Hiker Headlines: Hike the State, Check Out Washington Expands, Road Openings and Closures

It’s May 12. Join Washington Trails Association for Hike the State on June 8. The Check Out Washington program has expanded to allow more library users to check out Discover Passes with adventure packs. The North Cascades Highway has re-opened for the season. But some roads on the highway will also be impacted by a repaving project in July. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Highway 20 is back open, but some parts of it, like the road to Diablo Lake Overlook, will be closed for part of the summer. Photo by Kristen Sapowicz.

Hike the State with WTA: On June 8, come find your next adventure with WTA at Hike the State! Discover new-to-you hikes from around the state, hand-picked and presented by WTA staff. In addition to 15+ hike recommendations, you'll hear about 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.

More Discover Passes at libraries: The Check Out Washington program allows library users to check out adventure packs that include binoculars, guidebooks and a Discover Pass. An additional 400 Discover Passes were purchased for public libraries by the Washington State Employees Credit Union, with a focus on underserved communities. Users can keep an adventure pack for up to a week at a time.

Highway 20 open: The North Cascades Highway opened earlier this week after Washington State Department of Transportation crews finished clearing the snow and completed spring maintenance work. Please be aware that some Forest Service, National Parks Service, restroom and amenity facilities are still closed, and avalanche danger persists.

Road closures: Cascade River Road, roads to Diablo Lake Overlook and Ross Dam Trailhead and the Happy Creek Nature Trail parking area on Highway 20 will all be impacted by a repaving project in July. Make sure to check road closure statuses on the National Park Service website before heading out. 

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