National Parks

13 Stories

How will the government shutdown hit Washington state? It depends

As Washington state braces for the first shutdown since 2019 — the longest in history at 35 days — a number of state and federal governments announced their operations would be unaffected. But at some agencies, impacts are still a question-mark — particularly the longer the shutdown lasts.
- Scott Greenstone
'Look a cougar in the eye' and other surprising PNW hiking safety tips

What should you do if you encounter a cougar on a mountain trail or in your own backyard? The answer might surprise you.
- Stephen Howie
Unkept trails, cancelled programs. Washington state feels the impact of federal forest cuts

Dozens of people across Washington state who worked at national parks and forests have lost their jobs in recent weeks, as part of sweeping overhaul of the federal workforce by President Donald Trump. Those firings could cause ripple effects across state programs that benefit hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers.
- Casey Martin
Wildfire experts in Washington state warn of fallout from Trump’s Forest Service cuts

President Donald Trump has fired more than 3,400 employees at the U.S. Forest Service, raising questions about the capacity of the federal agency to coordinate firefighting efforts this summer.
- Patricia Murphy
Mount Rainier's chubby snowbird is now a threatened species

A chubby bird that lives year-round in some of the Pacific Northwest’s most pristine habitats has been added to the nation’s roster of threatened species.
- John Ryan
Mount Rainier visitors react to new timed entrance reservation policy

If you want to visit Mount Rainier this summer, the time to plan your trip is now. That’s because for the first time, the park’s most popular entrances will require timed reservations. KUOW spoke to park visitors to hear what they think about the new rule.
- Joshua McNichols
Still a chance to restore grizzly bears in Washington state

The National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced the reopening considerations for how to help grizzly bears in the region.
- Courtney Flatt
Hudson Canyon, a giant underwater chasm, could be the newest national marine sanctuary

The site — comparable in size to the Grand Canyon — is about a hundred miles off the coast of New York City. It's home to a number of sensitive species including sperm whales and sea turtles.
- Eric McDaniel
A new program in Canada gives doctors the option of prescribing national park visits

And the best part? The annual passes are free.
- Sharon Pruitt-Young
An Explosion In Visitors Is Threatening The Very Things National Parks Try To Protect

Ever-growing crowds at America's National Parks have prompted some to allow entry by reserved tickets only. Arches National Park in Utah may be next, and there's renewed controversy over that.
- Kirk Siegler

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