Hiker Headlines: Backcountry permit season starting, winter hiking bingo

It’s Feb 8. Backcountry permit season starts next week. Submit your winter hiking bingo card to us this week for a chance to win a WTA thermos. Be aware of a couple of closures when planning your hikes this week. Buy your tickets now for a symphony event celebrating Washington’s landscapes. Plus, happy Lunar New Year and happy Valentine’s Day! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Along with Lunar New Year this Saturday and Valentine's Day next Wednesday, we're also celebrating superb owls this Sunday! Photo by Andrew Schaffer. 

Backcountry permit season starting soon: If you’ve been waiting to get your hands on some backcountry permits for this summer, get ready — the permit season is upon us! If you’re hoping to backcountry camp at higher-elevation sites Olympic National Park this summer, you won’t have to worry about permits until April 15. If you’re hoping to backpack in the Enchantments or Mount Rainier or North Cascades national parks, you’ll want to enter their permit lotteries during their open windows:

• Enchantments: Feb. 15 - Feb. 29
• Mount Rainier National Park: Feb. 12 - March 4
• North Cascades National Park: March 4 - March 15

Winter Hiking Bingo: There’s less than a week to play Winter Hiking Bingo for the chance to win a WTA thermos! Each square contains either one of our favorite things about winter hiking or a WTA resource where you can find inspiration about where to go. Each completed bingo on your card is one entry. Email jessi@wta.org evidence of your completed bingo card by Feb. 14 to be entered to win.

Closures and delays: While planning your next hiking adventures, be aware of the following: 

• Due to construction, Mora Road to Rialto Beach will be limited to a single lane between Feb. 12-22. Expect delays. 
• Seaquest State Park is closed for construction. It is due to reopen on Feb. 16. 
• The Road K trail closure on Taylor Mountain has been extended through Feb. 24. 

Music and landscapes: WTA is partnering with the Northwest Symphony Orchestra for an evening of music set to a backdrop of photos of Washington's beautiful landscapes. This event will take place at Benaroya Hall on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now. 

Celebrate this week: Lunar New Year is this Saturday, Feb. 10, and we wish everyone a happy celebration. The holiday is celebrated by billions of folks every year, and it’s a great night to get outside to see the stars (the new moon is on Friday, Feb. 9!) and ring in the new year. And Valentine’s Day is next Wednesday, Feb. 14. We’ve got some hike inspiration for you whether you’re looking for a romantic hike, a great solo adventure or a fun friend outing. 

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