Hiker Headlines: Franklin Falls, Denny Creek and Road to Heliotrope Ridge Reopen; Sno-Park Permits On Sale

It’s Nov. 2. Great news — Franklin Falls, Denny Creek and the road to Heliotrope Ridge are all back open! On the other hand, the Snoqualmie Tunnel on the Palouse to Cascades Trail is closed for the winter. And speaking of winter: sno-park permit season is here, and we’ve got a lot of rain in the forecast across the state. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Trip reporter David-K was able to drive all the way to the Heliotrope Ridge trailhead this weekend, now that the road is back open!

Franklin Falls and Denny Creek reopen: Just in time for the start of snowshoe season, Franklin Falls and Denny Creek are back open after a summer of construction! The new paved trailhead parking lot has 170 designated parking spaces. Please note that the road to the parking lot — Forest Road 58 — is now a two-way road, and roadside parking is not allowed for safety reasons. 

Glacier Creek Road reopens: In other great news, Glacier Creek Road, the road to Heliotrope Ridge, is back open after a washout closed the road a couple of years ago. There is a single-lane bypass at the washout 3.8 miles into the road — the Forest Service will work on a permanent solution in the years to come. Please be careful when driving on the single-lane bypass and be prepared for snowy road and trail conditions. 

Snoqualmie Tunnel closed: The Snoqualmie Tunnel along the Palouse to Cascades Trail near Snoqualmie Pass is closed for the winter season. It is expected to reopen in May. 

Sno-park permits: Sno-park permits are on sale now. Permits are required at parking lots that are actively cleared of snow during the winter and can be purchased online or in person at various permit vendors. Make sure to check whether the parking lot you’re heading to requires sno-park permits before heading out.

Rainy days: We’ve got a lot of rain on the way across the state, so pack extra layers and waterproof gear! Rain in the forecast also means snow in the mountains, so be prepared for snowy roads and trails at higher elevations. Some trailhead facilities may have their maintenance paused until after the winter season. Mount Rainier is now requiring all vehicles to carry chains when traveling in the park. 

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