Hiker Headlines: Wildfire season starts, now hiring, free day, closures

It’s June 18. This Friday is Juneteenth, and parking fees will be waived on state-managed lands. WTA is hiring for a seasonal trail crew leader. Join us at a backpacking workshop in mid-July. Goodell Creek Campground and Mallardy Road are currently closed. And wildfire season is upon us! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The wildfire and AQI forecast map layers are now available for the season on WTA's Hike Finder Map!  

Fee-free day: This Friday, June 19, is Juneteenth, and parking fees will be waived on areas managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (areas where you would need a Discover Pass). 

Now hiring: WTA is hiring for a seasonal roving trail crew leader! This position will work in frontcountry and backcountry locations, initially in the South Puget Sound and then throughout the state. They will lead single and multiday volunteer trail work parties. The ideal candidate will have prior experience with trail work and leading crews of volunteers outdoors, hold active certifications and share our belief that everyone should feel safe and included in the outdoor community. The priority application date is July 6.

Backpacking workshop: Join WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training for a backpacking workshop July 17–19. This 3-day, 2-night entry-level course at the Ozette Triangle in Olympic National Park is focused on leading a successful backpacking trip with a group. Before the workshop, there is a 1.5-hour Zoom orientation on July 8 to support our learning and community building. Register online!

Campground closed: Goodell Creek Campground is closed until further notice due to bear activity. 

Road closed: Mallardy Road (FR 4032) is closed to all traffic through Oct. 15. This restricts access to the Walt Bailey Trail. 

Fire restrictions: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is implementing stage 1 fire restrictions starting Friday, June 19. This means all open fires are banned outside of designated campgrounds with established fire rings or grills. Currently, there are existing fire restrictions on all lands managed by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in Eastern Washington, as well as Ahtanum and Naneum Ridge state forests. 

Eastern Washington fires: The Juniper Dunes Fire is burning near the Tri-Cities at the Juniper Dunes Wilderness, and the Upriver Fire is burning near Spokane at Camp Sekani Park. Please stay clear of these areas for your safety and for the safety of crews working on firefighting operations. 

Wildfire season: Wildfire season is upon us! Olympic National Park has shared fire prevention tips for the summer, and the Washington Department of Natural Resources’ commissioner has asked the public to take care this summer to reduce fire risks. Read our tips on minimizing wildfire risk and how to hike during wildfire season. WTA's wildfire and AQI forecast layers are also available on the Hike Finder Map now, so be sure to check the map before heading out on your next hike. 

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