This stewardship project is an extensive collaborative effort with the Methow Valley Ranger District (MVRD) of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and dozens of local, state, and national conservation and recreation partners. The Washington Pass Spires area along the North Cascades Scenic Corridor, specifically the subalpine environment on the west slope of Liberty Bell Mountain, has been accessed by climbers and hikers since the 1940s. For thousands of people from diverse locations, this “trail” has been their first foray into the alpine areas of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the North Cascades. Users from all over the world come to climb and simply hike up towards the spires to enjoy the incredible landscape. It is a spectacular area that includes two of the most popular alpine climbs in Washington State, the Beckey Route on Liberty Bell and the South Arête of South Early Winter Spire, often first objectives for new alpine climbers. Read the joint comment letter. 

Washington Wild focuses both on permanently protecting wild lands and waters while also preserving and enhancing recreational access to those same wild places. Access is a major reason we work so hard to protect places like the Wild Sky Wilderness, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions, and the Pratt & Middle Fork Snoqualmie Wild & Scenic Rivers is so that current and future generations can continue to enjoy these incredible places.

Washington Wild has led efforts with like-minded conservation and recreation organizations to proactively preserve and enhance recreational access on federal lands statewide. As part of our coalition building efforts we work hard to bring all sorts of Conservation Voices to our work including mountain bikers, paddlers, back country horsemen, and many others.