This Order prohibits pulling any type of trailer on the Harts Pass Road (5400) from the intersection of #5400000 and Road #5400060 (the road that leads to the West Fork Methow trailhead) to Harts Pass and all roads beyond including 5400500/5400600/5400700.
PROHIBITIONS
The following acts are prohibited within the Methow Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest:
Pulling any type of trailer that is defined under State Law as a trailer on the Harts Pass Road (5400) from the intersection of the 5400000 and road 5400060 (the road that leads to the West Fork Methow trailhead) to Harts Pass and all roads beyond including 5400500/5400600/5400700. [36 CFR 261.54 (a)].
BACKGROUND
This Order is for public safety to drive on the Harts Pass Road. The portion of the road from its intersection with the 5400060 road to it terminus at Harts Pass, is narrow and steep, with intermittent turnouts, and receives a considerable amount of vehicle traffic during the snow-free months. Vehicles pulling trailers would create a hazard on this section of road because drivers are frequently required to back up and pull into turnouts to let oncoming traffic pass
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EXEMPTIONS
The following persons are exempt from this order:
- Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
- Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force, in the performance of an official duty.
- Vehicles pulling snowmobile trailers that are hauling snowmobiles and that are 20 feet or less in length from the ball hitch / hitch point of the trailer connecting to a vehicle to the back end of such trailer. Any altered extension on such trailers will be included in total length. From the Dates of November 1 to December 1, and April 1 to June 1, of each year until such order is terminated.
The road is closed to all motorized wheeled vehicles from December 1 to March 31 of each year.
This replaces the closure shown on the Okanogan National Forest Travel Plan map for the 5400000 Road.
This restriction is effective the date signed below and will remain in effect until rescinded.
Camp Observer
