Hiker Headlines: Olympic National Park backcountry permits, prescribed burns, partial trail closure

It’s April 11. Overnight permits in Olympic National Park for the peak summer season will be available to reserve on April 15. Prescribed burns are planned in national forests this month. A portion of the Spokane River Centennial Trail will be closed for several months this summer. And read about what a day volunteering on trail with WTA looks like in The Seattle Times. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

14 miles of the Spokane River Centennial Trail will be closed this summer. Photo by trip reporter California Girl. 

Olympic National Park backcountry permits: Starting April 15, overnight permits for the peak season — May 15 through Oct 15 — can be reserved online at Recreation.gov or by calling the Wilderness Information Center. Day hikers do not need wilderness permits. This year, the East Fork Quinault River Trail and Enchanted Valley will be managed like the Seven Lakes Basin, Grand Valley, Cape Alava and similar permit areas. During the trial period, which will last up to 3 years, there will be a maximum of 208 users or 30 permits per night, whichever is reached first. The public is encouraged to share their feedback during the trial period (May 15 through Oct 15).

Prescribed burns: Several national forests — including Okanogan-Wenatchee, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Umatilla national forests — have prescribed burns planned to reduce future wildfire risks and impacts. Be aware that you may encounter smoke when recreating near these areas. 

Spokane River Centennial Trail: Washington State Parks will be starting resurfacing work on the easternmost 14 miles of the Spokane River Centennial Trail on April 15, with completion estimated to be in early September. 

WTA in the news: Interested in volunteering with us this summer? Read about what a day might look like on trail in The Seattle Times this week! 

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