Hiker Headlines: Hunting Season, Road Closures and Mount St. Helens Memories

It's the first full week of October and fall is truly here. Hunting season is in full swing across many areas of the state. The road to Artist Point is now closed. And if you have memories of Mount St. Helens, now's the time to share them. 

Here’s what you might have missed while out on trail this week:

Wearing bright colors like pink or red can help keep you easily visible during hunting season. Photo by Bill Loeffler.

Wear bright colors: October is the heart of hunting season in Washington. Before you head out to hike, check out our hiking safety tips for hunting season. And, for those in Eastern Washington, it’s worth noting that Mica Peak Conservation Area will be open to hunting this fall.

Closed for the season: The road to Artist Point at Mount Baker closed earlier this week. The area can still be accessed by ski, snowshoe or fat bikes, but users should beware of avalanche risks. The road to Sunrise at Mount Rainier is also closed, although it may re-open before closing for the season for good. Many other roads in Mount Rainier will close as more snow arrives.

Share your story: Washington State Parks is collecting oral histories about the Mount St. Helens eruption, in advance of the 40th anniversary of the eruption. State Parks is offering several ways to share stories, either in person or over the phone.

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