Hiker Headlines: A big thank you, free day, Fairfax Bridge update, Cama Beach closure

It’s Jan. 15. We want to say a big thank you to all of our members who donated in 2025! Next Monday, Jan. 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and parking fees will be waived on state-managed and Forest Service lands. The Washington State Department of Transportation has shared an update on the future of the Fairfax Bridge near Mount Rainier. The lower part of Cama Beach Historical State Park is closed. And the Spokane Winterfest is this Sunday! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River was permanently closed last April. The Washington State Department of Transportation has released an update on what's next. Photo courtesy of WSDOT.

Thank you! We are deeply grateful for everyone who supported WTA in 2025. In the face of growing threats to trails and public lands, our community stepped up. We welcomed a record number of new members, while many longtime supporters increased their gifts. Many members also reached out to their legislators, wrote trip reports or joined work parties. It is clear that hikers like you recognize the persistent need to protect the trails and public lands that bring us joy. Thank you for stepping up for the trails we all love so they’re here today and for future generations. 

Fee-free day: Next Monday, Jan. 19, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and parking fees will be waived on land managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Forest Service lands. 

Fairfax Bridge update: Last April, due to safety concerns, the Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River closed permanently. This closure effectively cuts off access to the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park and also nearby Forest Service lands, including hikes like Summit Lake. In a recent blog, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) shared their next steps. WTA is pleased that WSDOT heard the public's strong interest in maintaining access to this area's public lands and have found funding in their existing budget for the next step of design work on a replacement bridge.

Cama Beach closure: The lower part of Cama Beach Historical State Park is closed until further notice. That includes road and trail access to the beach, as well as the beach itself. The closure is due to a sea wall that has fallen due to tides and weather. 

Spokane Winterfest: Join the Spokane Nordic Ski Association for Winterfest at Mount Spokane this Sunday, Jan. 18. It’s a fun way to try out skiing and learn more about the ski association. WTA will share hiking resources and information on volunteer opportunities too — we hope to see you there!

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