Hiker Headlines: Gorge Trails and North Cascades National Park Begin Reopening, Camping

It’s May 28. Trails are starting to reopen in the Gorge. North Cascades National Park and the surrounding national recreation areas are beginning to open trails. Some campgrounds will begin to reopen. Our trip reporters are amazing us every day. And a series of plays (watchable from home!) brings to life the joys and struggles of hiking. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week. 

Trails in the Columbia River Gorge area are starting to reopen. Hiking early in the day can be a good way to avoid crowds. Photo by Lauren Dawkins.

Gorge hiking: Trails in the Columbia River Gorge area are starting to reopen after being closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Some popular trails, including Dog Mountain, Beacon Rock State Park Trail and many waterfall hikes, remain closed to protect public health. While trails are starting to reopen, it’s important to remember to #RecreateResponsibly. Check our Hiking Guide for the status of trails across the state. (But do remember that trails might close with little notice, so respect closures and have a backup plan when you head out.)

The North Cascades: North Cascades National Park Service Complex will begin reopening trails on Friday. Some overlooks and boat ramps also begin to reopen. Recreation is limited to day-use and visitors should remember that the park still has limited facilities and some areas haven't yet been prepared for the summer season. The complex includes North Cascades National Park and the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan national recreation areas.

Camping (at least a little): Campgrounds at on some state lands will begin opening on June 1, in 22 counties that are now in phase 2 of the state's "Safe Start" plan. In counties that are allowing camping:

• State parks will begin reopening. Cabins and yurts are still closed. Group campsites are also still closed.
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife campgrounds and dispersed camping will begin reopening.
• Department of Natural Resources campgrounds will begin reopening on a rolling basis.

Remember that not all campgrounds will be open; some counties in Phase 2 have chosen to keep their camping areas closed. Many facilities might not be available. It's important to check before you go to ensure the campground is open, and to have a backup plan in case you arrive to find it full or closed. 

We love trip reporters! Trip reports are always vital to the WTA community. Right now, that’s especially true. With trials reopening after a long hiatus, many trails don’t have recent trip reports. But, as people have started to explore beyond their own neighborhood, we’ve been happy to see new trip reports come in, with reports on everything from downed trees to advice on physical distancing. Thank you, all! And, if you’re heading out on a trail that doesn’t yet have a recent trip report, we have some advice to help you prepare for the trip.

Plays about trails: A creative festival brings the joy and pain of hiking live to the stage — in this case the stage is Zoom and you can watch from home. The series of four plays were commissioned by Shana Bestock of Penguin Productions. The plays consider the joys (and discomforts) of hiking and the feeling of being both small and large in majestic spaces. A WTA representative will be on hand to answer questions about finding your next adventure.   

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter. 
• Check our Hiking Guide for information on what trails are open. 
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.