Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content

PREPARED FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY PARKS, RECREATION AND TOURISM

11/02/2018 | PRELIMINARY REVIEW - DRAFT 1 Introduction

The river access points along the Skykomish- A message should communicate the essential Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content Snohomish river system are managed by different information in as concise a manner as possible. For The information enclosed identifies the signage agencies. Over time each management agency has example, instead of the sign reading “Park Hours: content that will be displayed at the access sites. Not implemented signage that uses various messages Opens at dawn and closes at dusk” a more precise all access sites will require all messages supplied. to provide wayfinding, warning, safety or other message would be “Hours: Dawn to Dusk”. Crowding Rather, each site shall only use the messages that are information to the public. The sign messages vary per signs with too many words or lines of text makes relevant to that site. site even when they are conveying the same message. it harder to read. It is also important to note that To create a successful signage system, it is important the average American will only spend three to five The charts shown on the following pages are divided that a consistent, concise, and clear collection of seconds reading a sign. Therefore, simplifying a into three columns: messages be displayed at the river access sites. message to communicate the core and necessary Column 1 – Category/Existing Sign Message information is more effective, when trying to get the This column identifies the type of signage content Consistency general public to read a sign. Consistency and uniformity in how a sign message such as identification, warning, safety messages etc. is displayed is essential for clearly communicating Symbols and pictograms must be emphasized over It also shows all the messages that were found at the information within a signage system. All sign messages verbiage, with today’s international clientele and the access sites that provide the same basic meaning or that convey relatively the same basic meaning should limited amount of time people will spend reading a information. be consolidated into a single message that can be sign. Symbols are used on signage as a shorthand Column 2 – Recommended Symbol used at all access sites. Once the message has been substitute for words. Symbols are very useful in This column shows the symbol that is recommended determined, it should be used the same way on every signage programs because they conserve sign space, to use to convey a sign message. sign and at each access site where applicable. their meaning can transcend language barriers, and they can often communicate more clearly and Column 3 – Recommended Message Concise concisely than words and arrows. Where possible it is This column shows how the existing messages have The sign message vocabulary must be concise to recommended that a symbol be used to emphasize a been modified to provide a more consistent, concise, conserve space on the sign panels as well as to prevent message or to replace a word. and clear message. information overload. Some access sites do not provide enough information while others sign for too much. Clear Action Item In some cases, the information provided at the site It is equally important to make sure the vocabulary The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is to review the intertwines “nice to know” information with “should used on the signs do not use terms or symbols that enclosed content and evaluate if the Recommended know information” and “must know information”. In are unfamiliar to the general public. Sign messages Symbols and Recommended Messages adequately these instances, too much information is posted and should be clear and concise and should not include convey the messages that are needed at the access the most important messages go unnoticed. jargon or difficult words. sites. The TAG is to supply changes to the content as necessary and may request to add or remove certain content as necessary.

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 2 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE SITE IDENTIFICATION Site Identification • Cady Landing N/A Cady Park • Stocker Property N/A Stocker Property • Lewis Street N/A Lewis Street • Al Borlin Park N/A Al Borlin Park • Ben Howard N/A Ben Howard • Sportsman’s Park N/A Sportsman’s Park • Steelhead County Park N/A Steelhead County Park • Big Eddy N/A Big Eddy • Cable Drop N/A Cable Drop • Eagle Falls N/A Eagle Falls • Skykomish Bridge N/A Skykomish Bridge SITE MANAGEMENT IDENTIFICATION Agencies • City of Monroe City of Monroe

• City of Snohomish City of Snohomish

• National Parks National Parks

• Snohomish County Seattle Northcountry

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 3 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE • Town of Skykomish Town of Skykomish

• US Forest Service US Forest Service

• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

• Washington State Parks Washington State Parks

AMENITIES/ACTIVITIES Boat Launch • River Access N/A River Access • Kayak Rack N/A Boat Rack • Hand Launch Small Boat Boat Launch • Hand-carry Boat Hand-carry Boat Launch • Canoe • Kayak

• Motor Boat Launch Boat Launch Motor Boat Launch

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 4 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Restroom • Restrooms Restrooms

Recreation Areas • Picnic Area Picnic

• Trailhead Bridal Veil Falls Trail Centennial Trail Lake Serene Trail Maloney Creek Trail Snohomish River Trail Snoqualmie Trail Susie’s Trail • Fishing Area Fishing • Public Fishing

