Washington Trails & Taps Weekly Recap: July 14–20, 2025

*Trail Report: Huckleberry Mountain in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest is brushy in spots but clear, with large berry patches and views of Glacier Peak. Bug nets are strongly recommended.*

Washington Trails & Taps Weekly Recap: July 14–20, 2025

July, in all its shimmering glory, delivered the kind of week that makes the Pacific Northwest blush. Think: ridge trails humming with bees, mountain goats striking poses on granite outcrops, and that moment of alpine quiet when the only sound is your own breath—and maybe a pika squeak. But even amid all that splendor, fire danger edged higher, trail traffic thickened, and ranger eyes stayed sharp. Here’s what unfolded across Washington’s wild places.

🌿 WTA Trip Report Highlights

High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin (Olympic National Park)
Hiked July 15. The full loop is open and mostly snow-free. Wildflowers are peaking, marmots are everywhere, and the lakes shimmer like polished sapphires. Bear sightings reported—carry that canister.
Huckleberry Mountain (Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest)
Hiked July 17. A quieter gem off the radar. The trail is brushy in spots but clear, with big berry patches and views of Glacier Peak. Bug nets are strongly recommended.
Annette Lake (I-90 Corridor)
Hiked July 19. The lake is warm enough for a cautious dip. The popular trail is crowded midday; the parking lot fills by 9 a.m. The trail is in good shape with minimal blowdown.

🛡️ Park & Ranger Updates

Camano Island State Park – Upgraded to Burn Ban Level 3 on July 16. Propane-only; all wood and charcoal fires prohibited.
Bridgeport State Park – Level 3 burn ban added July 18. Dry conditions and wind risk.
Dash Point State Park – Still under Level 2 restrictions; rangers are increasing patrols on beach trails due to off-leash dog complaints.
Mount Rainier National Park – Trail crews are working on portions of the Wonderland Trail near Ipsut Creek and Indian Henry’s. Expect reroutes or delays.

🌳 Regional Burn Bans & Alerts

Lake Easton State Park – Level 3 ban in place. High daytime temps and dry winds persist through the Kittitas Valley.
Ginkgo Petrified Forest – Burn ban Level 3 remains in effect; extreme fire risk is posted.
Palouse to Cascades Trail – Construction at Kittitas Depot is ongoing through July 31; riders are advised to detour via Trail Street. Water access is still limited near Malden.

🚓 Ranger & Patrol Notes

Rangers at Olympic and Rainier parks report increasing crowds and parking overflow at popular trailheads.
Reminder: Drones remain prohibited in all state and national parks—violators face fines.
Overnight hikers urged to report unmarked fire rings or rogue campsites, especially near alpine lakes.

🔔 Notes for Hikers

🐻 Bear Activity: Multiple reports from Seven Lakes Basin and Spider Gap. Carry bear spray and store food properly.
🔥 Fire Restrictions: Assume propane-only cooking rules unless signage explicitly allows otherwise.
🏞️ Trail Maintenance: Expect short delays on the Wonderland Trail and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail near White Pass.
💧 Water Alerts: Several backcountry sources drying early—pack a filter and check flow reports.

🍻 Campfire Crowler Pairing of the Week

White Bluffs Brewing – Urban Breeze West Coast IPA
Swing by Peaks & Pints and fill our Campfire Crowler with the crisp, citrus-slick bite of White Bluffs Brewing’s Urban Breeze West Coast IPA—because the only thing better than a trailhead sunset is one with a perfectly bitter pint in hand. Expect bright notes of grapefruit zest, pine resin, and a dry, crackery finish that lands cleaner than your last creek crossing.

Sources: Washington Trails Association, Washington State Parks, Olympic & Mount Rainier National Park ranger stations, WA DNR, and Palouse to Cascades Trail Alerts.

LINK: Peaks & Pints beer and cider cooler inventory