Hiker Headlines: Lingering Snow, Dog Mountain, Youth Trail Work, Trail Connections

It’s April 1. Happy April Fool’s Day. We love a good prank, but be assured, the following news stories are all real (okay, well maybe not that last one below). Even though it’s officially spring, hikers should still plan for winter conditions on trail. Dog Mountain permits are now available online. The priority application period for Youth Volunteer Vacation is now open. Libraries across the state are lending Discover Passes. And an important trail segment has been completed in Bellevue. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

April 1 is a sign that the seasons are changing, but don't be fooled — it still looks like winter on many trails across the state. Photo by Veronica Hurm. 

The snow is not gone yet: With the birds chirping and flowers blooming, hikers visiting the mountains may feel like they are the butt of an April Fool’s joke when they find winter conditions on trail. Don’t be fooled — even though signs of spring are all around, snow persists on many trails and cold weather, changing conditions and avalanches are still a very real concern.

Dog Mountain permits: Permits for the popular Dog Mountain area in the Columbia River Gorge went on sale online on March 31. Visitors must have a permit to hike in this area on the weekends between April 24-June 13 and on Memorial Day. You can either reserve a permit online or get a ticket to ride the Skamania County shuttle from Stevenson, which includes a hiking permit.

Youth Volunteer Vacations: Applications for WTA’s overnight trail work trips for youth are now being accepted. The priority application period runs from April 1-15. Learn more about the trips being offered and submit your application.

Check Out Washington: The Check Out Washington program, which supplies libraries across the state with Discover Passes for patrons to check out, has expanded this year from 309 passes to 455 passes spread across libraries throughout Washington. Another great way to visit State Parks is on free days. Two free days are coming up, April 3 and April 22.

Trail connection: In Bellevue, an important segment of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trail was just completed. The 0.8-mile segment provides a safe corridor for pedestrians and cyclists to pass through a heavily trafficked area south of I-90 near Factoria Boulevard.

April Fool’s news: We couldn't resist. WTA to Add Golf Courses to Hiking Guide, skis for dogs, Smokey Bear gets a mullet.

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.
• Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.