Hiker Headlines: State Lands Reopening, Hiking Webinar, Volunteer Honored
It's April 30. Soon, some state lands will begin to reopen to hikes — and we want to answer all your questions. A devoted WTA volunteer was recently honored for his work in Clark County. And clearing is now underway on the North Cascades Highway, but prepare for some delays and closures on Leavenworth's Icicle Road. Here's some news you might have missed this week.
It's April 30. Soon, some state lands will begin to reopen to hikes — and we want to answer all your questions. A devoted WTA volunteer was recently honored for his work in Clark County. And clearing is now underway on the North Cascades Highway, but prepare for some delays and closures on Leavenworth's Icicle Road. Here's some news you might have missed this week.
Hiker will soon have more options for hiking as state lands begin to reopen. Photo by Sue Niezgoda.
A (careful) return to hiking: Beginning Tuesday, May 5, some state lands will begin opening again. Like you, we’re delighted by this news. And, like always, we want you to stay safe so we’ve put together some suggestion to keep in mind if you’re venturing out on state lands. And remember that, for now, many areas are still closed.
Your questions answered: Speaking of public lands re-opening — we bet you have questions. And we want to answer them! Join us on Friday for a 45-minute webinar on what's ahead for hikers and trail. Register in advance here or watch it on Facebook Live.
A well-earned honor: Tom Griffith, a WTA volunteer crew leader, was awarded the Leading Eagle Award by the Parks Foundation of Clark County. The award recognizes community leaders who have lead efforts that improve trails, parks and recreation programs. Tom is a devoted volunteer and caring leader who is helping to make trails better for all hikers.
Clearing has begun: Crews have begun work to clear the North Cascades Highway. Crews are observing extra precautions to avoid the spread of coronavirus as they work to open up the route, which will take a couple of weeks. The highway provides an alternative route in the case of natural disaster and is also an important route for freight. North Cascades National Park is still closed to visitors.
Icicle Road closure: Beginning May 1 and lasting through May 14, the popular Snow Lakes trailhead in Leavenworth will be closed (note: it is currently temporarily closed per Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest guidelines) for the first of several construction projects planned for Icicle Road. The City of Leavenworth and Trout Unlimited are working on multiple projects to help with water supply and fish recovery in the Icicle Watershed. The various projects will continue through October 31, 2020, so be sure to check for updated closures, and be prepared for delays well into summer and fall.
BE IN THE KNOW
- Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
- Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.
Comments
eric and heather on Hiker Headlines: State Lands Reopening, Hiking Webinar, Volunteer Honored
It would be very helpful if you guys posted a list of hikes that are open starting tomorrow that you recommend. Please feature a lot of logging road hikes (wide trails that make passing easy), hikes in wide open spaces like Eastern Washington, and less popular hikes. Sometimes the path you take is critical- right before the covid shutdown we went to Wallace falls and hiked the logging road- it was great, just a couple people all day, we could pass each other very safely, and got to hike all the way to the lakes up top for a total of 14 miles. Everyone that went to the falls though were pushed together in a crush of humanity and it was very unsafe.
Posted by:
eric and heather on May 04, 2020 02:37 PM