Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 Open, Big Thanks for GiveBIG, Wildfire Prevention, Trail Updates

It’s May 6. The North Cascades Highway has reopened for the season. A big thanks to everyone who gave to WTA during GiveBIG this week — thank you for supporting trails! With an uptick in wildfires this spring it’s a good time to refresh on wildfire safety and prevention. The last major gap in the western section of the Palouse to Cascades Trail has been filled. A parking lot at Deception Pass will be closed until next year. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

A hairpin turn on the North Cascades Highway seen from the Washington Pass overlook trail. Photo by Dan Clements. 

North Cascades Highway is open: After weeks of work clearing snow and repairing the road, WSDOT reopened the North Cascades Highway yesterday. The highway is open for travel, but many facilities are still closed and many trails are still under snow.

Big thanks for GiveBIG: During this year’s GiveBIG, 1,738 hikers raised $208,111 for trails. With an additional $135,000 in matching funds from a generous group of more than 30 supporters, our community raised a total of $343,111 for trails. We’re inspired by the way hikers stepped up this year to support the trails we all rely on, and made 2021 our most successful GiveBIG ever. We’re so grateful for your generous support of WTA and trails. THANK YOU!

Wildfire caution: Some of the recent burn bans for Eastern Washington have eased but wildfire worries remain. Always check with land managers for the latest fire regulations, and follow all the rules when it comes to building and putting out a campfire. DNR just launched their Wildfire Ready Neighbors program to help homeowners in Chelan, Okanogan and Spokane counties protect their houses from fire.

Renslow Trestle completed:  With the completion of the Renslow Trestle over I-90 east of Kittitas, the last major gap in the Palouse to Cascades Trail between North Bend and the Columbia River has been filled. Hikers, cyclists and equestrians can now cross seamlessly and safely over the interstate.

Deception Pass parking closed: The parking lot just south of the Deception Pass bridge will be closed until next year. The parking area on Pass Island is also closed. Both closures are in place to stage equipment used in the painting and repair of the Deception Pass bridges. The parking areas for the various trailheads at the park will remain open.

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 a hike, file your own trip report.
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