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Encountered a ranger on Twin Falls trail

Aaron1124

Regular Member
Joined
Jul 5, 2009
Messages
2,044
Location
Kent, Washington, USA
My wife, daughter and myself (along with out dog) went on a hike up at Twin Falls State Park. On our way back down the trail, we encountered the park ranger, who was on his way up, doing his foot patrol. He saw my sidearm, and just said "smart man. Stay safe guys." and kept walking.

Just thought I'd share it, as I thought it was pretty cool.

Got me thinking. Are Park Rangers commissioned officers in the entire state, similar to how other officers? Or are they just commissioned on state parks property?
 

tony d tiger

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Joined
Apr 15, 2010
Messages
167
Location
, Washington, USA
State Park Ranger is equivelant to State Patrol in authority... but only in the park grounds... if that's what you were asking.
IOW their authority does not extend beyond state park boundries.

...'course, that is conjectural, as I have had several discussions with State Park Rangers about it - never researched it, so no cite. *shrug*

So I went looking, and found this:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bill Reports/House/1321 HBA PSEP 11.pdf

so maybe it is changed.
 

jt59

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Joined
Jul 19, 2010
Messages
1,005
Location
Central South Sound
State Park Ranger is equivelant to State Patrol in authority... but only in the park grounds... if that's what you were asking.
IOW their authority does not extend beyond state park boundries.

...'course, that is conjectural, as I have had several discussions with State Park Rangers about it - never researched it, so no cite. *shrug*

So I went looking, and found this:
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Bill Reports/House/1321 HBA PSEP 11.pdf

so maybe it is changed.

Nope,

It died in committee

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1321&year=2011
 

.45ACPaddy

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Joined
Oct 15, 2009
Messages
999
Location
Lakewood, WA
Heck I got questioned the heck out of when I went hiking with friends in Olympic National Park with my sidearm. One of us pointed out that it could come in handy in case of a bear attack, and the ranger said "Oh our bears aren't like that."

*facepalm*

I'll have to check out where you're hiking, sounds like they have some common sense.
 

amlevin

Regular Member
Joined
Feb 16, 2007
Messages
5,937
Location
North of Seattle, Washington, USA
They must have very friendly grizzlies.

Nah, just "Blackies" which are the smaller of the bears. When I used to hike in the Olympics all you'd see, for the most part, was their scat. If they heard you coming they took off and hid. You might see one across a meadow or open area but encountering one on the trail was rare. Cougar's, on the other hand are more dangerous in the ONP and I don't mean the ones from Wazoo.
 

Trigger Dr

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Joined
Oct 3, 2007
Messages
2,760
Location
Wa, ,
Nah, just "Blackies" which are the smaller of the bears. When I used to hike in the Olympics all you'd see, for the most part, was their scat. If they heard you coming they took off and hid. You might see one across a meadow or open area but encountering one on the trail was rare. Cougar's, on the other hand are more dangerous in the ONP and I don't mean the ones from Wazoo.

I met a VERY friendly Cougar at the ball game the other day.
 

amlevin

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Feb 16, 2007
Messages
5,937
Location
North of Seattle, Washington, USA
I met a VERY friendly Cougar at the ball game the other day.

The one on the right or left?

story.jpg
 

jt59

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Jul 19, 2010
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1,005
Location
Central South Sound

YoungSoldier

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Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
13
Location
Auburn, Washington
Park rangers are limited authority peace officers similar to a corrections officer in authority. At least that was the case the last time I checked. I believe in you look under title 10 of the RCW you may find your answer.
 
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