Hiker Headlines: Permits and Wildfire Updates, Closures, Rain
The Forest Service extended Mount St. Helens' permit season. Some key roads are closed. Wildfires are still burning, but we finally have some rain in the forecast. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
It’s October 20. The Forest Service extended Mount St. Helens' permit season. Some key roads are closed. Wildfires are still burning, but we finally have some rain in the forecast. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
The Mount St. Helens permit quota season will be extended another month. Photo by Bill Hinsee.
Permit updates: The Forest Service has extended its Mount St. Helens permit quota season through November 30. There are 110 permits per day, and you will need one to hike up.
Rainier roads close: Mount Rainier National Park continues to switch into fall mode — Mowich Lake Road, Paradise Valley Road, Ricksecker Point Road and Stevens Canyon Road are all closed now for the season. Keep an eye on the park’s closures before heading over.
Wildfires impacting recreation: The Suiattle River, Boulder Lake and Loch Katrine fires have increased in size, and Suiattle River Road is now closed at the Highway 530 junction. The Thunder Creek and Panther Creek trails from the Neve Camp trailhead and the Thunder Knob trail in the North Cascades are all closed due to wildfires. Additionally, the following campgrounds are closed: Thunder, Neve, Fourth of July, Panther, Thunder Point boat-in, Hidden Cove boat-in, Buster Brown boat-in and Colonial Creek drive-in camps.
Be prepared when you head out. Make sure to check the air quality index of areas you’re planning to visit to avoid heavy smoke. Check for closures before heading to the area, and if you encounter one, write a trip report to inform other hikers.
Finally, some rain: Rain is finally in the forecast this weekend! Make sure to check the forecast (using the links in our Hiking Guide entries) if you're heading out this weekend. Be prepared for wet weather, you might need rain or snow gear. Also, be aware that wildfire-damaged areas may be extra-sensitive to rain; roads may have flooding or slides.
BE IN THE KNOW
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- 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.
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