I am a volunteer with outdoor organizations in the Columbia River Gorge — on both sides of the river. In planning and leading hikes, I have encountered difficulty and confusion over Washington state’s Discovery Pass:
• What specific hikes require the pass;
• Which ones don’t;
• Which areas are closed to hikers (Coyote Wall?);
• Which areas are not?
When calling, I have been transferred to Ellensburg, Castle Rock and Olympia for information despite mentioning that these hikes were out of Bingen in the Columbia River Gorge.
Specific listings as to the pass requirements, the closed hikes and the open hikes need to be made crystal clear. Management on both sides of the river must do a better job conveying this information.
Hal A. White
Fairview, Ore.
