Hiker Headlines: Spring Forward, National Park Public Input, Good Fire

It’s March 10. Mount Rainier and North Cascades National Park want your input on two new proposals. Learn how GirlTrek is celebrating Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. Prescribed burns are scheduled in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Identify trees with the helpful Trees PNW app. And, don’t forget to spring forward on March 13. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week. 

Big wins at the state Legislature are cause for celebration. Photo by Scott Sloate. 

Mount Rainier bridge replacement: Mount Rainier National Park is planning to rehabilitate or replace the Fryingpan Creek bridge along the road to Sunrise. The park is asking for public input to inform their planning. Learn more about the bridge project and submit your comments by April 9.

North Cascades backcountry camp changes: North Cascades National Park is proposing some changes to backcountry camps along the Brush Creek and Bridge Creek Trails. The modifications would move camps out of the flood zone along Brush Creek and add more capacity along the Bridge Creek Trail for Pacific Crest Trail hikers. Learn more about the proposal and submit your comments by April 6. 

GirlTrek walks in honor of Harriet Tubman:  March 10 is Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. To celebrate, members of GirlTrek will be walking as part of A Moving Tribute. Hear what Trina Baker, WTA board member and leader for GirlTrek Seattle had to say about this important event. 

Prescribed burns in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: Several prescribed burns have been scheduled throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest this spring. From Twisp to Chelan to Cle Elum, these controlled burns will help reduce the likelihood of high-intensity fires during the summer by reducing fuels. 

What kind of tree is that: One of the joys of spring is identifying trees, especially as they are leafing out and blooming. Luckily there is an app for that. And not just any app, but one developed by a longtime volunteer assistant crew leader at WTA. Download Trees PNW and start identifying the trees you come across on your next hike. 

Spring forward: Spring is in the air, which means it’s time to spring forward. On March 13, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour. 

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