Hiker Headlines: New Spokane Area Trails, Peninsula Planning, Smoke Forecast, Juneteenth

It’s June 17. Exciting new trail work projects are getting underway in the Spokane area. The public can participate in planning for Miller Peninsula and Sequim Bay State Parks. Discover Passes can now be checked out at Seattle Public Libraries. A new smoke forecast map will aid in finding clean air during the wildfire season. On Juneteenth, learn about and support organizations working to make the outdoors more inclusive. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Volunteers heading to their worksite at Etter Ranch, one of the trail projects happening in the Spokane area this summer and fall. Photo by Holly Weiler. 

New trails in Spokane area: Several trail work projects are scheduled this summer and fall in the Spokane area. Four or more miles of new trail will be added to Etter Ranch, with the first phase already underway. Volunteering on a trail work party with WTA is a great way to give back to public lands and have fun with fellow hikers. Sign up for a trail work party in Eastern Washington today!

Peninsula park planning: Planning is underway for Miller Peninsula and Sequim Bay State Parks. A planning meeting on June 30 at 6:00 p.m. is open to the public to provide input on plans to develop Miller Peninsula into a full-service state park and make updates to Sequim Bay State Park. Written comments and suggestions will also be accepted until July 18.

Check out a Discover Pass: Seattle Public Libraries are now offering Discover Passes for checkout. Anyone with a library card can checkout a Discover Pass for 2 weeks. Discover Passes are required for vehicle access to state parks, and other state recreation lands.  

Smoke forecast map: A new online tool gives a 5-day forecast of smoke conditions for regions throughout the state. The smoke forecast map is run by the Washington Department of Ecology. Wildfire season is just around the corner. Help prevent forest fires by following all rules and regulations to #RecreateResponsibly.

Juneteenth: June 19, or Juneteenth, recently designated as a federal holiday, commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. Consider taking the day to learn about and support organizations working to make the outdoors more inclusive. Commemorate Freedom with Outdoor Afro by spending time outside, and sharing your reflections. Check out GirlTrek and tune in to their 221-day Black History Bootcamp podcast on your next walk to extend your learning beyond Juneteenth. Entry fees will be waived at State Parks and public land managed by the Department of Natural Resources on June 19, in honor of this holiday. 

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