About Us

Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, protect and champion trails and public lands.

Our Mission & Values

Our mission:

Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

We believe:

That exploring nature is good for people’s hearts, minds and bodies, and that hiking is a powerful way for everyone to connect with Washington’s natural wonders.
That people will protect the places they love to hike, from local parks to remote wilderness.
It is vitally important for everyone to have the opportunity to access the outdoors, and we are committed to reducing barriers to hiking trails and lands.

>> Learn more about our commitment to diversity and equitable access.

History

WTA began in 1966 as Signpost magazine and has grown into a diverse community of hikers speaking out for trails and wildlands.

Spider meadows. Photo by Paul Raymaker.

Our Work

Programs approach: Learn about the multifaceted approach of our program work to educate, inspire and engage hikers—all to protect the trails and wild places we love.
Strategic Plan 2021-2025: We invite you to join in the journey of creating trails for everyone, forever.
Accomplishments: From creating Washington's largest volunteer trail maintenance program to reforming legislation that allocates trail funding, find out what WTA has accomplished since our founding in 1966.

: Baker Lake. Photo by Jake Johnson

People and Partners

Staff and Board: Meet our board of directors and friendly staff who support WTA's work through outreach, program management, advocacy, administration and more.

Career Opportunities

Members: Through their generous donations, our members fuel all of our work, from our website to our statewide trail maintenance and advocacy efforts.

Contributors: Members of our community write for WTA's online Hiking Guide and Washington Trails magazine.

Corporate Partners: Our work would not be possible without support from our corporate partners.

Volunteers: Our amazing, hard-working volunteers are why WTA's programs can accomplish so much for Washington's trails every year. We have outreach volunteers who speak to hikers at trailheads and in their communities year round, app volunteers who code for WTA Trailblazer, and office volunteers who help us keep things running in admin and our Outdoor Leadership Training program. And of course there are the trail maintenance volunteers! Watch the video below to hear from a few of our trail maintenance volunteers about why they give back to trails.

By the Numbers

Read WTA's privacy policy and terms of service.