Hiker Headlines: Mount Pilchuck road, nightly Longmire gate winter closures, Little Spokane's fresh new trailhead

It’s Oct. 30. Winter continues in the mountains: The road to Mount Pilchuck and Westside Road at Mount Rainier is closed and the nightly Longmire gate closures will begin on Oct. 31. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

A winter view up to the view at Little Spokane Natural Area. Photo by trip reporter TrailKat. 

Road to Mount Pilchuck closed: The road to Mount Pilchuck, Forest Road 42, is closed at the Heather Lake trailhead for the winter season to vehicles. The Heather Lake trailhead is still accessible. 

Westside Road closed: Westside Road at Mount Rainier National Park is closed for the winter season. This restricts access to multiple trails, including the Gobblers Knob and Lake George trails. 

Longmire gate nightly closures begin: The nightly closures of the Longmire to Paradise Road at Longmire will start on Oct. 31. The uphill gate will close each evening at 4 p.m., while the downhill gate will close at 5 p.m. Please make sure you have left the Paradise area by the closure time. The gate will open daily at 9 a.m. if conditions allow. (While the government shutdown is still in effect, WTA still recommends heading to state and local lands, especially as the conditions start to shift into winter.)

The Knothead Valley Trailhead at Little Spokane Natural Area has reopened, and it is looking sweet. Take a hike and post a trip report! 

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 Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.