Advocacy in the Blog

Current issues affecting trails and hikers.

The latest news and wins on issues impacting hikers and public lands. Stay in the loop by signing up for Trail Action Network today!

How WTA and public lands keep water clean for wildlife and people

Oct 20, 2025

60 million Americans rely on national forests for their drinking water. With that in mind, WTA builds trails that minimize impacts to waterways and can function as part of the surrounding landscape. We also advocate for land protections because protected and funded public lands mean clean water for people and wildlife.

Hiker Headlines: Road to Artist Point closed for winter; more Rainier roads, state parks to close; WTA public lands webinar

Oct 16, 2025

Join WTA’s advocacy team for a webinar on the latest on our national public lands and how we can continue to champion for our trails and public lands at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 29! It’s winter in the mountains — the road to Artist Point is closed for the season, and some roads at Mount Rainier are gearing up to close soon, too. SR 18, east of Tiger Mountain, is also temporarily closing for construction. And the Big Four Ice Caves have collapsed!

Hiker Headlines: Sunrise Road closing soon, last call for photo contest, Cascade River Road closure

Oct 02, 2025

The Washington State Department of Transportation has narrowed plans for the Fairfax Bridge to two options; WTA is working to support solutions that reopen access to this area of Mount Rainier. The Northwest Exposure Photo Contest closes soon! Sunrise Road is expected to close this weekend. Be aware of a few closures, including the end of Cascade River Road and the road near Multnomah Falls. And we have advice on hiking during the government shutdown.

What’s the future for the bridge to the Northwest side of Mount Rainier?

Sep 30, 2025

In April, the 103-year-old Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River closed permanently to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic, effectively cutting off access to the northwest side of Mount Rainier National Park. The Washington State Department of Transportation is now considering two options for the future: rebuilding the bridge north of its current location or keeping the bridge permanently closed.

Hiker Headlines: Discover Pass cost increasing; Blewett Pass, Lena Lake and more fire closures; free day

Sep 25, 2025

The cost of an annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45 on Oct. 1. Wildfires have closed Blewett Pass and some trails. This Saturday is National Public Lands Day, and parking fees will be waived on federal and state lands. And, thank you for speaking up for the Roadless Rule!

Hiking with members of Congress to advocate for trails and national public lands

Sep 23, 2025

This summer, WTA worked with our nonprofit partners in Outdoor Alliance Washington to plan hikes with three congressional offices. Hiking with legislators gives everyone the opportunity to slow down, experience nature and talk about shared priorities.

Hiker Headlines: Lake 22 closed this weekend, High Rock closure extended, no water at Paradise

Sep 18, 2025

The Lake 22 trail will be closed this weekend, and the High Rock closure has been extended. There's no running water at Paradise. There's one more day to speak up for the Roadless Rule. And join WTA at some upcoming events, and Washington State Parks at a coastal cleanup!

What I learned from a day of talking to people at a trailhead

Sep 15, 2025

For one day this summer, I got to spend most of a day seeing what a trailhead sees. I had never spent hours at a trailhead before, and the experience surprised me. It showed me the variety of people who use our public lands and why public lands need funding — to be able to serve all the different people seeking time outside.

Hiker Headlines: Speak up against Roadless Rule repeal, Naches Peak Loop, Ingalls Creek and more fire closures;

Sep 11, 2025

Speak up for the Roadless Rule, which protects 45 million acres of our national forests, as the federal government plans to repeal it. Submit your photos to WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest by Oct. 6! And updates on fires and some other closures affecting trails.

45 million acres of national forest and 25,000 miles of trail could lose protection

Sep 08, 2025

For the past generation, one-third of our national forests, and more than 25,000 miles of trails, have been protected from development by the Roadless Rule. Now, the U.S. Department of Agriculture wants to remove this protection, opening 45 million acres (of 58 million acres that are currently protected) to road construction and activities like logging and mining. Speak up: take 30 seconds to ask that these places stay protected.

Hiker Headlines: Roadless Rule protections at risk, Hiker Happy Hour, Highway 123 will close near Rainier

Aug 28, 2025

Join us for Hiker Happy Hour in Seattle on Sept. 4! The Roadless Rule, which protects our national forests from logging and mining, is at risk. And be aware of a few big upcoming closures, including at Mount Rainier during September.

From St. Helens to the Gorge, WTA is bringing new and improved trails to Southwest Washington

Aug 29, 2025

In collaboration with hundreds of local volunteers, partner organizations and public lands staff, WTA is hard at work building and improving trails from residential Vancouver to the Mount St. Helens backcountry.

After five years of success, Congress will decide the fate of public lands funding

Aug 04, 2025

Congress created the Legacy Restoration Fund on August 4, 2020 in a landmark investment in our national public lands and an incredible success for bipartisan support of these cherished outdoor places. Now, Congress has less than two months to see that this funding doesn’t disappear.

Hikers, bikers, equestrians, dirt bikers and disability community find common ground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Jul 15, 2025

The Gifford Pinchot National Forest recently released its sustainable trails systems strategic plan to guide the agency and partner organizations as we face the challenges of decreased funding for National Forests. The plan will help guide how the forest identifies new trails and maintains existing ones. Washington Trails Association has been a longtime, close partner with the U.S. Forest Service and helped gather public input for this plan to ensure local hikers were heard.

