Thank you WTA volunteers leaders and Cape Horn Conservancy (CHC) for the new steps at Cape Horn! Using funds from a grant acquired by the CHC, volunteers designed and built steps on a steep, muddy section of trail near the eastern tunnel. Additional steps are planned at two other sections. Thanks also to the US Forest Service to assistance with tools and logistics! - Thank You!! Ryan

Hello Hikers, I'd like to pass along this letter from the Cape Horn Conservancy urging all to respect the falcon closure that is in effect. - thank you, Ryan Hello hikers of the Cape Horn Trail... As you may know, a pair of peregrine falcon nest in the Cape Horn area. The USFS and Cape Horn Conservancy have been monitoring the historically successful nesting pair and have confirmed the need for trail closure this year at the Jim Proctor Memorial Bridge on the lower trail. It is especially important to respect this closure, providing important protection to this sensitive species during the critical time of rearing their young till able to fly and fend for themselves. The closure will be lifted and the full-loop trail will be open on July 16th. The Cape Horn Trail is a beautiful trail and coming together to protect the sensitive species that make it their home is an ethic we all can proudly encourage! As always, we appreciate your support and ask for your help in educating others in this endeavor. Teresa Robbins, President Cape Horn Conservancy

One of the viewpoint on the upper trail (north of Hwy 14) has been closed. As you climb out of the parking lot/trailhead through a series of switchbacks you eventually pop out at Pioneer Point, continuing west you'll arrive at the Tipping Tree point, but the third viewpoint just west of Tipping Tree is actually on private property. The owners have posted No Trespassing signs along their property line and plans are in the works to decomission the small loop of trail that visits the viewpoint. Hikers can bypass the private property by sticking to the trail on Forest Service Property that was originally built to keep horses away from the cliff edge. The backstory here is that the parcel of land was being considered for purchase and subsequent addition to the Forest Service. It now appears that the land will not be purchased so the owners are taking precautions to protect themselves from liability. The part of the trail we hiked between the trailhead and the Nancy Russell overlook is in fine shape except for a few muddy patches. It was cool to see the Oak woodland restoration project moving ahead over near the Nancy Russell overlook.

Good hike to get me back into shape. I only hiked to the first view point. Let me tell you my legs are a little sore today. Lots of switch backs. The day was awesome so their was lots of people around. Fun hike all around.

Hello Hikers, A quick FYI that the falcon closure begins on Feb. 1st and will limit hiking on the Cape Horn Trail to the upper (north side of Hwy 14) and a very short section on the lower (south side of Hwy 14). The closure lifts on July 15th for full loop hiking. The history here is that the lower cliffs on the Cape Horn trail are one of a small handful of nesting sites for the sensitive species. Although they are not on the Endangered Species list anymore, they are being monitored and could go back on the list if their trend towards recovery is jeopardized. WTA and the Cape Horn Conservancy are advocating that the Forest Service maintain the original closure point at the "Oak Viewpoint" west of the 2nd pedestrian underpass. The Forest Service may place the closure further east making that view point off limits through July 15th.