Hiker Headlines: Fall, Outdoor Learning, Road Closures

It's Sept. 24. We definitely recommend fall hiking. We're excited to be able to resume our Outdoor Leadership Training program. And some roads are closing soon in the Olympic National Forest. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week. 

Fall is a beautiful time for hiking. And if you get likely, you might even see some great wildlife. Photo by Josh Zamor.

It’s FALL! WTA staff have a strong affinity for fall, so we’re pretty happy when it arrives. We highly recommend planning a hike — just check out our safety tips before you go.  And if you would like some inspiration on where to go, we can help you with that, too. 

Ready to learn: We are so excited to be able to resume our Outdoor Leadership Training program. We’ve carefully thought through safety procedures related to COVID-19 so we can get outside while still keeping each other healthy. Also, our gear library is now available to borrow gear from again for groups looking to get outfitted for outdoor adventures. Again, we have updated safety protocols. If you’re interested in getting outside with a group of youth, we hope we can help.  

For the critters: Beginning Oct. 1, some roads on the south side of Olympic National Forest will be closed to vehicles until May 1. The closures are to limit disturbances to wildlife and the ecosystem. Hiking and mountain biking is still allowed on the roads. 

Fires are still burning: While some areas of the state have had some nice rain, there are still fires burning across the state. On our Hike Finder Map, you get an idea of where major fires are. And it never hurts to brush on your fire safety knowledge. 

Help trails: Today is GiveMore24, a community giving day for people in Southwest Washington. Our local volunteer crews have been smaller in size, but big on impact, especially in the places where maintenance and trail development are most needed. This year, we built a new trail loop at Lyle Cherry Orchard and completed a full restoration of the Oaks to Wetlands trail at the Ridgefield National Wildlife refuge. Live in the Southwest? Help support our work protecting and maintaining trails by participating in GiveMore24 today with a donation to WTA.  

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter. 
• Check our Hiking Guide for information on what trails are open. 
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.