Hiker Headlines: A Big Thank You, Mountain Passes, Guided Snowshoe Trips
It's Dec. 5, 2019. We can't thank you enough for your support on Giving Tuesday. While some passes are still open — we're looking at you North Cascades — many others are closed for the season. And if you'd like to try snowshoeing, guided hikes this winter might be just the thing.
It's Dec. 5, 2019. We can't thank you enough for your support on Giving Tuesday. While some passes are still open — we're looking at you North Cascades — many others are closed for the season. And if you'd like to try snowshoeing, guided hikes this winter might be just the thing.
Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.
Jessica Winter-Stoltzman who shared this recent view near Artist Point! Thank you for all that you do to care for trails in Washington state.
Thank you! More than 700 hikers supported Washington Trails Association on Giving Tuesday. Thanks to that generosity, we blew past our fundraising goal. Such generous support is what powers our work to ensure we have trails for everyone, forever. We can’t wait to do more! (And hey, it’s never too late to show up for trails.)
Is it open? Is it closed? The North Cascades Highway was still open to drivers (but closed on Tues. Dec. 11) which is pretty unusual for December. This is the latest the road has still been open in more than a decade. The road will close for the season when snow levels and avalanche risk make it too risky for drivers and maintenance crews. It’s not a big surprise the route is still open; November was remarkably dry. It's worth mentioning, that while the road is open, trails at higher elevations are likely to be snow covered. If you're going out, be careful out there!
Other mountain passes have closed for the season. Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass, both near Mount Rainier, were the most recent to close. The state Department of Transportation has information about current pass conditions on their website — be sure to give them a look before you head to the mountains.
Time for a snow dance: Want to try out snowshoeing? Beginning tomorrow (Dec. 6) you can register for guided snowshoe trips in the Snoqualmie Pass area. The trips cater to all levels, from kid-friendly treks to longer more challenging trips for hearty adventurers. Snowshoes are provided. Donations are requested to help cover the cost of the programs. Reservations will be available online. (Click on snowshoe walks once registration opens.)
And if you have your own snowshoes or want to rent a pair, there’s another chance for guided trips. Starting later this month, guided snowshoe hikes will be offered at Lake Easton State Park. And starting in January, there will also be guided hikes at Lake Wenatchee State Park.
BE IN THE KNOW
- Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
- For the most up-to-date information on trails, check out our trip reports. And then write one of your own!
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