Hiker Headlines: Road to Artist Point opens, WTA wildfire and AQI map layers, new Elwha River Bridge nearly complete

It’s June 27. WTA’s wildfire and AQI map layers on the Hike Finder Map are live for the summer. The road to Artist Point is open for the season, but be aware of some road construction projects that might affect your hiking plans. Hikers have a few fun events to look forward to this summer. And happy early 4th of July! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

After weeks of clearing the snow, Washington State Department of Transportation has opened the road to Artist Point! Photo courtesy of WSDOT. 

Wildfire season map layers: The wildfire and AQI map layers on WTA’s Hike Finder Map are live for the summer. Use the wildfire layer to see where active wildfires are in the state and the AQI layer to see what regions may have problematic air quality levels as you plan your next hike. 

The road to Artist Point is open for the season after Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews finish their many weeks of clearing the snow. WSDOT and the Forest Service will continue maintenance on the road, so be aware of work crews as you drive to Artist Point. Also, be prepared for snow navigation: there are still feet of snow at Artist Point and on other trails in the area. Heather Meadows will open for the season on June 28, with open hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. 

Road construction: Heads up! A couple of construction projects might affect your travel plans:

• Travelers should prepare for delays near the Elwha River Bridge on US 101 as WSDOT crews continue work on it. Additionally, US 101 at the bridge will be closed entirely from 6 p.m. on Friday, July 12, through 5 a.m. on Monday, July 22. During this time, travelers should take SR 112 and 113. Once the closure is lifted, the new and improved bridge — up to earthquake standards with wide pedestrian shoulders — will be usable by travelers, and work will start on demolishing the old bridge.
• Travelers using Forest Roads 60 and 66 near the Indian Heaven Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot National Forest should expect delays from July 1 through July 25 due to bridge railing installation projects.

Upcoming hiker events: Looking for something to do the next several weeks? Check out these fun events you might be interested in:

• Join WTA at the Everett Public Library’s Evergreen Branch on Tuesday, July 2, from 6 to 7 p.m. to get tips and resources on hiking safety and hike planning, plus get your hiking questions answered! Register online on the Everett Public Library website.
• Kaf Adventures has partnered with WTA on a charity Mount Rainier summit climb — all funds collected from the fundraising aspect of the trip will be used in WTA’s mission to keep trails open and accessible to all. 
• Olympic National Park has released their calendar of night events for the summer! These fun nocturnal events include telescope-viewing programs from the Hurricane Ridge parking area and night hikes at Hurricane Hill. 

4th of July: Happy early 4th of July! Land managers like the Forest Service and Washington State Parks are asking the public to be fire-aware as they celebrate the holiday. Remember that fireworks are illegal on all state and federal public lands. We are in the wildfire season already, so do your part in ensuring we keep wildfire risk to a minimum. And — of course — as you enjoy your festivities, don’t forget to pack out everything you packed in! 

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