Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Closures, Washington Trails Day

It’s July 28. WTA’s 19th annual Hike-a-Thon starts August 1. The Snow Lake trail will be closed starting July 29 through October, and the roads to the Talapus Lake and Ira Springs trailheads continue to have ongoing closures. Campfire restrictions are in place on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Join us for Washington Trails Day this Saturday, July 30. And, incredibly hot weather is in the forecast this weekend. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The Snow Lake trail will be closed starting tomorrow, July 29, until October for construction. Check out some of the other hikes you could do in the area! Photo by jacklam2116.

Hike-a-Thon: WTA's 19th annual Hike-a-Thon officially kicks off on August 1! Whether you’re a thru-hiker, weekend warrior or find joy outside in your own neighborhood, Hike-a-Thon is a fun way to meet fellow trail enthusiasts while raising funds to support trails. Register today to join the fun!

Closures: The Snow Lake trail will be closed from Friday, July 29, until October for construction. Additionally, per the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the ongoing closures for the roads to Talapus Lake and Ira Springs trailheads will continue until Fall 2022. One road at a time may be closed for restoration work from 11:59 p.m. on Sunday until noon on Friday. Please respect the closure signs by either hiking from the other trailhead or returning another time. People and vehicles still past the closure signs after 11:59 p.m. on Sundays will be stuck behind an active work site.

Campfire restrictions: Campfires will be allowed only in certain areas like some developed campgrounds starting today, July 28, in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Be sure to read up on current fire restrictions before heading out on your hike. 

Washington Trails Day: Washington Trails Day is this Saturday, July 30! To celebrate our favorite hiking holiday, we'll have WTA staff and volunteers stationed at several trailheads across the state (Point Defiance, Lake 22, Samish Overlook, Staircase Rapids and Riverside State Park) to chat about hiking and trail advocacy. Join us in person, or online!

Heatwave: Our incredibly hot weather is slated to last through the weekend, with some areas in Washington hitting temperatures in the triple digits. Please stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun if you plan on heading out on trail. Consider a shady river ramble or beachside trek to keep cool.

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