Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Frog Mountain (and More!) Open, Get an Adventure Pack at the Library

It’s June 29. Registration for Hike-a-Thon opens July 1! Several roads and trails are opening up for summer, but White River Road is temporarily closed. Be aware of some fee changes in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Check Out Washington program has expanded. And Happy Fourth of July weekend! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Check out beautiful views like this on the newly-opened Frog Mountain trail! Photo by janinwoodway.

Sign up for Hike-a-Thon: WTA's annual fundraiser, Hike-a-Thon, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Throughout the August, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington. Join the fun when registration opens on July 1!

Roads and trails are open: Several roads and trails are open or will reopen soon! 

• The Frog Mountain trail is open! This brand-new trail was built with the help of many WTA work parties, and we’re excited for hikers to check it out. 
• The road to Artist Point is open to motor vehicles for the summer season.
• The road to Hart’s Pass is back open after road damage from run-off and storms has been repaired. Please note that the road will be temporarily closed between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for 5 days in mid-July. 
• The bridges on the Greenwater Lakes trail have been replaced, and the trail is back open. 
• The road to Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park will reopen on July 1. 

Road closure: The White River Road near Lake Wenatchee is closed due to damage from a debris flow. Crews are working to reopen the road, but don't know how long it will take. This restricts access to Twin Lakes. 

Gifford Pinchot National Forest fees: Starting in July, fees for several trailheads, campgrounds and day use areas in Gifford Pinchot National Forest will be increased. The changes were approved earlier this year, and will be used to handle increasing costs for maintenance and other needs for the national forest. 

Get an adventure pack at the library: The Check Out Washington program — which provides library visitors the opportunity to check out "adventure packs" that include Discover passes, binoculars and educational materials — has expanded to include another 100 adventure packs available to check out due to high interest. The adventure packs can be checked out using a library card and can be found in libraries all across the state. 

Happy Fourth of July! Many folks are planning to spend some time outside this weekend. We hope that everyone  has fun — and keeps fire safety in mind. The Forest Service urges folks to celebrate the holiday safely and legally by leaving any fireworks — including sparklers — at home and making sure any campfires are put out entirely before leaving them.

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
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• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.