Avoid Overcrowding at Trailheads

Please help the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ( WDFW) get the word out that, while our state has some really cool places to explore, if you get to your destination and find that it is already crowded, consider choosing a backup plan for the day and coming back when it is less crowded

Horseshoe Lake, in southern Pend Oreille County, was recently featured in a kayaker's guide book. While this is a positive thing, the traffic that has come with the recognition has not been.

The water access parking area has been filling up on weekends and holidays and overflow vehicles are parking in long lines along the county road, causing blocking and other safety issues. WDFW has video of this to share if you are interested.

WDFW Police will be conducting emphasis patrols of the area but we would like people to proactively find alternate destinations before overcrowding issues escalate further. If you need inspiration as to where to go, WDFW has an entire page dedicated to the topic called “Place to go.”

Please let me know if you have questions or would like video of the overcrowded Horseshoe Lake area.

Staci Lehman Communications Manager, WDFW, Public Affairs

509- 710- 4511