Hiker Headlines: New Wolf Pack, Raise a Toast to Trails, Beware Olympics Road Construction and Cascades Snow

It's April 11. Washington wolves have moved to the west side of the state. We'd love to raise a toast to trails with you in Ellensburg. It's the beginning of road work season — and it's still snow season in the mountains.  

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

For the first time in decades, there's a pack of gray wolves west of the Cascades. Photo by Johan and Karen Hollingsworth, USFWS.

A new pack: A new pack of wolves has settled in Skagit County, the first time there has been a pack in Western Washington in decades. A male wolf, which has a radio collar, has been in the area for awhile and he was recently joined by a female. If you’re lucky enough to hear or see a wolf, the state would like to know. (And we would too!)

Cheers to trails: Join WTA in Ellensburg on April 30. You’ll be among the first to hear about WTA’s exciting projects for the 50,000-acre Teanaway Community Forest, with its huge potential as a keystone destination for hikers. Buy yourself a drink and enjoy an appetizer on us!  (Not in Ellensburg? Check out other events for hikers around the state.)

Delays on the Olympic Peninsula: You’ll want to plan ahead a bit of you’re planning a hike on the north or northwest of the Olympic Peninsula. From April 15 to May 23, Mondays to Thursdays, there will be 4-hour delays on Highway 101 at Lake Crescent. There is an alternate route using Highway 112/113. 

Let it snow: Lest we forget, it’s still winter in the mountains. The Cascades and Olympics could see a decent amount of snow over the weekend. Keep that in mind as you’re planning your weekend adventures. And, we know we’re repeating ourselves here, but we like you. Come home safe.

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