Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Climate Lecture, Trail Plans, New Open Space
Parking fees will be waived in some areas for World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. Visit Town Hall on Oct. 18 to listen to the University of Washington College of the Environment’s annual Doug Walker Lecture. Share your thoughts on a new comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. An emergency closure has been implemented on a part of Stevens Canyon Road for construction. And, a new recreation area has opened on Vashon Island.
It’s October 6. Parking fees will be waived in some areas for World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. Visit Town Hall on Oct. 18 to listen to the University of Washington College of the Environment’s annual Doug Walker Lecture. Share your thoughts on a new comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. An emergency closure has been implemented on a part of Stevens Canyon Road for construction. And, a new recreation area has opened on Vashon Island. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
The Forest Service wants your thoughts on their comprehensive trail plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, which has its western terminus at Cape Alava on the Olympic Coast. Photo by Tiffany Chou.
Free day: Next Monday, Oct. 10, is World Mental Health Day! Parking fees will be waived in recreation areas managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Climate lecture: Join the University of Washington College of the Environment’s 2022 Doug Walker Lecture, exploring climate change, how working together can be the path forward and more topics with environmental advocate and educator Jamie Stroble ‘10. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 18 at Seattle Town Hall — registration is required and costs $8. And come stop by the WTA table if you have a chance!
Trail plan: The Forest Service has opened a public comment period on their proposal for the development of a comprehensive trail-wide plan and associated environmental analysis for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, including meeting the National Trails System Act standards and ensuring proper management of the trail in the future. Read about the proposal and add your comments by Oct. 29 to share your thoughts.
Road closure: Stevens Canyon Road between Stevens Creek and Box Canyon will be closed entirely for the rest of the season for construction after a bridge was deemed unsafe for use. Visitors hoping to travel from Paradise/Longmire to Ohanapecosh/White River (or vice versa) will need to travel around Mount Rainier National Park via Highway 12.
New open space: King County Parks has acquired a 110-acre property on Vashon Island, temporarily dubbed “Wax Orchard,” with 4 miles of trails and large open fields. The trails are now open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. In the future, King County Parks will be asking the public for comments on a long-term plan for managing this land, so stay tuned!
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