Vote “yes” for our parks in King County

Jul 30, 2025

Now through Aug. 5, King County residents can vote to renew the county’s parks levy for the next 6 years. Funding from the levy provides 85% of King County Parks’ budget, making it essential to operating the county’s parks and trails.

Trip reports do more than you think: 3 case studies

Jul 10, 2025

Did you know that your trip reports can help improve trails in the long run? They help WTA and land managers see larger patterns in how people use trails. That helps land managers make good decisions about where to invest their time, resources and upkeep. And it helps WTA advocate for funding and policies to match what you and other hikers need.

Public lands sales dropped after pressure from Washington Congressional delegation, hikers and the outdoor recreation community

Jul 03, 2025

At trailheads and online, 10,000 hikers signed WTA's petition and expressed their opposition to proposals to sell public lands. The effort by Washington’s hiking community helped secure an important victory and sent the message that public lands are not for sale.

Hiker Headlines: Washington Trails Day, public lands at risk, Entiat-area fire, Lake 22 closure

Jun 18, 2025

This Saturday is Washington Trails Day, a day to celebrate trails and take action to protect them. The potential for public lands sales is in the news. The Lake 22 trail will be closed on weekdays starting July 15 for trail maintenance, and Mystery Bay State Park will be closed for a month for renovations. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Use your voice: Our national public lands are not for sale

Jun 15, 2025

This year, leaders across the federal government have proposed selling our national public lands — to give them away for development, open them to resource extraction or use them to generate revenue. You can help protect public lands by adding your voice to WTA’s petition.

WTA helps defend national parks in Congress

May 27, 2025

Last week, Washington state senator Patty Murray defended our national parks during a Senate hearing. Sen. Murray consulted with WTA and other outdoor recreation partners to highlight how National Park Service cuts impact businesses, outdoor access and public safety for communities across Washington state.

Hiker Headlines: Discover Pass cost increase; Chinook, Cayuse passes reopening; St. Helens, Smokey Bear license plates

May 22, 2025

The cost of an annual Discover Pass will increase to $45 in October. Cayuse and Chinook passes are opening for the season this week! WTA is hiring for two new positions. And, the governor signed the new budget — as well as bills that authorize two new license plates that hikers might be excited about.

Hikers speak up and help protect state funding for trails

May 01, 2025

The Washington State Legislature adjourned on April 27 after an incredibly difficult session. With the state facing a budget shortfall similar to the Great Recession, budget writers had to look for reductions across the board. Our state now has a budget for the next 2 years (2025-2027), and it includes essential funding for our outdoor places.

Hiker Rally Day: Meet the hikers who spoke up for trails

Mar 21, 2025

153 hikers from 39 legislative districts across the state rallied in Olympia on Tuesday to advocate for trails and public lands.

Help WTA save vital funding for public lands

Mar 10, 2025

The 2025 state legislative session runs from Jan. 13 to April 27. This year, like every year, WTA will show up to work with elected officials, land management agencies and conservation partners to secure — and maintain — funding for our public lands. By Melani Baker.

Hiker Headlines: Wind damage, North Cascades permits, WTA's op-ed on Forest Service and Parks firings

Feb 27, 2025

The early access lottery for North Cascades backcountry permits opens on March 3 — and other early access lotteries are closing soon. Big winds hit Washington earlier this week, so be careful of fallen trees and debris when hitting the trails this weekend! And read WTA’s op-ed in the Seattle Times on the recent federal staffing cuts.

WTA visits D.C. to urge rehiring of Forest and Park service staff

Feb 25, 2025

This week, WTA’s policy and planning manager Michael DeCramer is in Washington, D.C. Along with partners, one of the key issues Michael will be discussing is the recent firing of thousands of U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service employees. Michael will be speaking to our state’s delegation and bringing the message of thousands of hikers who have asked for those firings to be reversed.

What firing Forest Service, National Parks staff means for public lands, trails, communities

Feb 19, 2025

Last week, thousands of hard-working Forest Service and National Park staff, including hundreds in Washington and Oregon, were fired by the current administration. The impact to public lands, recreation and communities across the state are immediate and far-reaching. Learn what's at stake and join WTA in calling for Congress to reverse the decision.

Hiker Headlines: WTA backcountry trips, Enchantments permit lottery, sign up for Hiker Rally Day

Feb 13, 2025

The Enchantments permit advanced lottery opens Feb. 15 at 7 a.m. Join WTA and the Northwest Symphony for live music and beautiful photos. We need your help to vote for a renewal of the King County Parks Levy. Join us for in Olympia on March 18 to advocate for trails and public lands! And registration for WTA’s backcountry trips is starting soon.

10 easy ways to care for trails (and the outdoors)

Feb 20, 2025

Trails give us so much — here are 10 easy ways to give back.

How the Forest Service staffing crisis will affect your hike – and what you can do

Feb 10, 2025

Right now, a budget crisis and staffing cuts at the Forest Service are threatening our ability to reach hikes in our state's national forests. So, we need your help. Your donation will help us maintain trails that the Forest Service cannot reach this summer, keeping these places open for you and other hikers.