Hiker Headlines: Join WTA for Hike the State, Free Days, Mountain Loop Closures

It’s June 8. Join WTA for Hike the State and get recommendations for a summer of hiking. This weekend, parking fees will be waived in some areas. A bear got food in North Cascades National Park, and the Park Service has asked visitors to be careful in the area. We have info on trail and road closures — and openings — that could affect your hiking plans. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Get suggestions for an entire summer of hiking at WTA's Hike the State. Photo by Ju-yeong Lee.

Hike recommendations from the experts: Hike the State is a free, online event featuring hike recommendations from trail experts, stunning photos and tips to inspire your next adventure. (We'll even have some giveaways!) Join us online on June 22 from 6 to 7 p.m. to hear from five staff about 15 of their favorite hikes around the state. We’ll also share plenty of resources for getting outside and staying connected with the hiking community. Whether you’re new to Washington, a seasoned hiker, looking for backpacking trips or planning your next day trip to a local park, Hike the State is for you!

Free days: This weekend has two free days! Saturday, June 10, is National Get Outdoors Day and parking fees will be waived on lands managed by the Forest Service, Washington State Parks (WSP), the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Sunday, June 11, is Free Fishing Day and parking fees will be waived on lands managed by WSP, DNR and WDFW. 

Food storage safety: A bear has recently gotten human food due to improper food storage at the Boston Basin and Cascade Pass trailheads in North Cascades National Park. Please refrain from stopping or eating on the Cascade River Road or either trailhead — Johannesburg campground and all parking lot picnic tables are closed for use. Remember to take care when hiking in bear country — make sure you know how to store and handle your food properly while out on trail and what to do if you encounter a bear. 

Closures: Be aware of several current and upcoming that could affect hiking plans:

• Several long-term construction projects or damaged roads around the state will affect roads and trails this summer. 
• Forest Road 25 near Mount St. Helens is closed as a through-route due to a landslide. Once the snow melts, visitors can only access Forest Road 99 to Windy Ridge from the north via Forest Road 25 — the road will not be accessible from the south. 
• A footbridge on the Kesner Homestead Trail in the Hoh Rainforest is undergoing repairs and will be closed through June 23. The rest of the trail can still be walked, but the full loop cannot be completed. 
• The Centennial Trail will be closed half a mile south of Wilbur trailhead for two weeks. There will be signs marking detours. 
• The Cape Disappointment Trail will be closed past the halfway point on June 14–15 for a Coast Guard event. There will still be access to Deadman’s Cove.
• The Iron Creek campground and Campground Loop trail are closed until further notice due to a wildfire. 

Reopenings: The Suiattle River Road has reopened in its entirety and can be driven all the way to the Suiattle trailhead. Additionally, the Mountain Loop Highway has opened between the Deer Creek gate and Barlow Pass. The highway is still closed between Barlow Pass and the Bedal Campground gate until further notice. 

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.