• Swimming Swimming • Beach Area Beach

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 5 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE DESTINATIONS Attractions • Cadman Site N/A Cadman Site Districts • Borlin Park District N/A Borlin Park District • Downtown Skykomish N/A Downtown Skykomish • Downtown Sultan N/A Downtown Sultan • Monroe Historic Downtown N/A Monroe Historic Downtown Parks • Al Borlin Park N/A Al Borlin Park • Lewis Street Park N/A Lewis Street Park • Osprey Park N/A Osprey Park • Skykomish River Centennial Park N/A Skykomish River Park • Sultan Skate park N/A Sultan Skate Park • Sultan River Park N/A Sultan River Park PARKING SIGNAGE Car Parking • Car Parking Only Cars • Parking in designated parking areas only.

Trailer Parking • Trailer Parking Only Trailers • Vehicles towing trailers must park in the upper lot. • Parking is designated parking areas only.

• Overflow Parking Overflow

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 6 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Emergency Parking • Emergency Vehicle Parking Only No Parking Emergency Vehicles Only

No Parking • No Parking Beyond This Point No Parking • Do Not Park On Launch Area No Parking Anytime • Parking is prohibited on the boat launch, and in front of “No No Parking Beyond This Point Parking” signs. No Parking Loading Zone Only No Parking Launch • Vehicles blocking the boat launch or access roads can be towed No Parking Beach Area or ticketed. No Parking Launch or Beach Area • No Vehicles Allowed on Beach Areas • No Parking: Loading Zone • No Parking Anytime • No Parking Beyond This Sign • No Parking Always Keep Clear • No Parking Emergency Access Only Tow-Away Zone Emergency Access Only Tow-Away Zone • Please park in a way that allows emergency vehicles unrestricted access to all areas of the park.

Fee Information • Access Fee: $10/day $30/year N/A Access Fee: $10/day $30/year • Fee Area: $10/day $30/year • $10 Parking Fee or Pass Required • Recreation Fee Area: Discover Pass Required or Vehicle Access Recreation Fee Area: Discover Pass Required or Vehicle Access Pass Pass • Discover Pass Required or Vehicle Access Pass • Discover Pass Required • Discover Pass Required Here

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 7 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE State Parks Permit • Commercial User Must Have A Valid State Parks Permit N/A Commercial user must have a valid State Parks permit or pay the • Commercial Users Must Have A Valid Permit daily fee • If you are here more than 15 minutes you need to have a valid Washington State pass displayed or pay the daily fee. Fees are used to help maintain this area. SITE RULES & REGULATIONS Park Rules • Fires Only in Barbeque’s Provided N/A Fires only in BBQ’s provided • Fires Only in BBQ’s Provided • Groups of 50 or more must apply for special event permit at City N/A Groups of 50 or more must apply for a special event permit at City Hall Hall • Groups of more than 30 must have a park usage permit. Obtain Groups of 30 or more must apply for a park usage permit at City at City Hall Hall • Vehicles must stay on roadways and obey all posted signs. N/A Stay on designated roadways Violators will be impounded. • Pedestrians stay on designated trails and bridges. N/A Stay on designated trails and bridges • Stay on designated trails Stay on designated trails Do Not Enter / Exit • DO NOT ENTER DO NOT ENTER

• Exit N/A Exit Clearance Height • 11 FT. 9 IN. N/A CLEARANCE 11' 9"

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 8 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Overnight Parking or Camping • No Overnight Camping or Parking. The park closes at dusk, and No Overnight Parking or Camping. Vehicles will be towed at the the gate will be closed at that time. Any vehicles left in the park owner’s expense. after dark can be towed at the owner’s expense. No overnight parking or camping.

Access Site/Boat Launch Information • Information Information

Site Hours • This Area Closed During Hours of Darkness N/A Hours: Dawn to Dusk • Park Hours Dawn-Dusk • Park Hours: Opens at dawn and closes at dusk • Closed During Hours of Darkness • Park Closes at Sunset • Hours: Dawn to Dusk Trash / Litter • Leave no trace, Pack out all waste Pack It In • Pack It In Pack It Out: Please Carry Out All Trash Pack It Out • Pack-It-In Pack-It-Home: Please Recycle • Pack it in, Pack it out. Help keep this park beautiful by taking your garbage with you. • Dispose of Trash

