Hiker Headlines: Road Washout, North Cascades Permits, Free Day

It’s March 3. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road is closed at milepost 9 due to a washout. The North Cascades National Park early access lottery opened today. Access to Washington state recreation lands will be free on March 9 in honor of Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday. And, be sure to check conditions before heading out since some areas are still recovering from all the rain this week. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week. 

Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Philip Wilkinson. 

Middle Fork washout: The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road is closed at milepost 9 due to a washout. The increased rainfall this past week caused a creek to change course and erode the roadway. Please respect this closure.  

North Cascades lottery: This is the first year North Cascades National Park will be processing the majority of their backcountry permits online through recreation.gov. The process involves applying to the early access lottery, which is open starting today through March 15. Applying to this lottery will give you the best chance of getting your desired trip, so get those applications in soon. 

Celebrating Billy Frank Jr.: Access to Washington state managed recreation lands will be free on March 9 in honor of Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday. Take the day to celebrate by getting outside and learning more about Billy Frank Jr. who fought for tribal treaty rights and championed the responsible management of salmon habitat in Western Washington. 

When it rains it pours: Washington saw high levels of rainfall this last week, and although the days ahead look sunnier, the effects of all that rain are still being felt. Certain roads may still be closed due to flooding or washouts, landslides are more likely and avalanche conditions are moderate to considerable in many parts of the Cascades. Check conditions before you head out and be prepared to encounter some unexpected road or trail damage. Trip reports are especially helpful this time of year to keep up with quickly changing conditions. Be sure to share your findings with your fellow hikers by filing a trip report after your trip. 

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