Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 opening, free days, meteor shower, tick season

It’s April 18. After weeks of hard work clearing snow, Highway 20 — the North Cascades Highway — will open on April 19! Parking fees will be waived in some areas on both April 20, the first day of National Park Week, and April 22, Earth Day. Construction work has started along U.S. 101 that will cause delays this summer. There’s a meteor shower this weekend, and we’re officially in tick season. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Crews have been clearing snow on Highway 20 for weeks, and it's just about ready to open to the public! Photo by the Washington State Department of Transportation.

Highway 20 opening: Highway 20, the North Cascades Highway, is opening after the winter season at 10 a.m. on April 19! Remember that there may still be ice and snow at the high passes, and drive safely. And remember that many trails in the area are still covered with snow. 

Free days: April 20 is the first day of National Park Week, and parking fees will be waived in all national parks. Additionally, April 22 is Earth Day, and parking fees will be waived on lands managed by the Forest Service, Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. 

Construction work on Olympic Peninsula: Washington State Department of Transportation crews are starting work at five locations on U.S. 101 between Lake Crescent and Ruby Beach. Expect delays if traveling along the highway through the summer as the roads will be narrowed to one-way alternating traffic points with lower speed limits at the work locations. This construction work will improve fish habitats, opening nearly 6 miles of habitat for salmon and other fish. 

Meteor shower: The Lyrid meteor shower will peak between April 21 and 22 — this Sunday night. Many areas in the state will be contending with both clouds and a nearly full moon, but if you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the meteor shower, check out some of our favorite trails and trailheads to watch the stars. 

Tick season: The tick season is here! Many hikers are encountering ticks in Central Washington, the Mount Rainier area, the south Cascades and Southwest Washington. Read up on how to hike in tick country before hitting the trail — prepare yourself by covering up, and do plenty of tick checks both during and after your hike.

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