Hiker Headlines: Paradise Road Reopening Soon, Ski Season Extended, New Reservation System

It’s April 6. Staircase Campground in Olympic National Park will have a new reservation system this summer. Heavy snow has extended the ski season. Mount St. Helens climbing permit holders may be able to request refunds through April 20 due to snow, but the road to Paradise may reopen in the next couple of weeks! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

There's a ton of snow in the mountains! Ski resorts have extended their seasons, but Paradise may reopen in the next couple weeks. Photo by Must Hike Must Eat.

Campground reservation changes: Olympic National Park has implemented a reservation system for the Staircase Campground this summer. Reservations can be made online for camping between July 5 through August 31 on Recreation.gov or by phone, and can be made 1 to 14 days in advance. Sites will continue to be first come, first served for the rest of the year. 

Ski season extended: Due to continued colder weather and snow levels, ski resorts have extended their seasons. Mission Ridge will be open on the weekends through the rest of April. Crystal Mountain Resort has extended its season through April 30, and may extend it further pending snow conditions. Mount Baker Ski Area will be open Friday through Sunday each week until April 23. White Pass Ski Area will be open through April 16, then open weekends only until the end of April. Stevens Pass ends its season on April 16. Some areas of Snoqualmie Pass will continue to be open through the month — check its calendar for further details. 

Mount St. Helens permit refunds: Due to lack of plowing services on Forest Road 83 and high snow levels, Mount St. Helens climbing permit holders may request refunds through April 20 if the snow affects their ability to climb the mountain. 

Road to Paradise reopening soon: Mount Rainier National Park is planning to open the road to Paradise in mid-April for day use, pending weather conditions. The road will continue to be closed at night until May. 

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