Bypass trail completed after storm damage closed trail sections for months
NORTH BEND — June 2, 2026 — The western portion of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is officially reopening this weekend near the Mount Washington Trailhead.
Washington State Parks completed work on a 350-foot long, 36-inche wide bypass trail. The trail will reopen to pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians on June 5.
This project was made possible by the Washington State Parks Foundation, which donated the funding to complete the trail build. Trail construction was completed by Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, whose expertise produced a high-quality trail corridor within an expedited timeframe.
“We were really able to rally everyone together,” Kevin Goodrich, State Parks Northwest Region Manager said. “This was an incredible example of people coming together and getting it done, and we’re grateful to all of our partners and the wide breadth of State Parks staff who made it possible.”
The bypass trail returns through access to the west side of the PTCT and is the last of three trail sections between Ellensburg and North Bend that were closed due to storm impacts to reopen. With the seasonal reopening of the Snoqualmie Tunnel on May 5th, trail users can travel from North Bend to the eastern PTCT.
Much of the western section of the trail has been closed since December 2025. The atmospheric river and severe storms made the areas unstable and impassible for public access. In one section, the storms created a washout that is approximately 85 feet long and between 35-50 feet deep.
Visitors to the trail will still see some safety fencing and light construction along the trail. State Parks asks all trail users to stay on the PTCT and the bypass trail for their safety. Please respect all closures, stay off of damaged trail areas and do not attempt to view any washouts or other trail damage.
Though the bypass trail will restore access, it will still be a temporary trail with more limited capacity than the original PTCT. State Parks staff will work with annual large trail event hosts to find alternatives for their events.
State Parks is continuing to look at funding and implementation options for a long-term permanent fix that would repair the washout and restore the PTCT in its former location. This would include restoring the trail’s width, surfacing and full trail capacity. Project updates will be made available online.
This bypass trail is temporary, but it could be in place for several years until a long-term fix is funded and constructed.
Online open house shows overwhelming support for the program
OLYMPIA – After a thorough review of Washington’s Roadside Memorial Program, which honors victims of traffic collisions with roadside memorial signs, the Washington State Department has released updated program guidelines. The guidelines for the memorial signs were developed with feedback from the victims’ families and the public.
The updated policy allows sponsors to renew signs every ten years, indefinitely. The signs include victim names and a safety message. They are placed as close as possible to the collision site.
Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith directed WSDOT leaders to give the program a careful examination, ensuring it balances important safety messaging with an opportunity for people to honor a loved one.
“We wish these signs weren’t needed,” Secretary Meredith said. “Every single one is the story of a child, partner, friend — someone who was loved and didn’t make it home.”
Policy updates
An online open house held in fall 2025 gathered feedback on proposed program updates, including sign renewals and costs.
Currently, there are more than 1,000 signs in the program, with 600 at 265 locations that are more than 10 years old. WSDOT sent letters to current program participants informing them of the new program policy and will work compassionately with families to help them adapt to any changes.
The program began in 1994 and allows families to honor victims with multiple safety messages, including warnings about drinking and driving, speeding, distracted driving and motorcycle safety.
On May 27, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., an anti-human trafficking operation was conducted at three illicit massage parlors in the cities of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.
As part of an ongoing investigation, CCSO Detectives discovered evidence indicating acts of prostitution were occurring at the following businesses:
• Foya Massage, 827 N. Miller St., Wenatchee, WA
• Lomi Lomi Massage, 212 S. Mission St., Wenatchee, WA
• Zen Massage, 858 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee, WA
Search warrants were served at all three locations, and the cases are also being referred to code enforcement for additional enforcement action.
The operation was led by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Wenatchee Police Department, East Wenatchee Police Department, SAGE Advocacy Center, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI participated in a supporting role to assist potential victims of human trafficking. This operation was not related to any immigration enforcement.
Out of respect for the victims and the integrity of the investigation, further information will be released when appropriate.
Special Board Meeting: June 1st, 2026 at 4:15pm
Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831
1. Call to Order
2. Flag Salute
3. Public Comment
4. Review and Approval of Legal Counsel
5. Adjournment
On May 22, 2026, at approximately 10:20 p.m., a deputy with the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office was in the area of South Emerson Street and East Wapato Avenue in downtown Chelan when he heard gunshots coming from the Riverwalk parking lot area.
Deputies immediately responded to the scene. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect flee on foot toward the Woodin Avenue Bridge.
Responding deputies established a containment area and located a 17-year-old male suffering from a gunshot wound to his lower back. Deputies provided first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. They were not able to locate the suspect.
