Hiker Headlines: Wildfires, Columbia Gorge Trails, Hunting & Hiking

It’s Thursday, August 29. It’s wildfire season...isn’t it? After the burn comes the build: trails are reopening in the Columbia River Gorge. And hunting season is soon to be in full swing in the Pacific Northwest. 

Here’s what you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Hikes in areas that were once damaged from wildfire are a lesson in the healing power of nature. Lake Creek Trail photo by cascadehiker.

Cool and calm: One reason to give thanks for our relatively wet summer? Significantly reduced wildfire activity — all of that dampness means less dry fuel to burn. That being said, humans are still responsible for 97% of the acreage damage that has resulted from fires this year. Enjoy the outdoors responsibly and brush up on your fire prevention skills. 

Open trail: The Wahclella Falls trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (CRGNSA) has reopened after almost two years of closure due to the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. For safety reasons, the upper loop remains closed to hikers — if you hit the trail, please respect the closure signs. Know before you go: Make sure the CRGNSA trail you want to hike is open.

Hunt is on: While big game hunting doesn’t officially open for another month, small game and early archery deer season begins September 1. With about 180,000 licensed hunters in Washington state, it’s important to know how to safely share the outdoor spaces we all enjoy using for recreation during hunting season. Also — meet a Trail Community member who hunts, and hikes, for a purpose.

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