Now that we have all added a new item to our packing checklist, we thought it was time to make some functional, yet beautiful, masks!
So, whether you’ve found some new quarantine-inspired creativity or you’ve been at it for years, we want to see what you’ve got! Enter as many designs as you’d like and once the submission period ends, the Mazama community will have the chance to vote on their favorite designs.
The design with the most votes will be available for pre-order purchase, at which time we will close the form and make our order. Masks will be sold for $21 each, with quantity-based discounts to ensure you have a mask for every occasion. The purchase price includes shipping and handling.
Masks will be made from stretch-woven polyester face fabric and cotton blend lining, with an antimicrobial finish. Comfortable, breathable, and built to last, it’s a great option for everyday wear or your next alpine adventure. Plus, they’re local! All masks will be made in Salem, OR by our friends at NW Alpine. Designers can get an idea of the possibilities at nwalpine.com/collections/masks.
Design Specs*
Designs should be in the spirit of the Mazama mission to “inspire everyone to love and protect the mountains.”
Designers may submit as many designs as they choose.
The following update on Gorge recreation was created and released by the USDA Forest Service in collaboration with Washington State Parks, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Dept., and the Oregon Dept. of Transportation.
May 27, 2020 — Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
A group of state and federal agencies are opening a limited number trails and day use sites in the Columbia River Gorge today, while crowded sites (including most waterfall viewing areas), campgrounds, and visitor’s centers remain closed.
When determining which facilities and services could resume, land managers followed CDC and state health authorities’ guidance for the outdoor recreation sector. The day use sites are part of a phased resumption of access that will likely span several months. Decisions are made in the interest of protecting the health of the public as well as local communities and agency employees, and sites could be subject to closing again if crowded conditions are deemed unsafe. The public should expect fewer available trails, activities, and services through the summer.
Agencies are coordinating their frameworks for phasing in access to public lands and waterways to make a conscious attempt to encourage visitors to disperse across as many alternative recreation opportunities as possible. Most waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls and others along the stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway known as “Waterfall Corridor,” remain closed because they draw millions of visitors from around the world each summer. Dog Mountain, Beacon Rock Trail, and several other narrow hiking trails also remain closed. The trails in the closed post-Eagle Creek Fire area (including Eagle Creek Trail itself and the nearby day use site) also remain closed.
The driveable portion of the Historic Columbia River Highway, also known as US 30 or the Scenic Byway, remains closed between Larch Mountain Road and Ainsworth.
Here is an interagency snapshot of recreation site status in the Columbia River Gorge as of May 27, 2020:
The Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail is open to pedestrians and bicyclists from Hood River to Mosier (the “Twin Tunnels” section) and along the newer section from Wyeth to Viento. The section from John B. Yeon to Cascade Locks remains closed (this includes John B. Yeon, Tooth Rock, and Cascade Locks trailheads and parking areas).
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has opened the following sites for day use:
Western Gorge
Eastern Gorge
Bass Lake Wildlife Area
Seufert Park
Fort Cascades National Historic Area
Hess Park
Hamilton Island Recreation Area (inc. the boat ramp)
Spearfish Park
North Shore Recreation Area
Avery Park
Tanner Creek Recreation Area
The Dalles Dam Northshore
Day use sights open in the Gorge.
Washington State Parks has opened Doug’s Beach and Columbia Hills State Park (including Horsethief Butte, Horsethief Lake, Dalles Mountain Ranch, and Crawford Oaks). Limited parts of Beacon Rock State Park are open, including the Doetsch Day Use Area, Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, equestrian trailhead, and boat launch.
Sandy River State Park (note: not the same as Sandry River Delta)
Oregon State Parks reopened on 5/27/2020.
The USDA Forest Service is opening:
Balfour-Klickitat
Lyle Trailhead & the Klickitat Trail
Bonneville Trailhead
Sams Walker
Bridge of the Gods Trailhead & the Pacific Crest Trail
St. Cloud Day Use Area
Catherine Creek Recreation Area
On the White Salmon Wild & Scenic River:
Herman Creek Trailhead
BZ Corners
Larch Mountain Recreation Area
Husum
USDA Forest Service managed trails reopened on 5/27/2020.
Skamania County has rescinded its Order of the Health Officer under RCW 70.05.070 that closed recreational hiking in Skamania County.
Visitors are asked to plan ahead, by checking agency websites or ReadySetGorge.com to see what is open before driving out and by considering a couple of “Plan B” recreation activities in case their first choice is too crowded when they arrive. Recreation sites may open or close with little advance notice; please respect any closures posted when you arrive.
Agencies are working in dialogue with a bi-state group of local and tribal leaders, and will monitor site use and its connection to local economic recovery as well as community health. Community leaders ask that you give them time before visiting, as the Gorge is still in transition. The Gorge is getting ready for visitors, but the region is still in recovery and is still adjusting and putting new measures in place.
Hike Leader Angela Schaefer enjoying the wildflowers around Mt. Hood in 2019.
Ahhh, Memorial Day. Barbeques, hikes, picnics — the symbolic start of summer, though not necessarily sunshine, in the Pacific Northwest. How serendipitous that our outdoors have begun to reopen for recreation just in time for us to use this 3-day weekend to its fullest.
If you choose to go outside, do your own research on the area you intend to visit and make back up plans! We highly encourage you to try to call ahead to be sure your destination is accepting visitors. And while we still may not be able to backpack or camp overnight in many places, we can still get outside every day and explore our beautiful, local areas.
Find the latest updates for the following agencies by clicking on their names:
As you venture back out to the trails, peaks, crags, and waters we love, we implore you to do so with an abundance of caution and flexibility. Luckily, as outdoor recreationists, we are better prepared than many to adapt to changing surroundings and circumstances, so use your training, do your research, and go forth into this 3-day weekend!
Have you found a helpful article or webpage in your research? Share it in the comments!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out these helpful guidelines shared by the Recreate Responsibly Coalition!
As an organization, the Mazamas is not here to tell what you should or should not do. We are working hard to build a community of trust and accountability, and we share these links as resources so that you can make informed decisions about recreating outdoors. We will add new resources as we find and receive them, and we encourage you to share helpful resources that you have found in the comments.
As temperatures rise and we see more bluebird days, we encourage everyone to make good decisions and err on the side of safety!
