Hiker Headlines: Wildfires, Burn Bans, Giving Back to Public Lands

It's Sept. 10. Many outdoor areas are closed due to fires and smoke. We were overjoyed and so grateful for the success of this year's Hike-a-Thon. And there are more chances to give back to trails coming up. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week. 

Many areas around the state are closed due to smoke and fires. Photo by Peter Carskaddan

Fire danger: Wildfires are burning in many areas across the state. Land managers are asking folks to stay home to make things safer for both hiker and emergency workers. And some areas are full out closed due to fires. We are updating our Hiking Guide with closure information, but be aware that conditions can change quickly. We encourage you to stay home this weekend, but if you do go out, we have some tips to help you stay safe.

Here’s a round up of some of the areas that are closed: 

• All Department of Natural Resources lands east of the Cascades are closed to recreation. 
• Seattle parks, beaches, boat ramps and fields will be closed through Sunday.
• Many sites in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area are closed.
• Part of the Suiattle River Road and surrounding trails are closed due to a fire in the Downey Creek area. 
• Trails in the Lena Lake area on the Olympic Peninsula are closed due to a fire. 
• Visitors are asked to avoid a fire near Mount Adams, north of the Trapper Creek Wilderness. 
• Two fires are burning in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, with areas closed in the vicinity. One is at Chikamin Ridge, 22 miles north of Leavenworth. The other is in the Little Naches River vicinity. 

Burn ban: In addition to areas that are closed to recreation, much of the state is under a burn ban, including fire pits in developed campgrounds, charcoal barbecues and other sources of flame. Be careful of vehicles near dry grass and don’t toss cigarette butts or any other burning material. For specifics, check with the land manager where you are planning to go.

Woohoo! WTA’s Hike-a-Thon fundraiser was a huge success. The 743 participants collectively raised $176,854 for trails and hiked more than 18,000 miles. Thank you all for giving back to trails!

Keep it clean: Trails and public lands have been here for us this year. And now, you can show up for them! National Public Lands Day is coming up and to celebrate, we're working with our partners to sponsor a special event hosted by Mountains to Sound Greenway from Sept. 19-26. But you don’t need to wait, you can help our public lands anytime you head outside. 

Wear something bright: Fall is drawing closer and with it, hunting season. In fact, some hunting is already open in the state. You might see hunters out on trail during this time. Here are some tips for hiking during hunting season.

UnBEARably cute: We love trip reports — they are both informative and entertaining. Recently, we got great joy from reading about a mama bear and her cubs playing in the water. Keep those trip reports coming! (And remember, wildlife are busy getting ready for the winter, if you see them be sure to give them space.) 

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.