Hiker Headlines: Speak up for public lands, Coastal Cleanup, high country snow

It’s Sept. 17. Now is the time to speak up for nonmotorized public lands and share your input on camping at Ancient Lakes — we’ve got info on how. Join Washington State Parks and Washington CoastSavers this weekend for the International Coastal Cleanup. And, snow has fallen in the high country. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Snow has arrived in some higher-elevation areas. Photo by trip reporter MrAnton.

Speak up for public lands: For decades, the Travel Management Rule has kept national forests safe and accessible for everyone by designating certain Forest Service trails and areas as open to motorized travel, while prohibiting motorized use in other areas. The federal government is attempting to reverse this framework, changing the rules to create a presumption that trails and areas will be opened to motorized use unless explicitly closed. This proposed change would significantly impact the experience of hikers, equestrians and other nonmotorized visitors, as well as take large amounts of resources from other land management priorities. Speak up for the Travel Management Rule now; comments are open through Sept. 23.

Ancient Lakes camping: Due to concerns about sanitation and campfires, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is proposing to close Central Washington’s Ancient Lakes area to camping starting in 2027. Through Oct. 30, WDFW invites you to share your input on this proposed closure. After hearing from WTA about the importance of this area to hikers, WDFW has also announced a virtual public meeting on Oct. 6 from 6-7:30 p.m. 

Trail closure: The High Bridge Trail will be closed in its entirety, due to bridge replacement work, from Sept. 21 to Oct. 9. 

Coastal Cleanup: Join Washington State Parks and Washington CoastSavers on Sept. 19 for the International Coastal Cleanup to help remove trash and debris from our coastlines! There will be events at several different locations in Washington, including seven Washington state parks: Cape Disappointment, Fort Flagler, Fort Worden, Grayland Beach, Twin Harbors, Ocean City and Pacific Beach. Be prepared for coastal weather and conditions, and pack plenty of food and water. Check the CoastSavers website for check-in locations and information on pre-registration. 

High country snow: Snow has fallen in the high country. Though it is not yet winter according to the calendar, winter conditions start earlier at higher elevations. Be sure to leave your itinerary with someone back home, read trip reports in advance, pack the Ten Essentials — including extra layers (including waterproof ones) — and plan exit routes in case you need them, and a plan B in the event you choose to pivot. 

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