Hiker Headlines: Free pass, tree for 4th graders; winter hours and closures around the state

It’s Dec. 5. Olympic National Park has started its winter operations. Be aware of some closures, including an extension of the Lake 22 trail closure. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has started two large cleanup projects. And the Forest Service is reminding families with fourth graders that their Every Kid Outdoors program is offering free America the Beautiful passes and Christmas tree permits. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The Forest Service's Every Kid Outdoors program offers every fourth grader a free America the Beautiful Pass and Christmas tree permit. Photo by trip reporter iamsarahshu.

Olympic National Park in winter: Olympic National Park has started its winter operations. Hurricane Ridge Road will be open 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. (cars must exit the area by 5 p.m.) Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the end of March 2025, except on Christmas and days with inclement weather. The road will also close if the parking lot is closed. Cars are required to carry tire chains. The Hurricane Ridge area will also be open for specific holiday times: Dec. 20–Jan. 5, Jan. 17–20 and Feb. 14–17. Restroom are available, but there are no other services or areas to warm up, so be sure to pack food, water and plenty of layers. 

Closure notices: Be aware of the following closures as you plan your next hike: 

• The Lake 22 trail closure has been extended to Dec. 13. 
• The Mount St. Helens Visitor Center at the Coldwater Science and Learning Center is closing for the winter on Dec. 16 through May 2025. 
• Forest Roads 25, 26 and 99 in Gifford Pinchot National Forest are closed for the winter. 

Cleanup projects: The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has begun two large cleanup projects. One project involves removing thousands of tires from the Puget Sound — initially installed to be artificial reefs — near Tolmie State Park. DNR is starting by removing about 2,500 tires. The second project involves removing toxic remnants — in the form of about 1,200 pilings — from the historic Dickman Mill on the Tacoma waterfront. 

Free for fourth graders: The Forest Service is reminding families with fourth graders to request a free Every Kid Outdoors America the Beautiful pass, valid through August 31 of the following year, and get a complimentary permit to cut a Christmas tree in a national forest. These benefits are available to all fourth graders through the Every Kid Outdoors program, which starts on Sept. 1 each year. 

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