Hiker Headlines: Last Call for Hiker Rally Day, Free Day, North Cascades Permits, New Trail Bypass

It’s March 2. It’s your last chance to sign up for Hiker Rally Day! March 9 is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, and some areas will have their parking fees waived. The North Cascades early access lottery opens March 6. Some state park campgrounds may be closed due to weather conditions. And a new bypass trail between Ralson and Marengo along the Palouse to Cascades Trail has opened. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Want to camp under the stars in North Cascades National Park? The early access lottery opens March 6! Photo by Randall Hodges. 

Last call for Hiker Rally Day: Sign up for Hiker Rally Day by March 6! 90% of Washington residents use trails, and legislators need to know. On Hiker Rally Day, we’ll help you share how important trails are to you and everyone in Washington. You don’t need to be an expert in public lands policy — anyone can be an advocate. Join us for our virtual Hiker Rally Day on March 14, and help protect trails for years to come.

Free day: Next Thursday, March 9, is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday! Billy Frank Jr. was a Nisqually tribal member who advocated for Native American fishing rights. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is named after him for his advocacy and work to help preserve the area as a refuge. Lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will have their parking fees waived on his birthday. 

North Cascades early access lottery opening: The early access lottery for North Cascades National Park reservations opens on Monday, March 6, at 7 a.m. and will end on March 17 at 9 p.m. All remaining reservations will be available starting May 1 at 7 a.m. Read more about the early access lottery process. 

State park campground closures: Due to weather and snow/ice conditions, some state park campgrounds or campground facilities may be intermittently closed. Be sure to check the campground status before heading out. 

New Palouse to Cascades Trail bypass opens: The new Cow Creek Trestle Bypass on the Palouse to Cascades Trail in Eastern Washington has opened, allowing hikers to avoid a long road detour between Ralson and Marengo. The path will be open seasonally between March 1 and October 31. The bypass is on private property, so please be respectful and stay on the route. 

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