Hiker Headlines: Now hiring, St. Helens permits, Highway 20 clearing begins, solar eclipse

It’s April 4. WTA is hiring for a development director. Both King County Parks and Washington State Parks are seeking public comments on upcoming projects. Crews have started clearing Highway 20. Mount St. Helens' peak climbing season is here. Fryingpan Creek in Mount Rainier is going to get a new bridge. And there’s a solar eclipse on Monday!

King County Parks wants your thoughts to help guide future funding for its parks and trails. Photo by trip reporter kokay.

Now hiring: WTA is hiring for a full-time development director. The responsibilities include managing our development programs and developing fundraising strategies. This position will be based in WTA’s Seattle office, with a hybrid work model of least two days of work per week in-office. The priority application deadline is April 26. 

Share your thoughts: 

• Take the King County Parks (KCP) survey before April 29! The KCP levy provides 80% of KCP’s budget to keep parks safe and open, protect lands and develop new trails. With the levy ending in 2025, KCP is looking towards a new levy for 2026-31. They want to hear your priorities to help guide future funding for King County Parks and trails. You can also attend a virtual meeting to learn more and share your thoughts: April 9 at 5-6 p.m. or April 23 at 6-7 p.m. Register online in advance. 
• Washington State Parks (WSP) is seeking public comments on a possible expansion of Riverside State Park in Spokane after a new acquisition of land. WSP will be holding an in-person public workshop on April 18 at 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Saint George’s School in Spokane. (A recording of the meeting will be shared online for those who cannot attend.) There is also an online survey and public comment form.

Mount St. Helens permits: The peak season for summiting Mount St. Helens is here! There is a daily limit of 350 climbers through May 14 — this decreases to 110 climbers between May 15 and Oct. 31. Permits are released on the first of the previous month (April and May permits are available now). Get your permit online before making your way to the mountain.

North Cascades Highway: Crews have started clearing Highway 20 (North Cascades Highway) at Silver Star (milepost 171). As crews work, remember that the road is still closed between Ross Dam trailhead (milepost 134) and Silver Star. Additionally, due to work on Olson Creek, expect a full 4-day closure at some point between a tributary to the Skagit River (milepost 94) and Olson Creek (milepost 105). Please avoid the closure areas to allow crews to work. 

Fryingpan Creek bridge: The National Park Service and Federal Highway Administration have approved plans for a Fryingpan Creek Bridge replacement project in Mount Rainier National Park. Work is expected to take place in 2026-29, mostly over the summer. During construction, Sunrise Road will be reduced to a single lane, so expect delays. There may also be temporary closures throughout the project. 

Solar eclipse: A total solar eclipse will be visible across the United States next Monday. Most of Washington state will be able to see 15-30% of the eclipse (barring a thick cloud cover). Check the time to be outside and how much of the sun will be covered in your area. 

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