Advocacy in the Blog

Current issues affecting trails and hikers.

Hiker Headlines: Hiker Rally Day, Fee-Free Day, Closures and Openings

Mar 16, 2023

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Hiker Rally Day this week! This Sunday is Washington State Parks’ birthday, and parking fees in some areas will be waived. Several trails are closed, and one state park has reopened after the winter season. And, Skyway Park has some new local artwork.

What Hiker Rally Day Meant to 5 Participants

Mar 16, 2023

Every 2 years, WTA’s Hiker Rally Day brings together outdoor enthusiasts from all across Washington to advocate for trails with our state lawmakers. This week, more than 70 people joined us from 40 state legislative districts to speak up for reliable funding for trails and equity in outdoor career. We talked to some participants to hear what the experience meant to them. Here’s what they had to say.

Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier Entry Goes Cashless, State Park Work, REI Inclusivity and Sustainability

Mar 09, 2023

Mount Rainier National Park is going cashless for its fee collection, starting May 26. Sunset Beach at Lake Sammamish State Park is getting some improvements later this year. East Larch Mountain Road near the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon is closing for the rest of the year. The House passed a bill to support communities most at risk during wildfire season. And, REI updated their standards for their brand partners to be more inclusive and more sustainable.

Hiker Headlines: Last Call for Hiker Rally Day, Free Day, North Cascades Permits, New Trail Bypass

Mar 02, 2023

It’s your last chance to sign up for Hiker Rally Day! March 9 is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, and some areas will have their parking fees waived. The North Cascades early access lottery opens March 6. Some state park campgrounds may be closed due to weather conditions. And a new bypass trail between Ralson and Marengo along the Palouse to Cascades Trail has opened.

Hiker Headlines: WTA in D.C., Dog Mountain Permits, Closures, Freezing Temps

Feb 23, 2023

WTA went to Hike the Hill in Washington, D.C., last week to advocate for our trails! Dog Mountain permits go on sale starting March 1. The Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge is closing some of its visitor services for the season. Heart O’ the Hills campground and trail are closing for construction. Be prepared for water at some campgrounds to be turned off due to freezing temperatures. And expect more snow and freezing temperatures at low elevations across the state.

Hike the Hill: WTA Staff Advocate for Trails, Funding and Equity in D.C.

Feb 22, 2023

WTA staff traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside partners to meet with the congressional leaders and leaders of federal land management agencies. We talk about our vision of creating trails for everyone and discussed how to better maintain trails and recreation infrastructure in Washington.

Hiker Headlines: WTA Backcountry Preview, Hiker Rally Day, 6 More Weeks of Winter

Feb 02, 2023

Keep an eye out for a preview of WTA’s volunteer backcountry trip season. Join WTA for Hiker Rally Day on March 14 to advocate for trails. Part of the Cape Horn trail will be closed through July 15. Legislation to support wildfire prevention efforts and reduce the negative effects of wildfires has been introduced. And, the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter this year.

Improvements on Their Way to Trails and Lands Near You

Jan 23, 2023

During the 2022 state legislative session, WTA rallied our partners and hiking community to make an ambitious ask. It paid off when lawmakers agreed to provide $5 million annually to each of Washington’s three largest land management agencies. This funding is already helping the agencies clear trails, improve parking lots, repair roads, removing hazard trees, install water sources and more.

We're Off! Washington State's 2023 Legislative Session

Jan 12, 2023

This week kicks off Washington state's 2023 legislative session! WTA will be working with partners and people like you to champion legislation and funding requests that impact public lands and outdoor access. Last year, WTA and hikers helped secure two game-changing wins for public lands, and we're back in Olympia this year ensuring that both programs continue into the future.

Hiker Headlines: Good News From 2022

Dec 29, 2022

The year is almost over, and we want take a moment to reflect on the good things that happened for trails and public lands in 2022. Public lands got more funding. WTA helped open new trails — and improve many more. And across the state, the hiking community came together to support each other and the places we care about.

How WTA Ambassadors are Creating a Lasting Impact

Dec 19, 2022

WTA's work wouldn't be possible without volunteers, who help our work in many different ways. Volunteer ambassadors support WTA’s mission to mobilize hikers to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. Right now, we're welcoming new ambassadors. Learn more about the program and how to get involved.

Partnership Brings New Trails to the Teanaway Community Forest

Dec 13, 2022

After a decade of strong collaboration, WTA and our partners are so excited that a trails plan for the Teanaway Community Forest has passed the state’s environmental review. That means, in 2023 WTA will be able to break ground on new trails in the community forest. Find out where we plan to work first.

Paradise at Mount Rainier Only Open on Weekends: What to Know and Where to Go Instead

Dec 14, 2022

The road to Paradise at Mount Rainier National park will be closed on weekdays this winter due to staffing shortages. The road will be available for public use only on Saturdays and Sundays for the remainder of the winter season. The sledding area will remain closed all season, even on weekends. The road closure will put some of the park's most popular winter destinations, like Panorama Point, out of reach for many visitors, and might create some additional weekend traffic.

E-bikes: You Gave Input, What Comes Next?

