Hiker Headlines: Now hiring, Pratt River Trail closed, Cayuse Pass opening, hike planning with WTA

It’s May 23. WTA is hiring for a South Puget Sound trail crew leader. Join WTA hiking experts on May 30 for tips on how to plan your next adventures. Some places are opening up for the season, but there are also some temporary closures. The Forest Service is asking the public for help to limit the spread of a fungus that can be fatal to bats in the Boulder Cave area. And Memorial Day weekend is here! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Many high-country places are melting out, but plenty of them are still covered in snow! Check trip reports before going on your hike. Photo by trip reporter shegoat. 

Now hiring: WTA is hiring for a seasonal full-time trail crew leader in the South Puget Sound area. This position will lead volunteers on single and multiday trail work parties on the southern part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and greater South Puget Sound region. The priority application deadline is June 7. 

Hike planning with WTA: Join WTA hiking experts for an evening of connecting around getting out on trail in Washington! You’ll learn more about WTA and our free resources for getting outside safely and responsibly, find out more about getting involved with WTA and get inspiration for planning your next adventure. The event is for anyone who loves hiking, but particularly those new to the area or newer to hiking, and goes from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on May 30 at Basecamp Cafe and Bar in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. 

Opening for the season: The snowy season is ending, which means things are opening back up! 

• Cayuse Pass (SR 123) is opening tomorrow, May 24. Chinook Pass (SR 410) between the Cayuse/Chinook Pass junction and Morse Creek (9 miles) will remain closed until further notice to both traffic and recreation due to a road washout. 
• The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem and campgrounds on Highway 20 have opened for the season. The visitor center is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campsites can be reserved on Recreation.gov.
• The Paradise Inn in Mount Rainier National Park is open for the season. 

Temporary closures: Be aware of the following closures:

• The Pratt River Trail is temporarily closed through June 11 for a bridge replacement across Rainy Creek. 
• Forest Road 25 near Mount St. Helens has a temporary closure between mileposts 13.7 and 15 from May 28 through June 21.

Help stop the spread of bat-harming fungus: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is asking visitors to the Boulder Cave area to help limit the spread of a fungus that can damage a bat’s skin, making it difficult for them to fly, which can be fatal. The Forest Service and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are urging the public to educate themselves on white-nose syndrome and how to prevent spores from spreading. The WDFW is also reminding visitors to avoid handling wild animals. 

It’s Memorial Day weekend! With the snow melting out, many trails are becoming accessible again since winter began. If you’re one of the many hikers who is considering hitting up a higher-country trail during the long weekend, don't forget to check weather conditions and trip reports before heading out — trip reporters like the Leavenworth Rangers have started reporting on higher-elevation hikes. And after your own adventures, file a trip report so others know what to expect too.

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