Hiker Headlines: Widespread flooding impacts communities and closes roads, trails and campgrounds

It’s Dec. 11. Widespread and historic flooding from rain and melting snow continues to impact communities across Western Washington. Major roads, including Hwy 2 and Blewett Pass, and trails all along the Cascades and Olympics have closed due to landslides and trees down. Other smaller roads, campgrounds and trailhead facilities have also been impacted or closed for safety. Landslide risk remains high, and hikers should consider delaying or shifting hiking plans. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) closed Highway 2 from east of Index (MP 35) to Coles Corner (MP 85), west of Leavenworth, on Dec. 10 due to rocks, trees and mud over the roadway in multiple locations. There is no detour available and no estimated time for reopening. Other major mountain passes have also experienced landslides and some remain closed. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Community safety and evacuations: 

Major flooding is prompting evacuations, and impacting communities and public lands across Western Washington this week. Landslide risk is very high and has closed trails and roads, including major highways.

Check forecasts and local emergency response communications, consider delaying your hiking or camping plans, and stay safe out there, everyone.  

More info:
National Weather Service
Real time road and mountain pass closures on WSDOT

Current road closures:

As of noon, the major mountain roads and passes that are closed are: 

• A section of Highway 18 
• Highway 2 (US 2) over Stevens Pass 
• Blewett Pass (SR 97) is closed both directions
• Sections of Highway 20 (SR 20) both east and west of the North Cascades (on both sides of the winter closure) 
• Sections of Highway 410 west of Mount Rainier 
• I-90 is partially open, but has been opening and closing due to landslides
• At Mount Rainier, the Nisqually entrance remains closed for safety

Trail closures: 

While the total damage and impact to trails is still very much a developing story, there are a few known trail closures:

• The entire western section of the Palouse to Cascades Trail is closed due to multiple (and developing) landslides, and the sections of the trail from Snoqualmie Pass to Easton east of the pass is also closed. The trail is not safe to visit. 
• In Beacon Rock State Park, the Hamilton Mountain trailhead is closed due to a landslide that removed a section of trail on a steep slope. Park staff are recommending alternative access via the Equestrian or the Hadley Trailhead.
• Lake Sylvia State Park, Flaming Geyser State Park and Lake Wenatchee State Park trails are closed. 

Many campgrounds and parking lots are also flooded across Western Washington. 

Hiking (or maybe not): 

• With so many state and local resources in active disaster response, this is one of those moments when the smartest and most responsible choice anywhere in Western Washington may be to not hike or travel. Use your best judgment as you find ways to get outside close to home. 

WTA trail work:

• While we know that the damage that this kind of storm will mean trails need our help in the future, the safety of our trail crew staff and volunteers always comes first.
• Right now, our work parties are being adjusted and canceled on an as-needed basis. Anyone registered for an upcoming work party should be prepared for shifts and keep an eye out for direct communications from crew leaders about work parties before departing for an event. 

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.