Hiker Headlines: Hike the State, Campground Openings, Hike Closures, More Rain

Note per 6/10/2022: The Annette Lake trail closure start date has shifted to Tuesday, July 5. The trail construction project is still expected to be completed in October.

It’s June 2. Join Washington Trails Association for Hike the State next Wednesday, June 8. Some campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park have reopened for the season. Upcoming construction will close a few hikes and cause some delays in the I-90 corridor. Sula Jacobs has been selected as superintendent for Olympic National Park. And, prepare for more rainy weather this week. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Snow Lake trail, along with Source Lake and Annette Lake trails, will be closed for much of the summer season due to trail construction. Photo by Cowpie.

Hike the State: Next Wednesday, June 8, find your next adventure with WTA at Hike the State! Discover new-to-you hikes from around the state, hand-picked and presented by the staff of WTA. In addition to 15+ hike recommendations, you'll learn how WTA's hike finder tools and trail smart resources can help you plan your perfect hike. Make sure to register for this free online event.

Pitch a tent: Cougar Rock Campground and Ohanapecosh Campground in Mount Rainier National Park have reopened to campers. Reservations can be made on a first-come, first-served basis or obtained in advance. 

I-90 road work: Access to the Annette Lake and Hansen Creek trailheads will be impacted by road construction for the next few weeks. Hikers should expect delays or opt for an alternate route to the trailhead. Construction is expected to last through June 14.

I-90 hike closures: Annette Lake, Snow Lake and Source Lake will be closed for most of the summer for trail maintenance by the forest service. Annette Lake will is set to close on June 15, and Snow Lake and Source Lake will be closed around July 16. Work on both trails is expected to be finished in October.

New Olympic superintendent: Sula Jacobs was selected as superintendent for Olympic National Park and will begin working in the position in July. She is currently superintendent for Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and has previously been acting deputy superintendent at Yosemite National Park and acting superintendent at Biscayne National Park.

The rain continues: With the recent and upcoming wet weather, it can be difficult to find dry hikes, but that sure hasn’t stopped folks from getting outside! If you decide to brace the rain this weekend, grab a rain jacket and make sure to write up a trip report afterward to share the conditions.

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