-
Lake Keechelus Motorized Use Closure on the Cle Elum Ranger District
The Lake Keechelus lakebed is closed to motor vehicles year-round for the protection of threatened fish species.
NFS Road 9070-219, including the boat ramp, is closed seasonally when the water levels at Lake Keechelus reservoir are below 2,480 feet. The seasonal closure effects from the exit of the Washington State Parks parking lot down to and including the Lake Keechelus boat ramp and parking lot.
Seasonal closure will typically be in effect from around July or August through early May; however, the date will vary based on reservoir elevation. To check current lake levels, visit www.usbr.gov. Please note that 2,480 feet corresponds to 49% full.
Alert Start Date: July 1, 2025
Alert End Date: June 30, 2027
Order Number: 06-17-03-25-05
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited in Lake Keechelus and adjacent lands on the Cle Elum Ranger District within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, to protect threatened species. This Order supersedes Order #06-17-03-23-07, dated July 27, 2023, signed by Forest Supervisor Kristin Bail. This Order is effective beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.
PROHIBITIONS:
1. Use of Motorized Vehicles off National Forest System Roads is Prohibited within the closure area, in and adjacent to Lake Keechelus, for the protection of threatened fish [36 CFR § 261.56]. See map below.
2. Use of Motorized Vehicles on National Forest System Road 9070-219 including its boat ramp is prohibited, seasonally, when the reservoir is drawn down to an elevation of 2,480 feet or below, for the protection of threatened fish, as described below and displayed on the attached maps. The dates of the closure will vary based the filling of the reservoir and operations of the Keechelus Dam. [36 CFR § 261.54 (a)].
CLOSURE AREA:
Year-round closure to motor vehicle use in the lakebed, shoreline, and adjacent area.
1. The area of Lake Keechelus below the high-water level (T. 21 N., R 11 E., Sections 1, 2, 11, and 12; T. 22 N., R. 11 E. Sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 16, 27, 34, and 35 WM).
2. The area from the high-water level 150’ away from Lake Keechelus (T. 21 N., R 11 E., Sections 1, 2, 11, and 12; T. 22 N., R. 11 E. Sections 14, 15, 22, 23, 16, 27, 34, and 35 WM).
3. The area extending 100’ on either side of FS 9070-219 and surrounding the Lake Keechelus boat ramp parking lot and all boat launches (T. 22 N., R11 E., Section 22 WM).
Seasonal closure to motor vehicles on NFS Rd 9070-219, while reservoir water level is low (below 2,480 feet), from the exit of the Washington State Parks Parking Lot down to and including the Lake Keechelus boat ramp and parking lot. (Estimated to be July/August through May 1 -- date may vary based on reservoir elevation) (T. 22 N., R11 E., Section 22 WM). All or part of the Lake Keechelus boat launch and day use area may be included in the seasonal closure.
Notably the Lake Keechelus boat ramp area is a Developed Recreation Site and designated as day use only. As such, all general prohibitions found in 36 CFR, part 261.16 are applicable, including, but not limited to, the following prohibitions: Overnight occupancy, camping, and vehicle use or parking outside of designated areas.
EXEMPTIONS:
Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
Note: These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.
Contact Name:
Cle Elum Ranger DistrictContact Number:
(509) 852-1100Maps
Images below will open full size in a new window.
