Hiker Headlines: Celebrate Public Lands Day, Recycle Responsibly and Build Community

It's Thursday, Sept. 26. This Saturday is Public Lands Day. Watch for orange vests in Olympic National Forest. Dispose of old gas canisters responsibly. And find community at the Refuge Outdoor Festival. 

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

Red huckleberry leaves brightens the slopes of Mount Rainier. If you love hiking, this Saturday is an ideal day to celebrate public lands. Photo by James Lorentson.

We love public lands! This Saturday, Sept. 28, is Public Lands Day. What’s Public Lands Day? It's our state's newest holiday, thanks to hikers like you. It’s a day to celebrate and care for the amazing public lands where we love to play. Even better, in honor of the day, state and national lands will all be free — no parking pass or entry fee required. However you want to celebrate, we hope you find time to appreciate our state’s beautiful outdoor places. 

Survey says: Starting in October, you may see folks in bright orange vests along roads in Olympic National Forest. They’ll be near a sign that says “Traffic Survey Ahead.” They will be collecting information to look at recreation trends over time. The survey provides important information to the Forest Service to help with their planning. If you are stopped for one of the surveys, all of your answers are confidential. The more land managers know about what visitors need to have the best experience, the more they can plan for that in the future.

Don’t trash it! Not sure what to do with old gas canisters that are hanging around? Two upcoming events in the Seattle area will offer an easy way to recycle 1 pound or smaller propane or isobutante canisters. The first event is Saturday, Sept. 28, in Rainier Valley and the second is Oct. 19 and the downtown Seattle REI.

Representation matters: This weekend is the Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground in Carnation. Refuge is a 3-day camping experience geared toward people of color (allies welcome). The event builds community through outdoor recreation, conversations, music and art that appeal to a diverse and inclusive audience. Tickets can be purchased online. 

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