Hiker Headlines: Christmas tree permits available, rain and snow on the way, Hwy 20 weekend closure

It’s Nov. 14. Christmas tree-cutting permits are available now at Okanogan-Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot national forests. And we’ve got lots of precipitation coming this weekend, which also means a weekend closure for Highway 20 in the North Cascades.

Hikers have been seeing plenty of snow in the mountains. Photo by Rolan Shomber.

Christmas tree permits: Okanogan-Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot national forests have permits available for those who want to cut their own Christmas trees. Get permits on the Okanogan-Wenatchee or Gifford Pinchot Recreation.gov webpages, or at ranger district offices and some local vendors. Permits are $5 for one tree. 

Rain and snow coming: Hikers have been seeing snow in the mountains this week, and there's more rain coming to the lowlands and snow coming to the mountains, all across the state! Make sure to pack your layers, bring a warm beverage and — if you’re hoping to avoid the snow altogether — use WTA’s Hiking Guide to filter out low-elevation hikes by setting the “high point” limit. 

Highway 20 closure over weekend. With all that significant snowfall forecast through the weekend, the Washington State Department of Transportation will temporarily close State Route 20 North Cascades Highway at 5 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15. The closure will be between Ross Dam Trailhead (milepost 134) on the west side and Silver Star (milepost 171) gate on the east side.

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