Hiker Headlines: Closed Passes, Gorge Transit, Equity on State Lands, New Trail, Fishers

It’s November 11. Three mountain passes are closed for the season due to winter conditions. The new GOrge Pass will improve transit options this year. The list of fee-free days on state lands for 2022 has been announced. A new section of trail in East King County is now open. DNR’s first ever director of equity and environmental justice has been hired. And, five fishers were recently released in Olympic National Park. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

With the closure of 3 mountain passes this week, it's a good reminder to plan for winter driving conditions in the mountains. Highway 410. Photo by theresa. 

Mountain passes closed for the season: Chinook (SR 410) and Cayuse (SR 123) passes on the east side of Mount Rainier are closed for the season. The North Cascades Highway (SR 20) is also closed for the winter from the Ross Dam Trailhead to the Silver Star Gate. These closures are a good reminder for winter travelers to check road conditions before heading out and go prepared for winter driving.

New GOrge Pass for transit: A new transit pass for the Columbia River Gorge will make it easier to visit many trails in the area without a car. The GOrge Pass, which costs $40 for a year, allows passengers to take unlimited rides on all 4 of the transit operators that service both the Washington and Oregon side of the gorge.

Free days for 2022: The list of fee-free days for state lands has been released for 2022. On these days, entry fees will be waived for land managed by Washington State Parks, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. New dates this year include Billy Frank Jr.’s Birthday, Juneteenth and World Mental Health Day.

New section of Eastrail complete: The Eastrail in King County just got 2.5 miles longer. This new trail segment adds to the trail that will one day form a continuous route between Renton and Bellevue.

DNR appoints director of equity and environmental justice: Commissioner Franz announced that Eliseo Juárez will be the first director of equity and environmental justice at the Department of Natural Resources, a new position created to ensure DNR’s mission is carried out equitably.

Fishers released in Olympic National Park: Last Friday, five fishers were released in Olympic National Park near Lake Ozette. The introduction of these animals is the most recent step to reintroduce fishers to their natural habitat on the peninsula.

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