Went to the "map department" on 2nd floor of the County.

Here's what I found out:

Elk's picnic area is 100 % County owned, also County owns the road to the East of the picnic area.

The road to the East of the picnic area, is the road that has the New Gate. WDFW has nothing to do with this whole thing.

The road, that is now gated, has been a problem area. People used to pull small travel trailers in, and stay most of the summer, if not a trailer, then tents were also used.

The river has changed the gravel bar, used to be room for 4 - 6 trucks, that guys used while they were winter run steelhead fishing. Lower part of the road can be a 4 wheel drive show in the winter time.

There is another road that goes to the East, about 100 yards past the new gate. This road had a gate on it at one time but has not been locked for many years......10 years ago very few people used this road BUT that has changed......now many people drive down and fish the lower end of the Wynoochee River. I believe this land owner would like the new gate left...cars, trucks, and garbage is a problem.

That's what I know......the story continues.....