Hiker Headlines: Make Camping Reservations, Flowers are Blooming and Please, Watch Your Step at Palouse Falls

It's April 4. It's definitely time to be thinking about making summer camping reservations. Wildflowers are starting to put on a show. And officials would really like you to stay safe at Palouse Falls. 

Here’s some hiker news that you may have missed while out on trail this week. 

Volunteers take to the trails: Our first volunteer vacation of the year is hitting the trail at Kalaloch Beach this week! From saving overgrown trails in the deep backcountry to preserving our much-loved frontcountry trails for generations to come, these 3-7 day trips can make a huge impact on our trail system — and we couldn't do it without you.

Our volunteer vacations at Kalaloch this year are focused on revitalizing the Big Cedar Tree trail and making this beautiful section of trail ADA accessible. "I like volunteer vacations because they combine a week of social interaction with the ability to due useful work on trails that are usually overused and need the extended amount of care from a weeklong vacation," said Bill Mueller, one of the Kalaloch volunteers.


The first volunteer vacation crew of the season worked to improve the Big Cedar Tree trail this week. Photo by Austin Easter.

Make a reservation: If you’re used to camping at Camano Island State Park, things are a little different this year. For the first time, the park is accepting reservations for campsites, which were previously first-come, first-served. The park is open year round, but reservations are available from May 15 to Sept. 15. It’s also a good time to think about reservations in general. Campgrounds book up fast for the summer. 

Wildflowers! It’s that time of year! Wildflowers are starting to show up around the state. (Trip reporter Lucy found flowers AND sandhill cranes.) You can see where flowers are blooming in trip reports; and be sure to file your own! And, of course, be safe when you head out. Days are still somewhat short, and weather can change quickly.

Trip reporter Lucy found early flowers on a trip to Cowiche Canyon. Photo by Lucy.

Watch your step: Palouse Falls, Washington’s state waterfall, is a stunning sight. It can also be a dangerous place if you’re not careful and smart. After recent deaths, state park officials are again reminding people to stay behind fences and on established trails.

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• For the most up-to-date information on trails, check out our trip reports. And then write your own.