Hiker Headlines: Tiger Mountain, Squak Mountain trail closures; WTA winter workshops

It’s Jan. 9. Some trails in the Issaquah Alps are closed due to storm damage. Join WTA for some upcoming events, including a free winter hiking workshop and a snowshoe workshop! And, the Washington Department of Natural Resources has released its statewide recreation plan for the next 10 years. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Join WTA for a free winter hiking workshop or an Outdoor Leadership Training snowshoe workshop! Photo by Nate Bottman.

Trail closures: Multiple trails in the Issaquah Alps are closed until further notice due to severe storm damage. On Tiger Mountain, the Iverson, Tiger Mountain Trail Connector, Seattle View and Middle Tiger trails are closed. On Squak Mountain, the Old Griz, Phil’s Creek and East Side trails are closed. 

Winter workshops: WTA has a couple of fun winter workshops coming up and we’d love to have you join us! 

• WTA and the Wenatchee River Institute are hosting a free winter hiking safety workshop on Jan. 21 at the Red Barn (357 Division St.) in Leavenworth from 7–8:30 p.m. Search and rescue will help you refresh your knowledge on how to pack for winter conditions, prepare for a long day in the snow, take precautions against common hazards and find winter trails close to you. Register online and bring your daypack for a guided pack workshop! 
• WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program is hosting a 6-hour entry-level snowshoe workshop at Gold Creek Pond from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. on Feb. 22. The workshop is designed for educators and youth program facilitators, and will focus on leading a successful outing with a youth group. The event is $50 for priority partners and $60 for general partners, with scholarships available. Registration is online. 

A big recreation plan:  The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released its first-ever statewide plan to guide recreation and public access — including hiking — across 5.6 million acres over the next 10 years. In 2024, WTA invited hikers to share input on the plan, and we also shared feedback directly with DNR that was incorporated into the final plan. Thank you for providing your input to help shape the next decade of some of our beloved Washington lands! 

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