Hiker Headlines: Wet Weekend Weather, Latinx Heritage Month, Lands Reopen, National Parks Nominee

It’s September 16. Wet weather is expected this weekend in Western Washington, including snow at higher elevations. Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month this September. Wildfire closures are lifting in parts of the state. The first Native American has been nominated to head the National Park Service. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.  

 
The first day of fall is just around the corner, but the fall weather is arriving this weekend. Photo by Hunter Scheppart. 

Fall weather is here: If you’ve been outside recently you may have noticed cooler weather. The first day of fall is next Wednesday, and conditions on trail this weekend are expected to match this seasonal shift. Plan for shorter days, cooler temperatures and precipitation—including snow at higher elevations. (You might even consider rescheduling your hike.) Brush up on Fall hiking safety so the change in conditions doesn’t catch you off guard.

Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month: September 15-October 15 is National Latinx Heritage Month. Consider supporting Latino Outdoors and the great work they do, and learn about a few ways to celebrate with the National Park Service.

Wildfire closures lifting, hike with caution: Wildfire closures are lifting in several areas across the state. Some trails will remain closed until the damage can be assessed, and there are certain precautions to consider when hiking in a burned area.

After an 8-week closure, Lands managed by DNR in Eastern Washington are open as of today. Most Lands managed by WDFW have reopened to overnight use. Cascade River Road is open to milepost 20, but the Cascade River Trail and Middle Fork Cascade River Trail remain closed. With the Lick Creek Fire completely contained, some areas in the Umatilla National Forest are reopen, check with the Forest Service for a complete breakdown of which areas remain closed. The statewide burn ban is still in effect.

First Native American nominated to lead National Park Service: President Biden officially nominated Chuck Sams to head the National Park Service. As a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, he would be the first Native American to serve in this position.

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Check our Hiking Guide for information on what trails are open.
• 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.