Hiker Headlines: Mountain Snow, Artist Point Closed, Our DEI Work, Listening Sessions

It’s October 14. Trip reports are showing winter conditions from a light dusting of snow in the trees, to trails completely covered in snow. The road to Artist Point recently closed for the winter season. We take a moment to reflect on our work toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Make your voice heard in a listening session on the Department of the Interior’s efforts to better understand barriers to outdoor recreation. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Be prepared to encounter snowy conditions if you're heading out this weekend. Naches Peak Loop. Photo by Touray Kungkagam.

Snow in the mountains: Trip reporters are describing the return of snow to the mountains. High trails all over the state are experiencing snowfall at the beginning of what’s predicted to be a snowy winter. Brush up on our winter safety tips before heading out, and check the latest trip reports for up-to-date information.

Road to Artist Point closed for the season: The final 2.7 miles of Highway 542 accessing Artist Point is now closed to vehicles for the winter season. The annual road closure lasts through the winter until the road is plowed and reopened in the summer.

Reflecting on our work toward diversity, equity and inclusion: Building a more equitable and inclusive hiking community is an important part of our mission. We recently took a moment to reflect on the last 3 years of working to strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion in our work. Read more about the lessons we’ve learned over the last few years, and how we’re carrying this learning forward.

Listening sessions on outdoor equity: As part of an effort to better understand barriers to outdoor recreation, the Department of the Interior (DOI) wants to know more about how people access their lands. Earlier this year WTA and Latino Outdoors submitted a letter of support for the DOI’s effort to evaluate inequity in outdoor recreation, and now you can share your thoughts in one of these upcoming listening sessions held between Oct. 19-Oct. 27.

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.