Hiker Headlines: Trail and road closures, new Poo Poo Point bench, snowy mountains

It’s Jan. 8. Be aware of some trail and road closures. There's a lot of snow in the mountains! And, a new bench memorializing a local radio host and hiker has been installed at Poo Poo Point. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

It's very wintry in the mountains, so be sure to check avalanche conditions and be ready for snow. Photo by trip reporter cristina.

Trails affected by flooding: The following trails have been affected by the recent atmospheric rivers: 

• The Eagle Creek trail near the Columbia River Gorge is closed due to extensive storm damage. 
• Approximately 150 feet of the northeast corner of the West Beach trail at Deception Pass State Park has washed out. 

New road closures: 

• Skate Creek Road is closed for the winter season. It will reopen in spring. 
• Cleator Road in Larrabee State Park is closed until further notice. 

It’s winter in the mountains! There’s a lot of snow in the mountains, and the snow level will be around 3,500 to 4,000 feet this weekend. Check avalanche conditions before you hit the trails, be ready for snowy conditions and layer up. 

New bench: Hikers who trek to Poo Poo Point on Tiger Mountain will now be greeted by a new bench — featuring music notes, a mic and piano keys — installed in honor of late Seattle radio host and Pacific Northwest hiker Bob Rivers. The bench was built by artist Tomas Vrba, who also created the bench atop West Tiger 3’s summit, memorializing climber Jonathan Sugarman. 

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