I found this thread about a month ago and since then I have gone to the Granite Falls location and the place west of McCleary, both locations had “No Shooting” signs posted.
The location near Granite Falls had a sign posted (as soon as I turned on Mt. Pilchuck road) that I interpreted to mean shooting was allowed provided:
1. You are not within a 150 yards of a residence, building, campsite, or occupied area.
2. Not shooting across a National Forest System road or body of water, or any place whereby any person or property is exposed to injury or damage as a result.
I thought everything was fine until I reached the turnoff for the gravel pit and I saw sign number two. “No Shooting. This area is closed to discharging of firearms per 36 CFR 261.10(d)(l). USDA Forest Service Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest Law Enforcement and Investigation.”
At first I was hoping this was a sign posted by an anti-gun person in an attempt to keep shooters away. Then a woman in a forestry truck saw me reading the sign and informed me that shooting was not allowed at this gravel pit anymore. After picking up some empty ammo boxes and trash I decided to stop by the Darrington ranger station. I was informed by two rangers that shooting was not allowed anywhere in the Darrington district of the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest because it was considered “occupied” (the entire forest). The female Ranger was more than helpful in giving me the contact information of the people in charge while the male Ranger seemed disgusted that I was even asking about shooting. The male ranger left and a few minutes later a sheriff walks in. I had a very nice talk with the sheriff about gun ranges in the area and how difficult it was to find informal shooting areas in western WA. He at least seemed sympathetic.
I am in the process of contacting Peter Forbes (Darrington District Ranger) about his decision to classify the entire Darrington district as “occupied”, but in the mean time I am still on the hunt for a place to shoot.
The place west of McCleary looked like private property owned by a logging company. It had a gate blocking the road and a “no shooting” sign. Not sure if I even have a right to complain about that one (but it did look like a very nice place to shoot).
Does anyone have updated information on any of the other places posted in this thread? I am willing to do a 2-3 hour drive (each way) to a location that I know I will be able to shoot at once I get there. I will keep trying places mentioned in this thread but this approach is getting expensive (gas) and the disappointment of packing up my stuff, driving for several hours, then returning home with all of my ammo (and some trash) is starting to get to me.
Are there types of land open to shooting other than national forests?
I know the end solution is to buy my own land but that is not an option at this point in my life.
Any pointers or location updates would be appreciated.