Hiker Headlines: Wallace Falls, Squak Mountain closed due to storm damage; 2025 fee-free days announced

It’s Dec. 12. Two popular state parks are closed until further notice due to damage from the bomb cyclone. Some land managers have shared their 2025 fee-free days! And the snow line is dropping low in the mountains this weekend. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Many trails in Washington saw storm damage from the bomb cyclone last month (like here at Beaver Lake Preserve). Squak Mountain and Wallace Falls are closed until further notice due to severe damage. Photo by trip reporter polarapfel.

State parks: Both Wallace Falls State Park in Gold Bar and Squak Mountain State Park in Issaquah have sustained severe damage from the bomb cyclone last month, and have been closed to recreation until further notice. Additionally, Tolmie State Park has transitioned to its winter hours — it is open from 9 a.m. to dusk every Wednesday through Sunday. 

2025 fee-free days: Washington state, the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service have announced their 2025 fee-free days. Parking fees are waived at trailheads on these days. 

Snow incoming: Snow is coming to the mountains! Flurries and flakes will be falling at the mountain passes this weekend, and the snow line is dropping to 2,000 feet, so be sure to use the “high point” filter in the Hiking Guide to find lowland hikes if you want to find something snow-free. 

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