(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Strong storms during October 2010 caused extensive blowdown on remote hiking trails across the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District. Trails in Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness were most heavily affected and trail crews will begin clearing work in mid-June.

All trails on the Ketchikan road system have been cleared and are accessible to foot traffic. Due to the severity of the blowdown, crews will be unable to clear all remote trails this summer.

The current condition of some trails has been assessed and more information will be provided as summer progresses:

Punchbowl Lake Trail: Crews will begin clearing the trail to the waterfall on June 13th. Due to a major landslide, the trail will be closed beyond the waterfall for the remainder of the summer.
Nooya Lake Trail: Passable with significant blowdown
Winstanley Lake Trail: Passable with normal blowdown
Checats Lake Trail: Closed due to a major blowdown
Ella Lake Trail: Difficult due to significant blowdown
Manzanita Lake Trail: Passable until landslide at ~2.5 miles with minor blowdown. Manzanita Bay Shelter destroyed by blowdown.
McDonald Lake Trail: Clear
Naha River Trail: Clear
Fish Creek Trail: Clear to Wilderness boundary ~1 mile.
Shelokum Lake Trail: Clear

For current trail conditions throughout the summer, contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fiords Ranger District at (907) 225-2148.

Source of News: 

U.S. Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
www.fs.fed.us

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