Hiker Headlines: Marmot vs Pika, Closures, Burns Take a Backseat, Outdoor Companies Shift Gears

It’s March 26. Tonight is the final tense/adorable round-one contest between pikas and marmots in our own version of March Madness. Agencies temporarily close parks and trails across the state. The Forest Service curtails prescribed burns to help people with vulnerable lungs. Gear companies try to help with the medical supplies shortage. 

We hope that you're all staying healthy and have been able to stretch your legs in your neighborhood and get some fresh air. It seems like every day brings new news recently, even in the outdoor world, so here's what you might have missed this week.

Competitive cuteness: Like many of you, we've been missing out on a few of our favorite spring pasttimes, such as sportsball (and, erm, hiking). To help make up for it, we've been hosting our very own March Madness: Washington Fauna Edition over on our Facebook page and Instagram Stories. The final, round-one vote — Marmot v. Pika — will be taking place tonight, and it's sure to be a nail biter! Follow our accounts so you don't miss out on the fun!

Closures of note: To combat the spread of COVID-19 and preserve resources where they are needed most right now, many land managers are closing facilities, parking lots, or in some cases, lands. For a full list of current closures and more information about hiking during this time, we're working furiously to keep our Hiking Guide and resources up to date. Here's a snapshot of just some of the recent closures this week:

• Most state-managed lands, including Washington State Parks and DNR lands are closed until at least April 8.
• Many cities and counties have restricted access or closed park facilities and/or trails. For example, Skamania County has closed all trails, King County has closed parks and gated trailheads, and the City of Seattle has closed the parking lots at many of the city's popular parks to help enforce public health guidelines for staying 6+ feet apart and not congregating
• Washington's federal lands have also closed many roads and facilities. Mount Rainier has closed road access and foot traffic into the park. Olympic and North Cascades have also closed key roads. Many trailhead toilets in the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest are closed. These include toilets along the I-90 and 410 corridors.
• See the full list for more details.

If you're feeling at a loss for how to get some exercise and get outside for a much-needed dose of nature in your neighborhood, we've got tips.

Prescribed burns on pause: Due to the sensitive nature of those who could potentially be affected by COVID-19, the Forest Service is pausing any prescribed fire efforts across the Pacific Northwest. “With this pause, we can better protect those who may also be in higher-risk groups for COVID-19, such as the elderly and those with underlying respiratory conditions," the Forest Service said. There is no information on when these might resume in the future.

Gear shift: Companies in many sectors are adapting to working from home, closures and changes in how their businesses moves forward. Outdoor companies are certainly no exception, and some have even offered their help in tackling the pandemic. Adventure Journal reports that one familiar northwest name, Eddie Bauer, is among the gear companies shifting to make medical gear instead of outdoor equipment.

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