Based on witness statements and evidence collected at the scene, investigators identified the suspect as 14-year-old juvenile male from Chelan.
On May 23, 2026, deputies spoke with the suspect and the suspect’s mother via phone and were able to coordinate the suspect’s surrender. He was booked into the Chelan County Juvenile Justice Center on 2 counts of Assault 1st Degree.
It should also be noted that the suspect does not attend the Chelan or Manson school districts, and investigators have received no information indicating any threat to local schools.
On May 17, 2026, at approximately 7:35 p.m., Chelan County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a stabbing in the 200 block of W. Peters Street in Wenatchee.
Upon arrival, deputies located two victims who had been assaulted with a machete.
The initial investigation indicates the assault followed a verbal dispute over money. The suspect left the scene after the argument and returned shortly after with a machete to attack the victims.
Both victims sustained physical injuries during the attack. One victim suffered wounds to his left arm and shoulder, while the second victim sustained an injury to
their right arm. Both individuals received medical aid for their injuries.
Deputies identified the suspect as 44-year-old Teodoso Alvarez-Hernandez of Wenatchee. Following active leads, deputies located Alvarez-Hernandez at a camper in the 3000 block of School Street in Wenatchee, where he was safely taken into custody.
During the arrest, deputies observed a machete in plain view on the passenger-side floorboard of the suspect's vehicle. The vehicle was impounded pending a search
warrant. Deputies subsequently executed the search warrant and recovered the weapon used in the assault.
Alvarez-Hernandez was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on two counts of Assault in the Second Degree.
WSDOT holiday travel charts highlight best times to travel on I-5, I-90 and US 2
OLYMPIA – Memorial Day weekend often signals the unofficial start of summer – and a significant increase in travel across Washington. To help people plan ahead, the Washington State Department of Transportation has released holiday travel charts showing the best and worst times to travel on major corridors statewide.
The charts include key routes such as Interstate 5, I-90, US 2 and the I-5/Canada border crossing, where congestion is expected to be heaviest during peak travel periods. Travelers are encouraged to review the charts and build extra time into their trips.
Holiday weekends typically bring increased traffic across all modes of transportation, including highways, ferries, airports and popular pedestrian areas (more details below). Travelers should be prepared for delays, remain patient and stay alert behind the wheel.
WSDOT encourages travelers to “know before you go,” and follow these tips whether traveling across town or statewide:
Most highway construction paused
Most state highway construction work is suspended through the holiday weekend – including both Friday, May 22 and Monday, May 25 – to ease congestion. However, travelers should stay alert for lane shifts or work zone staging that may remain in place. Emergency repairs and crash response can still occur, so drivers need to give crews plenty of space to work safely.
Snoqualmie Pass
No construction is planned on I-90 from Friday, May 22, through Tuesday, May 26. However, the usual holiday increase in traffic means travelers should expect delays, especially eastbound on Friday and westbound on Monday (see charts for more detail).
Chinook and Cayuse passes
State Route 410/Chinook Pass and SR 123/Cayuse Pass are scheduled to reopen Friday morning, May 22, in time for the holiday weekend. Check the National Park Service’s road status webpage for updates. Both passes close every winter due to avalanche danger.
North Cascades Highway partially open
SR 20 North Cascades Highway continues to be partially open following extensive damage to the west side of the pass during the historic December storms. SR 20 is open from the east side to Porcupine Creek (milepost 156) but is closed to all public access – including cyclists, hikers and other recreators – between mileposts 130-156 while repairs are underway. WSDOT’s goal is to reopen the remaining section of SR 20 by the Fourth of July.
Vantage Bridge
All lanes of the I-90 Vantage Bridge will be open Friday, May 22, through Tuesday, May 26, to help accommodate increased travel during the holiday weekend. This project is part of a long-term effort to replace the deteriorating bridge deck, with construction expected to be complete by fall 2028.
Tolling
In the Puget Sound region, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, May 25, on the SR 520 bridge, SR 509 Expressway and SR 99 tunnel. The I-405 and SR 167 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Out-of-town travelers, including those using rental cars, can learn about toll roads and temporary account payment options on the Good To Go! visitors page.
Ferry travel
Reservations are strongly encouraged on routes that offer them, and travelers without reservations should be prepared for extended wait times. People boarding a ferry by vehicle can expect the busiest sailings will likely be westbound (or onto an island) Thursday through Saturday, May 21-23, and eastbound (or off island) Saturday through Monday, May 23-25. Walk-on passengers can bypass vehicle lines and usually board much faster.
Trains, airports and transit
Travelers making a trip by train, personal aircraft or bus also should plan ahead to avoid holiday delays:
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