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 9 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE • Please take care of this area - Pack out your litter Be Considerate • Please keep our state clean and green Litter causes harm to the river and wildlife. • Take Only Pictures... Leave only footprints... Thank you Keep Our Home Clean • No Littering • Please do your part to control littering • Be responsible with litter. Pack it Out • Dumping of Garbage or litter is strictly prohibited. Fines up to $5,000 and jail Dog Waste • Dog Waste is a threat to the health of our children-degrades our Be Considerate town-transmits disease. Clean up after your dog, It’s required by Keep your dog leashed. the law! Maximum $100.00 Fine Pick up after your pet. • Pet Owners are responsible for following scoop law Fines up to $200 • Pet owners must follow scoop law. • Dog Waste: Dog waste transmits disease, contaminates drinking water. Leash - Curb and clean up after your dog. It’s the law. $25.00 to $200.00 fine. • Clean Up Animal Waste • Its is unlawful to allow domestic animals to run at large • All pets must be kept on leashes Prohibited Items/Activities • Do not feed the waterfowl or other animals. Do not feed the animals

• No Graffiti Graffiti is prohibited by law. Violators will be prosecuted.

• No Hunting or Gathering No Hunting or Gathering • No Hunting No Hunting

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 10 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE • Fireworks are prohibited Prohibited Items / Activities • No Fires of Fireworks No Fires • No Fires No Fireworks • No weapons or fireworks No Alcohol No Weapons • It is unlawful to discharge weapons, rockets, or fireworks. • No Alcohol • No Alcohol While Boating • Alcohol consumption is prohibited in city parks.

• Fire are not permitted. Charcoal is allowed for cooking in BBQ’s No fires. Charcoal is allowed for cooking in BBQ’s only. only.

• Glass containers and bottles are not allowed on the beach, or No glass or bottles on the beach or near the river near the river.

• No Dumping N/A No Dumping • Help Protect Water Quality: Do Not Wash Gear or Dump Protect the River: Do not wash gear or dump wastewater Wastewater In This Area

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 11 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Valuables • Do not leave valuables in unattended vehicles. N/A Do not leave valuables in car Trespassing • Park not open to the public beyond this point N/A No Trespassing • Private Property: No Trespassing Private Property • No Trespassing No Trespassing • Park Boundary, Please Respect Private Property • The State Park boundary is from the highway bridge to the railroad trestle. Do not trespass on provide property on either side of the river, and do not cross the railroad trestle, or trespass on railroad property. Violators can be ticketed and expelled from park property. Surveillance • Area Monitored by Video Surveillance N/A Area Monitored by Video Surveillance • This area is subject to surveillance • This Area is Now Under Surveillance. Individuals Who Vandalize Or Steal Property Will Be Prosecuted. Emergency Information Emergency Information Big Eddy State Park Telephone Numbers N/A Emergency Information • Park Ranger: 360-793-0420,360-793-2128, cell:360-631-6080 Big Eddy State Park, • Sheriff: 911 43000 S.R. 2, Goldbar, WA • W.A. State Patrol: 911 • Sheriff, W.A. State Patrol, Fire Department, or Ambulance: 911 • Hospital: Valley General Hospital, 147 SE 179th Ave. SE, Monroe, • Park Ranger: 360-793-0420, 360-793-2128, 360-631-6080 WA, 360-794-7497 • Hospital: Valley General Hospital, 147 SE 179th Ave. SE, Monroe, • Medic 1 or Ambulance: 911 WA, 360-794-7497 • Forest Fire Reporting (DNR): 1-800-562-6010 • Forest Fire Reporting (DNR): 1-800-562-6010 • Local Fire Department: District 26, 360-793-1335 or 911 • Local Fire Department: District 26, 360-793-1335 • You are at Big Eddy State Park, 43000 S.R. 2, Goldbar, WA • For further information contact Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 • For further information contact Wallace Falls State Park, 14503 Wallace Lk. Rd., Goldbar, WA, 360-793-0420 Wallace Lk. Rd., Goldbar, WA, 360-793-0420

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 12 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE • Warning Dangerous River. In case of emergency dial 911 and N/A In case of emergency dial 911 state that you are at Eagle Falls. Snohomish County Fire District You are at Eagle Falls Milepost 39, US Hwy 2 28. • Learn What to Do in an Emergency: Respond quickly when someone appears to be in trouble. Contact 911 immediately and initiate CPR if necessary. Know your location: Eagle Falls Milepost 39, US Hwy 2 • Call 911 for Emergencies N/A Call 911 for Emergencies • All park emergencies call 911 • Emergency Call Box Emergency Call Box Report Vandalism • To report vandalism or damage in city parks call 360-568-3115 N/A To report vandalism or damage in city parks call 360-568-3115 (Stocker Property)

