Hiker Headlines: Fee-free day, new national forest food storage rules, Heather Lake trailhead expansion

It’s Sept. 19. Sept. 28 is National Public Lands Day, and parking fees will be waived on some public lands. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented new food and garbage storage rules. The Heather Lake trailhead parking area has been expanded! And be aware of a few closures that might affect your hiking plans. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest now requires food to be stored in bear-resistant ways — bear canisters are one valid option. Photo by Joe Gonzalez.

Free day: Saturday, Sept. 28, is National Public Lands Day, the largest national one-day volunteer event for public lands. Parking fees will be waived on lands managed by the National Park Service, Forest Service, Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Bureau of Land Management. Looking for opportunities to volunteer? Check out our trail work party calendar!

New food storage regulations: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented new food and garbage storage regulations. Forest visitors are now required to store food and other things that could attract wildlife in a “bear-resistant manner.” A list of approved bear-resistant storage methods can be found on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee’s website. 

Heather Lake trailhead improvements: The Heather Lake trailhead parking lot has been expanded and is now ready for the public to use! The parking lot can now hold over 70 vehicles. The project was funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. 

Closures: Be aware of the following closures as you plan your next hike:

• The Quinault Rain Forest Ranger Station and Wilderness Information Center are both closed until further notice. If seeking an alternative, Kalaloch Ranger Station is the closest ranger station. 
• The parking lot at the Cornet Bay Marina at Deception Pass State Park will be closed from 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22, through 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24 for construction. 
• Although the parking area is not closed, parking at the Summerland trailhead will be limited through Oct. 9 due to construction. Alternative parking is available 1 mile east of the trailhead. 

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