Hiker Headlines: Hair ice and freezing temps, Rainier wilderness permit fees, Nisqually State Park closure
Mount Rainier National Park has changed the prices for wilderness permits. Nisqually State Park is closed for construction starting next week through the fall. There’s a new way to look at how funds are being used through the Climate Commitment Act. And the cold temperatures we’ve been seeing will stick around for awhile.
It’s Jan. 23. Mount Rainier National Park has changed the prices for wilderness permits. Nisqually State Park is closed for construction starting next week through the fall. There’s a new way to look at how funds are being used through the Climate Commitment Act. And the cold temperatures we’ve been seeing will stick around for awhile. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
Hair ice was seen by hikers all over this week — and it's even cooler than you think! Photo by trip reporter Dunes.
Permit fees at Rainier: Mount Rainier National Park is changing the prices for its wilderness permit fees. Prior to this year, permits were a $20 flat fee per trip with a $6 fee to book a trip through Recreation.gov. This year, permits will be $10 per person, per night. The $6 booking fee is still the same. Kids 15 and under are free.
State park closing: Nisqually State Park will be closed for construction and maintenance from Jan. 27 through the fall. Projects will include a forest thinning project to improve forest health, the construction of new facilities and the building of a new trail.
Where is your money going? With your vote back in November, you joined with WTA and over 500 partner organizations to help protect our state's commitment to climate progress! The Climate Commitment Act reduces carbon pollution and generates funds to invest in forest health, wildfire prevention, public transit and more. There is now a dashboard and report, so you can see exactly how this money is being used.
Brrrr: We had some freezing temperatures across the state this week and hikers saw that on trail — slippery trails, frosted trees, hair ice, frozen ponds and snowy peaks showed up in trip reports from all over. And that cold weather is here to stay! Expect to keep your gloves and coats near the front door as the temperatures stay low this week, with lows below freezing in many places around Washington. There will also be clear skies for the most part as well this week, so make sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses, especially if you’re going somewhere snowy — don’t forget that snow reflects sun!
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