WARNING SIGNAGE River Hazards • Warning Dangerous Undertow: Many people have drown here Caution where the Sultan River Meets the Skykomish. Extreme Caution Strong under-currents. Required. Danger of drowning. • Hazardous Waters

• Warning: River Hazard, Washington State Parks has been made Caution aware that there is a significant river hazard downstream of Big Large Woody Debris Eddy. Though this hazard is not in the park it will affect people Debris downstream can trap rafts/tubes. launching from this location. The hazard is a strainer (a channel May cause injury or death. obstruction by the large woody debris field) in which tubes and rafts can easily be sucked in and become trapped. A whirlpool has developed as a result of the obstruction magnifying the hazard as navigation becomes more challenging. Please know your limits as navigating this large debris field has been challenging and scary for skilled boaters. • River Closed to Trail. Dangerous Falls N/A Dangerous waterfalls ahead. Do not proceed. Take all craft out here.

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 13 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Salmon Spawning • Warning Salmon Spawning Area Caution • Wood Creek is a salmon spawning stream - Please Respect Salmon Spawning Riparian Habitat Sensitive Habitat. Do not tread.

Dam Releases • Power project water releases cause sudden river surges without Caution warning! Dam Release Dam releases cause sudden river surges without warning. Check the dam release schedule at: www.snopud.com

Invasive Species • STOP! Spreading Milfoil Around! Remove all plant from boats N/A Invasive Plant Species and trailers Prevent the spread of Milfoil!

Milfoil is an invasive aquatic plant that grows under the water surface in thick dense mats. It destroys critical fish and wildlife habitat and reduces recreational opportunities on the river.

Remove all plants from boats and trailers. • Knotweed is an invasive species Invasive Plant Species Prevent the spread of Knotweed!

Knotweed is an invasive plant species that grows along the riverbanks. It destroys critical fish and wildlife habitat and reduces recreational opportunities on the river.

Avoid contact with the plant and do not disturb established infestations.

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 14 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Rapid Classes • Rapids are class 1-2 N/A Don’t Attempt Rapids Beyond Your Ability • Rapids are class 2-3 Class 1, Skill Level: Novice • Rapids are class 3-4 Moving water with a few riffles and small waves. Few or no • Rapids are class 3 and above obstructions. Class 2, Skill Level: Novice Easy rapids with smaller waves, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering may be required.

Class 3, Skill Level: Intermediate Rapids with moderate, irregular waves. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control is required. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties.

Class 4, Skill Level: Advanced Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require complex maneuvering in turbulent water. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control is required. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties.

Class 5, Skill Level: Expert Extremely difficult, long, and very violent rapids with highly congested routes, which should be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult, and there is a significant hazard to life in the event of a mishap.

Class 6, Skill Level: Expert Exemplifies the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability, and danger. The consequences of errors are severe and rescue may be impossible. Experts only, at favorable water levels, after close inspection and taking all precautions.

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 15 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE • Warning rivers are dangerous! Rivers contain unseen currents N/A River Hazards and hazards. Serious injury or death can occur! Always wear a River hazards cause fatalities each year. Enter at your own risk. life jacket when in a river. Never leave children unattended Temperature – The air may be warm but the river is always cold • Warning Dangerous River with an average temperature of 45 degrees. Exposure to the river • Beware of Rivers: Rivers are unpredictable and dangerous. Even water may lead to cold water shock and hypothermia (an extreme calm rivers can hide dangerous under currents, rocks, trees, drop in body temperature) which may cause death. and branches. Many lakes and river are cold enough to cause hypothermia, even in summer. Currents – Water that may look calm or slow moving on the • Cold Water Shock Can Happen Fast. 1Minute: Initial gasp for surface can have enough force to knock you off your feet and air which can lead to panic, aspiration, and possibly drawings. sweep you downstream. This is caused by unseen currents or the movement of the water beneath the river’s surface. 10 Minutes: At the time cold incapacitation sets in, making it difficult to move your arms and legs. 1 Hour: Hypothermia River Conditions – Snowmelt rain, upstream dam releases, debris starts, body temperature plummets and you lose consciousness, and other factors can greatly impact the river’s flow and change resulting in death. river conditions. The river’s speed and power escalate as the flow • Fatalities occur every year at this location. During Spring, snow increases which raises the difficulty of navigating the river. melt makes the river run high and very cold. Please refrain from Debris –A slippery and uneven river bottom combined with the entering the water at this time. Strong currents and freezing river’s current can suddenly sweep you off your feet. Debris and water can make a trip to the falls deadly. elements under the water such as trees, branches, logs, and even • High Water narrow gaps between rocks can trap you under water, causing hypothermia or even death. Boat Launch Warning • Horse Power Limits on Motorboats N/A 15 Horse Power Limit For Motorboats • Caution: Extreme Drop Off At End of Boat Ramp During Low Tide Caution • Caution when Launching at Low Tide Extreme drop off at end of boat ramp during low tide. • Shallow area at bottom of boat launch • Do not drive into river bed

