Before you head out, check new access and water-service updates at Mount Rainier and Sequoia National Parks. Minnesota’s latest fall sport-netting announcement also calls for a lake-specific schedule check.

Illustrative Mount Rainier and Sunrise Road landscape: NPS Photo. National Park Service photo. This photograph does not show current road or weather conditions. No claim to original U.S. Government works.

Fishing and Regulations

• Minnesota: fall cisco and whitefish netting announcement: Minnesota DNR’s October 19 announcement says personal-use sport netting for cisco (tullibee) and whitefish will open this fall on designated northern lakes, and participation is limited to Minnesota residents (Minnesota DNR). Check your lake’s schedule before going: Schedule I lakes open and close with 48-hour notice posted at accesses, other public places and the DNR website, while Schedule 2 lakes follow set schedules (Minnesota DNR). Any game fish caught incidentally in nets must be returned to the water immediately (Minnesota DNR).

As you review the rules and prepare for your next fishing trip, browse our Fishing collection.

Trail and Access Closures

• Mount Rainier: White River Road closes for winter: NPS’s October 19 construction update says White River Road is closed for the winter season as of October 19 (National Park Service). Summerland Trailhead is closed, with no parking on either side of Fryingpan Creek Bridge and no trail access from that trailhead (National Park Service). You cannot walk through the White River Road closure zone past the bridge; bicyclists may travel the closed road but must follow signs and construction-crew instructions (National Park Service).
• Sequoia: Bearpaw Meadow water service is off: The October 19 High Sierra Trail report says water is off at Bearpaw Meadow campground and ranger station, so do not plan on using those services (National Park Service). NPS cautions that trail reports are less frequent in fall, winter and spring; check with a ranger or the Wilderness Permit Office for additional trip information (National Park Service).

After confirming an open route and current services, review your trip essentials in our Hiking collection.

Featured Gear: Review the Princeton Tec Apex LED Headlamp, Black/Grey as you plan your hiking and campsite lighting. Check its specifications against your needs before choosing your gear.

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