Hiker Headlines: Dambo Trolls are here! South Shore Road reopens; Cascade River Road closure

It’s Oct. 15. The Tacoma Dambo trolls are here! South Shore Road near the Graves Creek trailhead has reopened after a 2-year closure. Cascade River Road is closed to vehicles at mile 20 for road maintenance. The Cal Magnusson trail on Mount Peak is closed due to trail instability. The High Lava Fire closure has been lifted. Finally, we saw snow in the mountains this weekend, so make sure you’re ready for winter at high elevations on your hikes. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Get ready for more Dambo trolls in the Puget Sound area! Photo courtesy of trip reporter Jenchilada. 

Tacoma Dambo trolls: The "TROLLS: A Field Study" exhibit has made it to Tacoma! Four Thomas Dambo trolls will grace Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium with their presence, while eight will be at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park through Jan. 24, 2027.

South Shore Road reopens! Quinault South Shore Road, near the Graves Creek trailhead, has reopened after an almost 2-year closure due to washout. Previously, drivers would need to take North Shore Road to access the Graves Creek or North Fork trailheads, but drivers can now take either North Shore Road or South Shore Road. 

Cascade River Road closure: Cascade River Road is closed to vehicles at milepost 20 (Eldorado) until further notice for road maintenance. Foot and bike traffic is allowed past the gate. 

Mount Peak trail closure: The Cal Magnusson trail on Mount Peak/Pinnacle Peak in Enumclaw is closed until further notice due to trail instability. 

Fire closure order lifted: The High Lava Fire closure order has been lifted. The Soda Peaks trailhead, West Crater trail and West Crater trailhead have been reopened.

Winter in the mountains: Snow fell on hikers in the Cascades this weekend, so it's time to be prepared for winter on your hikes! Make sure to pack several layers (including waterproof ones), plenty of water (maybe some hot water!), extra snacks and traction devices if necessary. And once the snow pack gets heavier, make sure to check avalanche conditions before you head out. 

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.