Hiker Headlines: WTA Now Hiring, Highway Spring Cleaning, Trails Reopen, Upcoming Snowy Weekend

It’s March 30. WTA is hiring! The North Cascades Highway seasonal clearing has begun. Trails at the Cowiche Canyon Preserve have reopened. Be aware of prescribed burns starting this spring. Some campgrounds in Olympic National Park are temporarily closed. And, expect snow in the mountains this weekend. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Spring cleaning on the North Cascades Highway has begun! Photo by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Now hiring: WTA is currently seeking to hire three permanent positions — communications director, a human resources coordinator and an Outdoor Leadership Training manager — as well as two seasonal positions. Apply now to join our team of collaborative and fun individuals committed to the care of Washington trails and public spaces.

North Cascades Highway spring cleaning: WSDOT began clearing the North Cascades Highway, Highway 20, earlier this week. It will likely take around 2 months to finish the work. 

Trails reopen: The Cowiche Canyon Preserve and Snow Mountain Ranch trails have reopened after being closed due to severely muddy conditions. Be aware that the trails may still be muddy. The Rocky Top trails remain permanently closed. 

Prescribed burns this spring: Heads up — the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has several planned prescribed burns in April, May and possibly June in Central and Eastern Washington to mitigate the risk of and damage from future wildfires. These prescribed burns will take place in the Airport, Black Diamond, Boggs Pit, Plumback, Sinlahekin and South Park watersheds. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is also planning prescribed burns across the forest over the spring. They will be posting updates about the burns on their social media accounts. 

Temporary campground changes: The Willaby and Falls Creek campgrounds in Olympic National Park have had their reservations suspended until further notice due to hazardous trees in the area. Other anticipated opening dates for campgrounds in the national park can be found on their website.

Upcoming snowy weekend: The mountains will be getting hit with snow this weekend, so be prepared if you’ve got plans to head to any of the passes. 

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