Nov 15, 2022

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources asked for your opinion on the use of e-bikes. Over 7,000 people responded to the survey, including WTA’s Trail Action Network advocates — thanks for your input! Based on this input, WDFW and DNR recently shared a report of their recommendations for e-bikes going forward. Here are the main takeaways and what happens next.

King County Voters: This "Yes" Vote Will Help Save Green Spaces

Oct 18, 2022

Voters have the chance in this election (Nov. 8) to vote "yes" to Conserve Our Future, King County Proposition 1. Vote "yes" so this program can continue to protect lands that support the health of our communities, ecosystems and climate.

Hiker Headlines: Labor Day Weekend, Closures, New Funding

Sep 01, 2022

The long weekend is almost here! Get some inspiration on where to go, and keep up to date on the latest trail and road closures. And, a new infrastructure bill will award Washington $6.3 million in funding for forest projects.

Protect the Future of Trails with WTA

Aug 01, 2022

Hundreds turned out this weekend for Washington Trails Day to join WTA in protecting the future of trails. You can join too.

Why Do We Fix Popular Trails?

Jul 26, 2022

Popular trails can need as much — or more — maintenance than less-well-known routes. Find out why.

Hiker Headlines: Road Openings and Closures, Urban Forest Funding, Survey on E-Bikes

Jul 07, 2022

Sunrise Road has reopened for the summer. Mallardy Ridge Road will be closed from July 15 to September 15. Some Conconully State Park campgrounds are closed temporarily due to flood damage. $550,000 of funding was awarded by the Department of Natural Resources for urban and community forests. The state wants to hear your thoughts on e-bikes on trails. And, a retriever featured in WTA's Hiking with Dogs workshop is a semi-finalist in the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Award competition.

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Highway 20 Repaving, Dog Mountain Trailhead to Move, Firework Safety

Jun 30, 2022

Registration opens for WTA’s Hike-a-Thon on July 1. Some roads and parking lots on Highway 20 will be affected by a repaving project this month. Plans to move the Dog Mountain trailhead have kicked off. And, please help prevent wildfires this weekend.

Snow Lake and Annette Lake Trails to Close for Several Months

Jul 05, 2022

The Annette Lake and Snow Lake trails, popular hikes along the I-90 corridor, will be closed for several months this summer due to trail construction work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. The work will require the use of potentially-dangerous tools, so the trails will close in the interest of safety.

Hiker Headlines: Free Days, Outdoor Rec Funding, Road Openings, Methow Planning

Jun 09, 2022

Enjoy a fee-free visit to the trailhead weekend. The Department of Agriculture unveiled $503 million of funding for outdoor recreation projects. Chinook Pass is set to reopen on June 10. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public workshop to discuss development of the Methow Wildlife Area. And, Washington State Parks will be starting up their summer outdoor concert series.

5 Tips to Get Your Friends to Help Protect Trails

Jun 15, 2022

We recently talked to three hikers who have advocated for trails in official and unofficial ways about what works best to get friends on board for saving trails.

Rep. Strickland Visits WTA Gear Library and Talks Trail Funding

Apr 18, 2022

WTA met with Representative Marilyn Strickland to tour our Puyallup gear library and talk funding for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Olympic Improvements, Conservation Funding, New Place Names

Mar 31, 2022

Ruby Beach will be closed for about three months this spring while access and parking is being improved. The trails along the Ozette triangle are in need of repair. The funding proposal for the Land and Water Conservation Fund meets the minimum but more is needed. A long-awaited trail bridge over the Columbia River will open on April 8. Eighteen derogatory place names in Washington are in the process of being replaced.

2022 Federal Budget Trail Investments Good News — Here’s Why We’re Working for More

Mar 24, 2022

Last week, Congress finalized a federal budget for the 2022 fiscal year. Amid the trillions of dollars within Congress’s new budget — what matters for trails? In some good news, the budget increases investments in the Forest Service, but the numbers fall short of what's needed.

Where We're Going ... We'll Definitely Still Need Roads

Apr 19, 2022

Hikers need roads. But wild weather takes out roads each year, and land management agencies need funding to repair them. Join WTA's Trail Action Network to speak up for public roads funding so you can continue accessing Washington's forests!

Hiker Headlines: New Trail, Recreation Survey, Legislative Wins, Free Day

Mar 17, 2022

Happy St. Patrick's Day! A new WTA-built trail is now open near Port Angeles. The Recreation and Conservation Office wants to hear from you. Eastrail projects received some incredible funding in the recent state budget. And, don't forget about the upcoming fee-free day on March 19.

Hiker Headlines: Spring Forward, National Park Public Input, Good Fire

Mar 10, 2022

Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades want your input on two new proposals. Learn how GirlTrek is celebrating Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. Prescribed burns are scheduled in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Identify trees with the helpful Trees PNW app. And, don’t forget to spring forward on March 13.

We Did It! WTA Celebrates Game-Changing Investments for Trails, Outdoors this Legislative Session

Mar 11, 2022

WTA helped lead the way to a game-changing win at the state Legislature this year. State public land agencies will receive $15 million annually ($5m per agency) to improve outdoor recreation opportunities by addressing crucial maintenance needs. A new pilot project is being funded to provide leadership opportunities for underrepresented communities in the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us in thanking lawmakers for this huge win.