Hiker Headlines: Lake 22 closure extended, Newhalem Visitor Center closed for winter, WTA is hiring

It’s Oct. 3. Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day and parking will be free on state lands. Last call for WTA’s Northwest Exposure Photo Contest! WTA is hiring for a director of technology. And some closures, both seasonal and construction, may affect your hiking plans. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

There's still time to submit your photos to our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest! Photo by Lisa Giegel.

Free day: Next Thursday, Oct. 10, is World Mental Health Day and parking fees will be waived on lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Last call for photos: It’s your last chance to get submissions into the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest! The contests closes this Sunday, Oct. 6. Winners will be featured in WTA’s 2025 calendar and earn some great prizes. Be sure to read the contest rules and frequently asked questions before submitting your photos. 

Now hiring: WTA is currently hiring for a director of technology! The position will lead our tech team and oversee out technology budget as we seek to strengthen and improve our core tech platforms and systems. The job will be based in WTA’s downtown Seattle office, with at least 2 days of in-person work each week. We are also currently hiring for a salesforce administrator and seeking our 2025 Emerging Leaders cohort. 

Seasonal closures: Some places in the state are starting their seasonal closures: 

• The Newhalem Visitor Center in North Cascades National Park is closed for the winter and expected to reopen in May 2025. Goodell Creek and Colonial Creek campgrounds are open through the whole year, but water is turned off and garbage collection is unavailable during the winter months. 
• Olympic National Forest is closing the following roads to motorized vehicles through April 30 for wildlife protection: FS 2451 in the North Fork Skokomish River watershed; FS 2354, 2353 and 2361 in the South Fork Skokomish River watershed; and FS 2294 in the Wynoochee River watershed. FS 2270 in the Wynoochee River watershed will have a closure starting Nov. 1. Passing the gates by hiking or taking non-motorized bikes is permitted. 

Construction closures: Be aware of the following construction closures:

• The Lake 22 closure has been extended to Dec. 1.
• Expect delays on FR 23 in Olympic National Forest due to paving work between Oct. 8 and Oct 11. The road will be narrowed to a single lane. 
• The Historic Columbia River Highway between Wahkeena Falls and Multnomah Falls will be closed to all traffic through Memorial Day 2025 for viaduct restoration. Traffic coming from the west will be turned around at the Wahkeena Falls trailhead and traffic coming from the east will be turned around at the Multnomah Falls trailhead. The trails (including the Return trail), Multnomah Falls Lodge and the rest of the highway remain open. The Wahkeena Falls trailhead will be accessible and Multnomah Falls can be accessed via exit 31 off I-84; parking is limited. 

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