Hiker Headlines: Spokane Parks Need Funding, Cape Horn Reopens, Hunting Season Begins

It’s Thursday, Aug. 1. Spokane County Parks & Rec wants hikers advice on how to spend money. Cape Horn Loop in the Columbia River Gorge is open again. And hunting season in Washington officially starts today. 

Here’s some hiker news you might have missed while out on trail this week:

One of the iconic views along Cape Horn Loop in Southwest Washington. The hiking loop in the area is now open again after a closure for nesting falcons. Photo by ZhuckYu. 

Raise your voice: Speak up in Spokane County by Aug. 7 to ensure the trails and parks you love get funding. WTA and our powerful network of partners and volunteers are working hard in the Spokane area to create greater access to trails as a part of our Trails Rebooted campaign. Passionate about our public lands? Join WTA and make a pledge to help protect and maintain trails every time you go outside. 

The birds have flown: Cape Horn Loop, sections of which close annually in order to protect nesting peregrine falcons, has reopened for the season, so hikers in the Columbia River Gorge can now make a full loop hike on this iconic trail. WTA worked here early on to help make the trail a reality. 

Hunting and hiking: Bear hunting season opens today in most areas of Washington state, and master hunters elk season begins in Eastern Washington. Now is a perfect time for hikers to brush up on ways to stay safe while hiking in hunting-friendly areas. (Hint: It's more than just wearing brightly-colored clothing.  But you should wear bright clothes and pink is now an accepted color.) 

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