Hiker Headlines: WTA Gift Memberships, Outdoor Jobs, Lake 22 Closure, Natural Area Grows

It’s Dec. 7. If you’re still looking for holiday gifts, consider gifting your loved ones a WTA membership! Several organizations are hiring for outdoor positions right now. The Lake 22 trail closure has been extended through December. Nearly 800 acres of land were added to Dabob Bay Natural Area earlier this week. And expect some snow and rain storms this weekend! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Trip reporter joyoflandscapes found lots of snow on the Tumwater Pipeline Trail last weekend — and the mountains will be getting even more this weekend.

Gift idea: Looking for the perfect gift for the hiker in your life who already has all the gear they need? Give them the gift of a WTA membership! Gift recipients receive a subscription to Washington Trails magazine, WTA's annual calendar filled with photos from our community, invites to members-only events and more.

Now hiring: Looking for an outdoor job or volunteer opportunity this upcoming year? Check out some of the following postings:

• The National Park Service is hiring for seasonal trail crew members for April through October 2024 (expected), supporting trail maintenance and rehabilitation projects throughout North Cascades, Mount Rainier and Olympic national parks. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 21. 
• Metro Parks Tacoma is hiring for a full-time outdoor recreation coordinator, responsible for designing and facilitating outdoor recreation activities like water sports, hiking, backpacking and snow sports. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 17.  
• Outdoor Afro is currently seeking its 2024-25 Outdoor Afro Leadership cohort. Among their responsibilities, leadership team members will lead Outdoor Afro events in their local community and connect with other leaders to gain professional development, take part in trainings and learn about recent relevant news. 

Lake 22 closure extended: The Lake 22 trail construction closure has been extended through December. Looking for something else to do? Check out some of our favorite winter hiking destinations, or take a look through our Hiking Guide to find exactly what you’re looking for. 

Conserved rare habitat area expanded: Earlier this week, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources added 780 acres of former state trust land to the Dabob Bay Natural Area. This conserved land — which has a diverse and important plant population — is now permanently protected. 

Heavy storms ahead: Get ready for some storming! Some of the passes are expecting nearly a foot of snow, and rain and wind can be expected at lower elevations which can make driving and road conditions dangerous. Expect possible flooding and landslides on roads that may cause closures, particularly forest and mountain roads, and carry a winter driving essentials kit in your vehicle. Currently, SR 503 near Cougar is closed at milepost 35.7 and Skate Creek Road (FR 52) is closed at milepost 18.5 due to flooding and landslides. And keep in mind that the Longmire to Paradise Road can experience closures during inclement weather — be sure to check the road status before heading out there. 

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