Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge Fire, Same-Day Camping Reservations, Fun Finder Map

It’s Aug 31. Highway 20 has reopened, but recreation is still closed in the area. The Hurricane Ridge Area has closed due to a lightning-sparked fire, and Highway 970 near Cle Elum will have some closures and delays this weekend. Some good news: King County Parks has a new Backyard Fun Finder and there are now more state parks where you can reserve same-day campsites. And happy Labor Day Weekend! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

You can now reserve same-day campsites at Cape Disappointment State Park and Millersylvania State Park. Photo by LeZo.

Highway 20 reopens: After being shut down multiple times due to the Sourdough and Blue Lake Fires, Highway 20 has reopened in both directions in its entirety. The highway should still only be used as a through-route and travelers should not stop on the road as wildfires and fire-fighting efforts are ongoing. Be prepared for the highway to close at any time. Keep in mind that, although the highway is back open, all trail and camp closures along the highway are still in effect.

Hurricane Ridge area closes: Due to a lightning-caused wildfire, Hurricane Ridge Road and the Hurricane Ridge area have closed until further notice. The road is closed just past the Heart O’ the Hills entrance — visitors are still able to access the Heart O’ the Hills Campground. 

SR 970 closures and delays: This weekend, the Washington State Department of Transportation will be doing construction on SR 970 near Cle Elum to prevent erosion from the Teanaway River. It will be closed westbound from US 97 — except to local traffic — and will be subject to heavy delays eastbound due to single-lane alternating traffic. 

Same-day camping reservations: Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission has expanded a program that allows for same-day reservations for campsites at popular state parks to include Millersylvania State Park and Cape Disappointment State Park. Deception Pass State Park has offered same-day reservations for over 5 years, and will now begin to offer same-day reservations outside of peak season as well. Campsites will be reservable online or via phone until 8 p.m. between June 1 and Sept 30, and until 4 p.m. between Oct 1 and May 31. 

New Backyard Fun Finder map: King County Parks has unveiled its new Backyard Fun Finder, an interactive map of all of the county parks, with filters to help folks find parks offering exactly what they’re looking for: boating, disc golf, playgrounds, swimming, tennis, etc. You can also check out public transit directions and if there’s any construction in the area.

Happy Labor Day Weekend! It’s the long weekend, and for a lot of us, that means plans to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature. With many folks having the same goals of getting outside this weekend, be sure to take extra care to leave no trace and be considerate of others who are taking advantage of the extra day.

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