Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Closures, Wildfire Info

It’s August 18. WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now accepting entries! Take note of a few trail and road closures over the next several weeks. Be aware of controlled fires in Thurston County starting soon. And, on that note, be sure to check wildfire statuses before heading out on a trip. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Grand prize winning photo in the 2021 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. The 2022 contest has officially begun! Submit your photos by October 17. Photo by Michael Margoshes.

Photo contest: The 2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest, WTA’s annual photo contest celebrating outdoor photography and the hiking community, has opened! The contest will run until October 17 and features five categories. Winners in each category will receive prizes from our sponsors and will also be featured online and in our annual calendar.

Closures and delays: Forest Road 23, which services several campgrounds outside of Randle, will be closed from milepost 9.5 to 10 from August 22 through September 20; those seeking access past this point should take Forest Road 21. Hurricane Hill in the Olympics is closed through August 26. Per the Forest Service, the Three Fingers Lookout will be closed from August 20 through August 23 and from August 27 through September 11 for maintenance by Friends of Three Fingers. Please bring a tent or bivy if you intend to stay overnight near the lookout. And, expect delays if you’re entering Mount Rainier National Park from the Nisqually entrance due to construction.

Controlled fires: The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will be conducting controlled fires at the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area and the West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area starting around August 22. The purpose of these fires is to restore prairie habitat prior to seeding and planting native species. Be aware if you plan to hike in the area; you may also see smoke if you are nearby.  

Wildfire season: Be aware of current wildfires if you’re planning a trip. Check out our Hike Finder Map to see where wildfires are burning and if they overlap with your hike, and check alerts from the land manager for the area you’re planning to travel to.

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• 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.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.