Hiker Headlines: Stehekin and Johnston Ridge Observatory road repairs begin, fee-free day, mountain snow
April 22 is Earth Day, and parking fees will be waived on state-managed lands. Work has started both on a temporary road near Stehekin and the road to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. A couple of campgrounds and day-use areas in Capitol State Forest are closed this summer. And, a new layer of snow hit the mountains this week!
It’s April 16. April 22 is Earth Day, and parking fees will be waived on state-managed lands. Work has started on a temporary road near Stehekin and on the road to the Johnston Ridge Observatory near Mount St. Helens. A couple of campgrounds and day-use areas in Capitol State Forest are closed this summer. And, a new layer of snow hit the mountains this week! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
Snow has hit the mountains this week! Photo by trip reporter Muralee Raghavan.
Fee-free day: Next Wednesday, April 22, is Earth Day! If you’re looking to celebrate by heading outside, parking fees will be waived on lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Stehekin reconstruction begins: Work has begun near Stehekin on a temporary road. Company Creek Road was washed out in major winter storms in late 2025 and cannot be rebuilt in its former location because the river shifted its course. A more permanent solution for the road will be built later.
Johnston Ridge Observatory roadwork: Repair work has started on the Spirit Lake Outlet Bridge on Highway 504, which provides access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory. The observatory has been inaccessible by vehicles since mid-2023 due to a landslide. The observatory is not expected to reopen until 2027.
Capitol State Forest closures: The Margaret McKenny and Middle Waddell campgrounds and day-use areas at Capitol State Forest will be closed this summer for public safety due to hazardous trees.
New mountain snow! Snow hit the mountains this week, so be prepared for wintry conditions if you head into higher elevations this weekend. Be sure to check trip reports and the weather forecast, and carry extra layers.
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