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!

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 the 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.

A tight state budget means it’s time to show up for trails — here’s how

Jan 16, 2025

This week kicks off the 2025 Washington state legislative session. The state budget is tighter than we've seen in years, and we know legislators will be making cuts. Tell your representatives that the physical and mental health benefits of getting outside should not be on the chopping block this, or any, year. Join WTA and other hikers in Olympia on March 18, 2025, for our Hiker Rally Day.

Hiker Headlines: Hiker Rally Day; ski area openings, state park closures

Dec 19, 2024

Happy winter solstice! Some exciting 2025 hiker events have been announced, including Hiker Rally Day on March 18. Several state parks are closed until further notice due to storm damage, but — good news — all of the ski resorts along the Washington Cascade crest have opened for the winter.

Take action: Forest Service cuts to seasonal staffing will hurt trails and recreational access

Nov 12, 2024

A budget crisis at the U.S. Forest Service will reduce its ability to maintain trails, clean restrooms, collect trash and steward public lands. Learn what is happening and how you can help.

Shape the next 10 years for Oyster Dome, Mount Si, Gothic Basin, Yacolt Burn and more

Nov 08, 2024

Washington Department of Natural Resources recently released its first-ever statewide plan to guide recreation and public access, including hiking, over the next 10 years and across 5.6 million acres. Give your feedback before November 21.

$1.9 billion for public lands is at risk: your voice is needed

Oct 22, 2024

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) created the Legacy Restoration Fund, which provides up to $1.9 billion annually to protect public lands and improve opportunities for the public to access them. With funding set to run out in 2025, we are gathering the support of people like you who love the outdoors to help us push to renew GAOA’s Legacy Restoration Fund.

Hiker Headlines: Sunrise Road closed for winter, Forest Service hiring freeze, once-in-a-lifetime comet show

Oct 10, 2024

Be aware of some closures, including Sunrise Road, which is closed for the winter. The U.S. Forest Service announced significant cuts to its workforce — including not hiring seasonal staff next year — due to a budget crisis. And this Saturday, a comet will be visible in the night sky.

Join Us in Voting ''No" on I-2117 and Protect Climate Progress

Oct 02, 2024

Climate change is threatening healthy forests, clean air and open trails, and therefore our ability to get outdoors. That’s why WTA is asking hikers to vote “No” on Initiative 2117 (I-2117) to defend our state’s climate progress.

Mount Rainier wants to know: How did timed entry impact your visit?

Aug 27, 2024

Mount Rainier National Park is wrapping up a pilot summer season of their timed entry reservation system for the popular Paradise and Sunrise corridors of the park. Park leadership wants your feedback on how the reservation system impacted your visit or plans to visit.

Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier fire ban, thunderous forecast, share your take on forest roads

Aug 15, 2024

We’re halfway through Hike-a-Thon — there’s still time to join in on the fun! Wildfire season continues across the Pacific Northwest. Thunder is in the forecast this weekend. Lake Sammamish State Park is piloting a program that offers the public use of a multi-terrain accessibility chair. And WTA wants to hear how forest road conditions have affected your hikes.

Hiker Headlines: Perseid meteor shower peaks, Mount Adams and Pasayten area fire closures

Aug 08, 2024

The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend! Wildfire growth across the state and construction projects are impacting trails. Hunting season is here. Washington State Parks is updating its campsite fees next year. And do your part to help secure $150 million in trail funding! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.