Hiker Headlines: Senate Passes Public Lands Bill, Avalanche Conditions, Enchantments

It's Feb. 14. Happy Valentine's Day! A massive public lands package passed in the Senate yesterday. WTA's summer backcountry volunteer trips opened up for registration on Saturday. The Enchantments permit lottery process opens tomorrow. Avalanche conditions remain a little dicey.

Here’s some hiker news that you may have missed while out on trail this week.

If you lichen your valentine, maybe take them hiking. Photo: "heart-shaped colony of barnacle-like lichen (Lecanora chlarotera) surrounded by other lichens" by Linh Huynh

Public lands progress in Congress: With strong leadership Washington's Senator Cantwell, a massive public lands package passed in the Senate yesterday. What does it mean for issues important to Washington hikers? It's good news for funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the effort to protect the Methow Valley from mining and the proposed Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area along the I-90 corridor. The next step for the legislation: consideration in the House.

Plan your summer volunteer trips: Help remote trails get the repairs and maintenance they need. Join one of WTA's 3- to 7-day summer volunteer vacations or backcountry response team trips. (Pro tip: join the waitlist if you've got your eye on a particular trip — there's a really good chance you'll get on.) 

Odd weather = odd snow conditions. After an unusual storm, our friends at the Northwest Avalanche Center have the latest on the dicey snow and avalanche conditions. (They're also putting on a fun, educational event this weekend.)

Plan for permits: The permit process for the Enchantments opens tomorrow. Here's what you need to know.

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