Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, road to Artist Point reopening, more Entiat-area fire closures

It’s June 26. Registration is open now for Hike-a-Thon! The Mount Baker Highway to Artist Point is fully reopening on Friday. The U.S. Forest Service is now offering the option to buy Northwest Forest Passes online. More trails have closed due to the Pomas Fire. And WTA has some open spots on an LGBTQ+ youth work party this summer. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The last 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway are opening for the summer season on Friday! Photo by trip reporter ToddlerTrekker.

Join Hike-a-Thon! Hike-a-Thon is a fun way to meet fellow trail enthusiasts while raising funds for WTA's work to protect trails and public lands. Spend the month of August hiking and sharing your outdoor adventures to promote the power of trails and raise funds for WTA. 

Artist Point road: The last 2.7 miles of the Mount Baker Highway to Artist Point will reopen on Friday, June 27, at 8 a.m. 

Northwest Forest Passes: The Forest Service is now offering visitors the option to buy Northwest Forest Passes online at Recreation.gov. Visitors can visit a national forest’s profile on the website and find Northwest Forest Passes under “Activities & Experiences.” Passes must be printed, signed and displayed on a dashboard at the trailhead. 

More Pomas Fire closures: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has closed more roads and trails in the Glacier Peak Wilderness due to the Pomas Fire. Closed trails include the Entiat River, Cow Creek Meadows, Myrtle Lake, Larch Lakes, Garland Peak and Shetipo trails. For more information about closed trails, check our Hiking Guide. 

WTA youth work party: WTA is accepting applications for an LGBTQ+ Youth Crew camping and volunteer trail work trip at Deception Pass State Park July 24–28. It'll be a fun and inclusive trip where LGBTQ+ youth can have their identities recognized and celebrated while contributing to our Trails Rebooted campaign. During the 5-day trip, LGBTQ+ teens age 15-18 will build trails and community, and earn up to 32 service hours. All food is provided on this trip, and no prior experience is required. Cost is $300 for WTA members, and $350 for non-members. If cost is a barrier, we have full scholarships available! We also have camping gear available for youth to borrow. For more information and/or an application, email will allen, youth trail program manager, at rallen@wta.org.

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