Hiker Headlines: Backcountry Permits, Winter Safety, Public Input

It’s January 20. It’s time to start planning for backcountry camping permit applications. The Forest Service offers some winter safety reminders. A public comment period is open for a proposed communications tower in the Naches Ranger District. And, we lay out some of the winter conditions you can expect this week. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week. 

Backcountry camping permit applications are just around the corner. Now is a great time to start planning those summer trips. Photo by Alex Neier. 

Preparing for permitting season: Applications will soon be open for backcountry camping permits in national parks and other popular areas like the Enchantments. Now is the time to start planning so you’re ready when applications open in late February. The biggest change in 2022 is the North Cascades National Park will be switching over to recreation.gov and implementing an early access lottery. Mark your calendar with important dates, and read the fine print for the different permitting processes. 

Winter safety reminder: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is reminding us all to stay safe this winter. Check the forecast, prepare your vehicle for winter conditions, don’t park in no-parking zones and pack out all trash. We can all do our part to #RecreateResponsibly this winter. 

Input sought for new communications tower: The construction of a new communications tower is proposed in the Naches Ranger District to fill in gaps in service for the area. You can learn more about the proposed project and provide public comment by February 5. 

Winter conditions for the week: It’s always a good idea to check winter conditions before heading out since things can change quickly. For now, be prepared for winter driving conditions at the passes today and tonight. Warmer weather is also expected this coming week, which may cause changes in avalanche conditions. Check an up-to-date forecast from the Northwest Avalanche Center to get the latest. 

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