Agency and Colville National Forest, Northwest Region Department of Natural Resources, and Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Having lived here my entire life (aside from some international travels for about 10 years), I’ve spent time in every one of these locations either camping, hiking, swimming, boating and SUPing, and skiing and snow-shoeing. Having traveled the world, I consider the Pacific Northwest one of the most beautiful places on earth and I love Washington State immensely. I was born and raised in a little one-horse farm town once famous for sweet onions and now home to multi-million dollar wineries and tourism. I’ve attended 3 major universities in this state all representing different climates and geography. Five of the 13 active incidences are in the Okanogan-Wentachee National Forest and closest to my current home, and 3 of those 5 are here:
. . .
NORSE PEAK (click link to see pictures of the fires)
Fires were ignited by lightning on August 10th and 11th, in the vicinity of the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness Areas on the Naches Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The fires are burning in steep rocky terrain, with difficult access. Two of the fires have reached significant size and remain active: the Norse Peak Fire (burning north of State Route 410 (SR410) near Union Creek) and the American Fire (burning between SR410 and Bumping Lake). These fires are all being managed collectively as “Norse Peak.” Fuels involved are timber (litter and understory) and heavy logging slash.
The area supports wildlife such as deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the Northern Bald Eagle, the Northern Spotted Owl, gray wolves and grizzly bears also find havens in nearby ecosystems.
. . .
UNO PEAK (click to see pictures of the fire)
The Uno Peak Fire is burning in the steep slopes of the east shore of Lake Chelan on lands managed by the USFS. It is approximately 15 air miles from the community of Manson, Washington. The fire began on August 30th, 2017. The cause is under investigation. It is burning in timber, heavy downed wood, brush, and grass. Fuels involved are timber and brush, heavy snag load and downed wood from previous fires in the area. The live woody and herbaceous fuel moisture is at critical levels.
There are thousands of different wildlife species, but the most notable in the Chelan area are black bears and grizzly bears, cougars, mule deer, bighorn sheep and raptors such as red-tailed hawk, nesting eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures.
. . .
JACK CREEK (click to see pictures of the fire and read that officials are saying this is an ecological role)
The Jack Creek fire started by lightning on August 11, 2017. It sat dormant for several weeks with minimal fire activity before burning into receptive fuels and growing. Continued low humidity levels and high temperatures also contributed to increased fire activity. The wildfire is burning approximately 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, Washington. This fire’s fuel is timber.
Notable wildlife in the Leavenworth area is of course spring chinook salmon, many species of migratory birds, beavers, river otters, mink, bats, lizards and mule deer. Salmon spawn in August and you can occasionally see black bear fish for salmon.
. . .
Enjoy some additional photos. A gift to your eyes.
WOW everyone!! A big heartfelt thanks for sending this to the rec list. Very unexpected yet happy to show off my state, natural beauty and the importance of stopping to smell the roses when things seem so dire. Remember, no matter what, the word is still a beautiful place.