• No Boat Launch No Boat Launch • No motorized boat launch • No hand-carry boat launch

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 16 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Swimming Warning • No Lifeguard On Duty No Lifeguard On Duty

• This is not a designated swimming area - swim at your own risk. No Swimming

• Do not dive or jump. Varying water depths and underwater No Diving objects may cause injury.

Erosion • Caution Erosion Caution Erosion

Cattle Crossing • Warning Cattle Crossing Cattle Crossing

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 17 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE SAFETY SIGNAGE River Safety • Inform floaters about using inadequate equipment (craft, N/A River Safety is Your Responsibility clothing, shoes, etc) Before you head out on the water, remember the following safety • Know Your Limits: No matter how good a swimmer you are, it tips: is easy to misjudge the water or your skills. If you arm tires, Be a competent swimmer. Don’t assume your swimming skills will rest and stay out of the water. Drowning happens even to the keep you afloat even the strongest swimmers can drown. strongest swimmers who are too tired to swim to shore. • Drowning is Silent: There are no guarantees for safety in the Know your boating ability. Understand your boating ability and river. Enter at your own risk. don’t attempt rivers or rapids which lie beyond that ability. • Wear a solid, correctly-fitted helmet. Be able to control your boat. Your skills should be sufficient to • Cold Water stop or reach shore before reaching danger. Do not enter a rapid unless you are reasonably sure that you can run it safely or swim it without injury.

Protect your life, wear a life jacket. Water accidents are never expected and they happen fast. Wearing a life jacket may save your life.

Wear a solid, correctly-fitted helmet as capsizing your vessel may occur. This is essential in kayaks or covered canoes, and recommended for open canoeists using thigh straps and rafters running steep drops.

Be sure your boat or inner tube is designed to withstand river conditions. Flimsy plastic boats or cheap inner tubes can easily be damaged or destroyed by the river which creates dangerous and even fatal situations.

Wear appropriate clothing. Do not wear attire that could reduce your ability to survive a swim. A wetsuit or dry suit is essential when water temps that are 60 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler.

Carry equipment needed for unexpected emergencies, including foot wear which will protect your feet when walking out, a throw rope, knife, whistle, and waterproof matches.

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 18 CATEGORY / EXISTING SIGN MESSAGE RECOMMENDED SYMBOL RECOMMENDED MESSAGE Life Jacket Safety • Attention: Life jackets save lives! United States Coast Guard Always wear a life jacket. Water accidents are never expected and boating accident statistics show that 83% of drowning victims they happen fast. in 2016 were not wearing life jackets. For your safety, loaner Need to borrow a life jacket? Check one out for free at your local life jackets available FREE of charge at: Snohomish County Fire fire station. Snohomish County Fire District 5, District 26, and District 26 & District 28 District 28. • Life Vests: They work when you wear them. Most people who drown never meant to get wet. Most people who drown know how to swim. Most people who drown were not wearing life vests. • Life jackets and protective footwear are strongly recommended. • Life jackets are strongly recommended. • Life Jacket Loaner Program. Need to borrow a life jacket? You can check one out for free at your local fire station. Snohomish County Fire District 5 304 Alder St. Sultan WA, 98294. (360)793- 1179 Bridge Safety • Warning: Do not sit, stand jump or dive from bridge Do not sit, stand, jump, or dive from bridge

Skykomish & Snohomish Rivers: Wayfinding and Safety Signage Content 19