Hiker Headlines: Lake 22 closed this weekend, High Rock closure extended, no water at Paradise

It’s Sept. 18. The Lake 22 trail will be closed this weekend, and the High Rock closure has been extended. There's no running water at Paradise. There's one more day to speak up for the Roadless Rule. And join WTA at some upcoming events, and Washington State Parks at a coastal cleanup! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The Lake 22 trail will be closed this weekend. Photo by trip reporter Pablito. 

Lake 22 closure: The Lake 22 trail and trailhead will be closed this weekend, Sept. 20–21, for maintenance. The trail and trailhead will also continue to be closed all weekdays through Oct. 31. 

Speak up now for the Roadless Rule! The federal government wants to open nearly one-quarter of our national forests (45 million acres) to road construction and activities like logging and mining by removing the Roadless Rule. The Roadless Rule protects 25,000 miles of trail nationally, including some of our state’s most beloved hiking destinations. See what areas could lose protection and take 30 seconds to join the groundswell of folks who are speaking up before Sept. 19.

No water in Paradise: The water system at Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park has been turned off until further notice after a large storm caused issues with the water supply. All restrooms, water fountains, sinks and other water sources are out of service. There are currently portable restrooms available, but the Paradise Inn dining room is closed. The visitor center remains open and has limited food available. 

High Rock closure: The High Rock trail, lookout area and trailhead closure has been extended through Nov. 1. 

Upcoming WTA events:

• Join WTA staff and volunteers for a night of talking trails with fellow hikers and people who love the outdoors at a Southwest Washington Hiker Happy Hour! We’ll be at 54°40' Beer Brewery Taproom in Washougal on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5–6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and you’ll receive a complimentary drink ticket, appetizers and a 1-year membership to WTA. Tickets can be purchased online. 
• Join WTA for Family Hiking 101, an interactive workshop about hiking as a family at the South Hill Pierce County Library in Puyallup. Learn about planning a safe and enjoyable hike, hiking with kids and using WTA’s free resources to keep the inspiration for more adventures flowing! Plus, learn more about teen and adult volunteer opportunities. 

Coastal cleanup: This Saturday, Sept. 20, is the International Coastal Cleanup! Help join the movement to keep Washington’s beaches clean by volunteering to pick up trash along our shores at various locations across the state, including seven state parks. Register online.

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