Hiker Headlines: Fires close Hamma Hamma area trails, Hike-a-Thon, Hike the State, free day
WTA’s annual Hike-a-Thon starts tomorrow, and join us for Hike the State later in August! Aug. 4 is the Great American Outdoors Act’s 5th anniversary, and parking fees will be waived in some areas. The Hamma Fire has closed some trails on the Olympic Peninsula, and more fire bans are in place. And join Washington State Parks to celebrate the reopening of Kopachuck State Park this weekend.
It’s July 31. WTA’s annual Hike-a-Thon starts Aug. 1, and you can join us for Hike the State later this month! Aug. 4 is the Great American Outdoors Act’s 5th anniversary, so parking fees will be waived in some areas. The Hamma Fire has closed some trails on the Olympic Peninsula, and more fire bans are in place. Join Washington State Parks to celebrate the reopening of Kopachuck State Park this weekend. Here’s the news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
The Hamma Fire was reported last weekend and has closed a couple of trails in the Hamma Hamma area. Photo courtesy of the Forest Service.
Hike-a-Thon is starting! WTA’s annual community fundraising event, Hike-a-Thon, officially kicks off tomorrow, Aug. 1. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington. After registering, participants set up and customize their own fundraising webpage to share with friends, family or anyone wanting to support loved ones and trails in Washington.
Join us for Hike the State: With 10 fall hike recommendations and hiking tips from WTA staff, there's something for everyone at Hike the State — online on Aug. 27 from 6–7 p.m. Our team is excited to help you find autumn trails with colorful foliage and crisp fall air to add to your hiking list and help you prepare for shoulder season conditions. We will also be answering your questions about fall hiking; you can submit them when you register (online for free!) or share them day-of during our Q&A . We can't wait to see you there!
Fee-free day: Aug. 4 is the 5th anniversary of the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA), which WTA rallied our hiking community and joined with partners to help pass. Some of the projects GAOA has since funded include trail maintenance projects, trailhead improvements and heavy road repairs. To celebrate the anniversary, parking fees will be waived on National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management lands.
Fire season continues: The Hamma Fire on the Olympic Peninsula has closed multiple trails, including the Jefferson Ridge and Elk Lake trails. As fires continue to burn across Washington, more fire bans have been implemented, including campfire bans in Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest and all Washington Department of Natural Resources land in Eastern Washington.
Kopachuck State Park open house: Join the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission at Kopachuck State Park to celebrate its reopening after a year of renovations. Visitors will be able to see a new amphitheater, playground and park office, as well as an updated trail system. The park has also improved its ADA accommodations. The open house will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 2 at the park, and will include live music, food trucks and fun activities for all ages.
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