Hiker Headlines: Baby Wolverines, Closures, Forestland for the Community, Free State Parks Day

It's Aug. 20. Scientists in Mount Rainier made an exciting discovery recently. Folks in Kittitas County can help shape the future of nearby forestland. An upcoming closure at Olympic National Park may impact your hiking plans. And on Tuesday, you won't need a Discover Pass to explore state parks. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week. 

A wolverine and two kits are hanging out in Mount Rainier — an encouraging sign for such a rare species. Photo by NPS/Cascades Carnivore Project.

Welcome, baby wolverines! For the first time in more than 100 years, scientists have documented a female wolverine with offspring in Mount Rainier National Park. The adult wolverine and her two kits were photographed recently. It’s extremely exciting news because wolverine are rare, and it’s a good sign that habitat in the park is healthy if it can support reproductive wolverine. If you’re recreating in the backcountry and are lucky enough to see a wolverine or tracks, you can report your sighting to help scientists. 

For the community: Folks in Kittitas County will soon be able to provide input on the future of forestland in the area. The 24,000 acres of land in the Taneum, Cle Elum/Roslyn Ridge and Cabin Creek areas are managed by the Nature Conservancy. Ultimately, the goal is for the lands to be transferred to public ownership. A survey will soon be available for community members to share their input.

Upcoming closures: Access to Lake Cushman and the Staircase area in Olympic National Park will be closed to visitors beginning Saturday, August 22 until further notice. Forest Service Road 24 will be closed through September 30. Please plan accordingly.

Everyone likes free: On Tuesday, August 25, you won’t need a Discover Pass to park at Washington State Parks. It’s a great chance to get out an explore a park. If you’re not sure where to go, we have some ideas to get you started. And, of course, remember to #RecreateResponsibly.

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