Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Big Four Ice Caves Open, Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Permit Plan, Hike the State

It’s June 15. Plenty of exciting hiking events are coming up, including Washington Trails Day, Hike the State and a fee-free day for Juneteenth. The Big Four Ice Caves are open once again! And we're asking our community to speak up about Mount Rainier National Park’s plan to require permits for entry. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The Big Four Ice Caves are open! Please take care when hiking near the cave and keep a safe distance away from the opening. Photo by LongWalk.

Free Day: In honor of Juneteenth, June 19, parking fees will be waived on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management, Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Washington Trails Day: Washington Trails Day is a celebration of the power of hikers and WTA coming together to champion trails and public lands. WTA invites you to join our advocate community, Trail Action Network, and receive action alerts to speak up for the trails you love. Sign up between now and June 24 to receive a limited-edition sticker in the mail. And look for us out on the trail the weekend of June 24. We’ll be out at trailheads celebrating and talking with hikers about all the trail community can do when we come together!

Join WTA for Hike the State: Hike the State is a free annual event featuring recommendations from trail experts, stunning photos, giveaways and tips to inspire your next adventure. Join us online on June 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. to hear from five staff about 15 of their favorite hikes around the state. We’ll also share plenty of resources for getting outside and staying connected with the hiking community. 

WTA is hiring: WTA is hiring for a full-time Outdoor Leadership Training coordinator, based in Seattle. The coordinator would engage and support community leaders by fulfilling gear needs, facilitating workshops, assisting with trip planning and fostering long-term partnerships. The priority deadline for this position is June 25. 

Speak up about Mount Rainier’s permit plan: Mount Rainier National Park has released a proposal for requiring reservations for vehicles entering the park at several popular entrances and we need hikers to weigh in. WTA has concerns about the proposal, as it would increase inequitable access to the park. We encourage the park to center equity in their approach and implement a shuttle system. Check out our blog to learn more and submit your comment by Monday, June 26.

Big Four Ice Caves open for the season: The Big Four Ice Caves are back open after the winter season. Please be careful when recreating here, and do not go into or climb on top of the caves.

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• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
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• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.