Weekend Report 8/1 - 8/2

Recreation Ambassador Program – Weekend Report 8/1 - 8/2

Weekend Summary:

This week there were less reported interactions (1,041 interactions), we didn’t have as many interactions, but it was still reported that there were a lot of cars parked on both sides of the road. Both River and Forest locations were fully staffed Saturday and Sunday. Chelan County Mountain Rescue covered the three Forest Service locations (Icicle Gorge, Eight-mile Trailhead, and Colchuck/Stuart Lake Trailhead). The Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue covered the three River locations (Barn Beach, East Leavenworth Boat Launch, and the Bridge River Access/Icicle Bridge Put-in).

Surveys showed the river and riverbanks were mostly clean, it was noted there were a couple pieces of trash on the shores. The river was steady with recreators, but not too overcrowded. The main topic of conversation for the rec ambassadors was about the free shuttle. 27 our those surveyed had heard about the free Leavenworth shuttle, mainly from word of mouth or social platforms. We had a lot of interactions with both locals and non-locals. The non-locals were mainly from all over Washington and Oregon. 

The main concern at trailheads was the parking, ambassadors spent a lot of time trying to inform guests where they are allowed to park. Like last week many guests ended up parking on both sides of the road causing difficulty for emergency vehicles to get up there. Eight-Mile trailhead lost parking due to guest parking there for Colchuck. It was reported that many guests had confusion about payment for the trail. At each trailhead restrooms were in different shape, Eight-mile was well stalked with supplies, Colchuck was noted to be messy, and Icicle Gorge was very low on toilet paper. 

Volunteer Impact:

·      Visitor Interactions: Weekend Total – 1,041

·      Surveys Conducted: 45

·      Trash Removed: 2, 30 Gallon Bags

Survey Highlights:

Visitor Origin:

·      27.5% of River users surveyed were local. 72.5% were not local. 

·      80% of hikers were non-local with visitors from Oregon, California, and Canada.

 Recreation Type:

·      80% of hikers surveyed went to Icicle Gorge, 20% went to Colchuck, and 0% went to Eight-mile.

·      60% of surveyors were tubers, 22.5% paddleboarders, 10% kayakers, 5% other and 2.5% rafters.

Conditions Reported:

·      A couple of surveys reported lack of toilet paper and messy bathrooms. 

·      It was reported that parking was busy with cars parked on both sides of the road. 

·      It was reported that at the beginning of Colchuck/Stuart Lake trail there was a lot of trash.

Post-Recreation Plans:

·      After floating the river 47.5% of surveyors plan on going to their lodging accommodations, 42.5% plan to go to a restaurant, 10% other and 0% shopping. 

·      After Hiking 60% of surveyors plan to visit a restaurant, 20% plan to go to their lodging accommodations and 20% plan to go shopping. 

Transportation & Parking

·      67.5% of river users surveyed had previously heard about the City’s free river shuttle.

37.5% of surveyors used their own vehicle after their float, 35% walked, 22.5% Shuttled and 5% other. 

For more information, please email Miranda at Recreation@leavenworth.org