Hiker Headlines: Seal Pup, Muddy Trails, Applications, Trail Love
A seal pup was born at Deception Pass, prompting some trail detours. Some trails in Central Washington are closed due to muddy conditions. It’s almost time to sign up for WTA’s backcountry volunteer trips. Enchantments permit applications will open on Feb 15. We have some valentine cards for that special hiker in your life. And, you can take action for trails by letting your legislators know you support reducing the maintenance backlog for state parks and lands.
It’s February 10. A seal pup was born at Deception Pass, prompting some trail detours. Some trails in Central Washington are closed due to muddy conditions. It’s almost time to sign up for WTA’s backcountry volunteer trips. Enchantments permit applications will open on Feb 15. We have some valentine cards for that special hiker in your life. And, you can take action for trails by letting your legislators know you support reducing the maintenance backlog for state parks and lands. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
Show your love for trails this Valentine's Day by staying off of muddy trails, signing up for a backcountry volunteer trip and contacting your legislators. Photo by Jess Ohare.
Seal pup born at Deception Pass: A northern elephant seal has been born at Bowman Bay in Deception Pass State Park. To give the mom and pup plenty of space, the Bowman Bay boat launch is closed, the picnic area is closed to pets and there are trail detours on the Rosario Head/Lighthouse Loop. These closures will be lifted once the pup is able to leave the area. Please respect these closures and always stay at least 50 yards away from marine life.
Muddy trails closed: Several trails are temporarily closed at Cowiche Canyon Preserve, Snow Mountain Ranch and Rocky Top to prevent permanent trail damage caused by hiking on muddy trails. The trails will reopen once they dry out. Due to the unique conditions in Central and Eastern Washington, hiking on muddy trails can cause permanent damage. If you’re leaving an indent in the trail surface, it’s best to go somewhere else or come back in the early morning when the trail is frozen solid.
WTA’s backcountry volunteer trips announced: WTA’s backcountry volunteer trips have been announced for 2022. These multi-night trips are a great way to experience beautiful parts of our state while giving back to trails. Right now you can preview the trips and get your forms in so you’re ready when sign-ups open on February 12 at 10:00 a.m.
Enchantments lottery opens February 15: Permit applications will be opening soon for backcountry camping in certain areas of Washington. The lottery for the Enchantments opens on Feb 15, followed by Mount Rainier applications on Feb 21 and North Cascades National Park on Mar 3. Learn everything you need to know about backcountry and wilderness permits and get those applications in on time.
Feeling the love: With Valentine’s Day coming up we have a little something to share with that special hiker in your life.
Take action for trails: Turn that love for trails into action by telling your legislators to reduce the maintenance backlog on state parks and lands. Help us reach our legislative goals by advocating for trails today.
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- Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.
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