Does anyone know when the ITT Rayonier gate into Tall Timbers (Bogachiel/Calawah forks) will open? Was over last weekend and it was locked. I remember it always being open by Thanksgiving. Would appreciate any info.

They're actively logging the entrance area right now and I don't believe public access will be allowed until the logging is finished. I have no idea when that will be.

Bob is right. The gate is open now from time to time while they are working but its posted not to enter. Some guys from out of town went down anyways last week and got locked in. Rayioner was not happy about it so they waited 5 hours or so to lett the guys out.

And it was awesome floating down there yesterday and not seeing one bank fisherman! Not that
I think they shouldent be there. Just a nice suprise!!! I enjoyed it but wont get used to it!
Hey Ric were you there? I parked at the Forks and walked up a bit. Only 4 boats too! Needless to say my first Steelie trip was a HOOT!

Bob D

The gate was open Tuesday and the loggers were working. I parked, walked, and another fisherman drove past me and suggested that I go back and drive down. He said they'd close it by 5 PM and I was out by 4 PM. Does ITT have a number to check? Kind of far to walk. Have to take the mountain bike.

I wouldnt go down there if I where you! They dont whant anybody in there while they are working, driving, walking rideing a bike. I heard today they would persue tresspass charges on anybody behind that gate even if it is open. It is a liability for them as they are logging.

Remember that land is owned by the Rayonier timber company, it is not public or state land. It is a privliage to use that entry not a right. If people keep going down there they may close it for good.

If they get too fed up they could also close the Goodman mainline from both sides as well as countless other roads giving access to other small rivers and streams. Dont say it wouldnt happen because they could. They have threatened to do it before.

[ 12-01-2001: Message edited by: RICH G ]

That would really suck if they closed the gate for good, especially for bankies like myself. Is there a way to access that drift from either of the hatcherys just above.

You can cross the Clawah at the tail of the south pond drift if its low enough. Thats the only way I know off. I only do that in the summer time, wouldnt recomend it in the winter unless you whant that to be the last time anybody sees you.

Definitely too much water for me to cross in the winter!!

There used to be an over the hill route into Tall Timbers a little before the current gate. Any of that still accessible? It still is Rayonier but maybe they aren't working there?

I agree with RichG. Cooperate with Rayonier or we could see road closures like other timber companies did along rivers that drain into the strait...

Rich, Excuse me for being ignorant. The sign was halfway down and it sounds like I got some bad information. In some locations timber companies open up their land for hunting, fishing and litter clean-up and have detailed signs, and phone numbers to find out when the roads are open. The place I fish most often is open on weekends to vehicular traffic and you can bike or hike it even when they're logging.

As soon as they are done working im sure it will be open agian. You might whant to call Rayonier and ask them personally. As far as I know it is closed for liability reasons due to thier logging and will remain closed untill they are done. Im pretty sure it is closed to any type of entry walking and bycycles included. But like I said call them to be sure. I could be wrong.

Thanks for the info guys. This has been a mainstay of mine for the past 20 years.