Hiker Headlines: Free day, Mount Rainier National Park turns 125, I-90 closure
March 9 is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, and parking fees will be waived in some areas. Mount Rainier National Park just celebrated its 125th anniversary! Be aware of a couple of closures and some snowy/rainy weather this upcoming week.
It’s March 7. March 9 is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, and parking fees will be waived in some areas. Mount Rainier National Park just celebrated its 125th anniversary! Be aware of a couple of closures and some snowy/rainy weather this upcoming week. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
There's been plenty of snow in the mountains already... and there is more coming! Photo by Outside Nancy.
Free day: This Saturday, March 9, is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday! Billy Frank Jr. was a Nisqually tribal member who advocated for Native American fishing rights. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is named after him for his advocacy and work to help preserve the area as a refuge. Lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will have their parking fees waived on his birthday.
Mount Rainier National Park turns 125! The park celebrated its anniversary on March 2. It was established in 1899. Keep an eye out for fun activities at the park to celebrate later this year.
Closures: A couple of closures might affect your plans this upcoming week:
- Weather permitting, all eastbound lanes on I-90 between Rainier Ave S in Seattle and E Mercer Way in Mercer Island will be closed between 11 p.m. on Friday, March 15, and 6 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, for highway restriping. Plan for extra time to take longer alternate routes if traveling from Seattle to the east of Mercer Island.
- Beacon Rock Trailhead at Beacon Rock State Park will be closed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 11.
Snowy/rainy weekend forecast: We’ve got snow coming to the mountains this weekend and lowland rain throughout the state. With much snow in the mountains already, make sure to pack waterproof and/or snow layers and check the weather for wherever you’re adventuring this weekend before heading out.
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