Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, WTA is hiring, Mount Pilchuck delays, PCT bridge work

It’s May 1. Next week is GiveBIG — we’re asking for your support! WTA is currently hiring for three positions. And we have info on some areas you might expect delays on the way to the trailhead as well as some bridge work on the PCT this summer. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The Canyon Creek bridge along the Suiattle River Trail/Pacific Crest Trail will be under construction this June and July. Photo by trip reporter crystal907.

GiveBIG: Next week is GiveBIG! On May 6 and 7, we're asking for the support of everyone who loves the outdoors to make a gift in support of trails, public lands and WTA's reliable online hiking resources. Your gift helps ensure that nature is there for hikers when they need it. Thank you for giving big!

WTA is hiring! We’re now hiring for three positions: 

• A full-time membership coordinator, who will support the development team with member and donor communications and the project management of multichannel (mail, email, social media, web) fundraising campaigns. The priority application deadline for this position is May 16. 
• A full-time senior volunteer program coordinator, who will ensure a positive experience for WTA’s volunteers by project managing our trail team’s keystone events and helping shape our statewide trail maintenance volunteer program strategy. The priority application deadline for this position is May 21.
• A seasonal gear library assistant, who will assist community partners with borrowing gear at WTA’s Gear Libraries. The ideal candidate has some experience with hiking and camping, will demonstrate a flexible, proactive attitude and will contribute to the overall success of WTA by welcoming requests for support, tracking key information and meeting deadlines. The position will be at the Seattle Gear Library near Rainier Ave S. and I-90, between June 16 and Sept. 30. 

Mount Pilchuck delays: Expect delays when heading to Mount Pilchuck this summer — the Department of Natural Resources will be doing work on the forest around the road, and though no road closures are planned, travelers may experience delays as they’re driving along Mount Pilchuck Road. Additionally, the Heather Lake trail and trailhead closure, scheduled to start May 1, has been pushed out to start in late May. It is still expected to last through July 18. 

More traffic info: 

• Folks traveling between Carlton and Darrington on Highway 20 may encounter large logging trucks. Please take care when driving near these trucks and give them plenty of space. 
• Expect minor delays on FR 1400, 1400-235 and 1401 in the Oak Creek area near Naches due to repair work after the Retreat Fire last year. Watch for construction equipment when driving in the area. 

Pacific Crest Trail bridge work: Work will be done on the Canyon Creek Bridge on the Suiattle River Trail (mile 2544) and the log bridge over lower Miners Creek (mile 2547.5) between June 1 and mid-July. The PCTA has suggestions for hikers on how to deal with the closures, as well as other issues in the the Glacier Peak Wilderness section of the PCT this summer. 

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