OUTDOOR RECREATION INFO CENTER

With our recent rain, on top of continued snow melt in the mountains, our creeks and rivers are running fast and high. Use caution crossing, as not all creeks have bridges along our hiking trails. This water is fast and cold. Here is a short video of from a recent hike, thankfully taken from a footlog bridge.

Today starts the limited permit season for climbing Mount St. Helens.  Permits are limited to 100 per day from May 15th thru October 31st.  Visit www.mshinstitute.org to view dates that still have permits available and to receive your email confirmation.  Present your emailed confirmation for your actual climbing permit at the Lone Fir Resort in Cougar, WA. 

Currently,  climbers are using the winter route, starting from the Marble Mountain SnoPark lot.  Once the Climbers Bivouac access opens, the route is much shorter.

The Staircase Road and Campground in the southeast corner of Olympic National Park opens today.  Staircase closes each Fall during the park’s reduced services period.  The Staircase car campground has 50 campsites, $12 per site, and is first-come-first-served.  Backcounty hiking opportunities can be explored along the North Fork of the Skokomish River.  Make sure to pick-up your wilderness permit for overnight backpacking at the Staircase Ranger Station before your trek.