Frustrated hiker compiles list of most crime-targeted trailheads in western Washington
Car break-ins and thefts at trailheads are becoming a growing problem. One man decided to document this and found the most targeted trailheads in our area.
- Editor’s note: Be aware when visiting –
- Nisqually State Park: SW- Longmire/Paradise
- Chehalis Western- Woodard Bay Trailhead: Olympia
Excerpt from KING-5 TV News, Seattle:
As the sun comes out, trailhead parking lots are starting to get packed with cars. Car break-ins and thefts at trailheads are becoming a growing problem. One man decided to document this and found the most targeted trailheads in our area.
“Is hiking safe? Absolutely. Are there some really bad trailheads? Absolutely,” said the man, who asked not to be named for safety reasons.
He started compiling vehicle break-in data last year after seeing windows smashed at a trailhead.
This list shows the five most targeted trails with data from 2015 through 2022. All are no more than a two-hour drive from Seattle.
- Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trail Head: Cougar Mountain
- Tiger Mountain Trail Head South: Tiger Mountain
- Nisqually State Park: SW- Longmire/Paradise
- Chehalis Western- Woodard Bay Trailhead: Olympia
- Pine and Cedar Lakes Trailhead: Bellingham