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: 30 Years of Trail Maintenance, More Highway 20 Trails Reopen, Hurricane Ridge Road to Close Temporarily

Sep 14, 2023

We’re celebrating 30 years of trail maintenance at WTA! Sept 23 is National Public Lands Day. Take a survey to help Gifford Pinchot National Forest develop a sustainable trails strategy. There are some current and upcoming closures you might want to note when planning your weekend, but — in good news — some of the North Cascades wildfire closures have lifted.

Share Your Hopes for Trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Sep 14, 2023

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is creating a sustainable trail system plan to guide future recreation opportunities across the forest and to support visits to iconic places like High Rock Fire Lookout, Goat Rocks Wilderness, Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens. The forest’s leadership wants to hear from you by Sept. 30 to learn what you value about access to this landscape and where you see opportunities to better meet needs in the future.

Hiker Headlines: Family-Friendly Work Party, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Survey, Wildfires Rage On

Aug 24, 2023

Join WTA on a family-friendly work party at Panorama Dome on September 2. Take the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Visitors Survey to help shape the future of the area. Wildfires continue across the state.

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Sourdough Mountain Trail and Lakes Angeles Area Closures, FR 25 Closure Reduced

Aug 03, 2023

Parking fees will be waived in some areas tomorrow, Aug. 4, for Great American Outdoors Day. Be aware of some new closures and restrictions, and a reduction in the Forest Road 25 closure. And sign a petition to protect the Green River Valley from mining activity.

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Annette Lake Trail Closure, New Youth Outdoors Funding

Jul 27, 2023

Hike-a-Thon starts Aug. 1! As you’re planning your upcoming trips outside, be aware of closures and fire restrictions. Share your thoughts on a sustainable trails strategy in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. And we’re excited about some new funding to connect youth with the outdoors.

Discover Frog Mountain Trail: A Triumph of Conservation and Recreation in Wild Sky Wilderness

Jul 28, 2023

The opening of the new Frog Mountain Trail in Wild Sky Wilderness is a testament to the power of collaboration, conservation and responsible recreation.

Hiker Headlines: Mountain Loop Hwy Fully Open, More Campfire Restrictions, PNT Win

Jul 20, 2023

The Forest Service approved the comprehensive management plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail, and it is now headed to Congress. The Mountain Loop Highway is fully open! And be aware of some campfire restrictions and closures when you’re planning your hikes in these next few weeks.

Help Shape the Future of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Jul 19, 2023

The Alpine Lakes Collaborative needs your input on the wilderness. Take the survey now.

Major Step Forward for Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail

Jul 14, 2023

The Forest Service has completed a comprehensive management plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail, which runs over 800 miles across Washington. WTA has long supported the development of the trail and we are thrilled by this critical step forward.

Hiker Headlines: Mowich Road Open, Forest Protection Wins, Active Rainbow Fire, A Seattle Times Profile

Jul 13, 2023

Mowich Road at Mount Rainier is open! Be aware of several campfire and recreation use restrictions being put in place, as well as an active wildfire in the Lake Chelan area. Exciting news about some recent forest protections coming about as a result of the Great American Outdoors Act. And WTA’s CEO took a hike with The Seattle Times to outline WTA’s priorities in the outdoor recreation space.

Hiker Headlines: Road and Trail Openings, Hurricane Ridge, New Trail Funding

Jul 06, 2023

Some roads and a trailhead have opened back up, and the Hurricane Ridge area is now allowing more private vehicles each day. Please also be aware of a couple of closures. And WTA is proud to have supported the Puget Sound to Pacific initiative to secure funding for the Great American Rail-Trail.

Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge and Coldwater Areas Reopen, Chiwawa River Road Closure

Jun 22, 2023

This Saturday, June 24, is Washington Trails Day. The Hurricane Ridge area and Mount St. Helens Coldwater area are reopening to the public. The Chiwawa Road has a closure. And wildfire season has started.

Silver Star Vision Plan is a North Star for the Future of a Special Area

Jun 30, 2023

Trails planning is a detailed process. The Silver Star area in Southwest Washington has been the focus of planning work for years. Now we're happy to announce the vision plan for the future of this area is complete!

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Big Four Ice Caves Open, Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Permit Plan, Hike the State

Jun 15, 2023

Plenty of exciting hiking events are coming up, including a fee-free day for Juneteenth, Washington Trails Day and Hike the State. The Big Four Ice Caves are open once again! And we're asking our community to speak up about Mount Rainier National Park’s plan to require permits for entry.

Speak Up for the Trails You Love

Jun 21, 2023

This June 24 is Washington Trails Day, a day in honor of our state’s spectacular outdoors and WTA’s stewardship of and advocacy for trails. This year, WTA is celebrating Washington Trails Day by inviting everyone who loves the outdoors to join our advocate community, Trail Action Network! By Linnea Johnson

Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Plan to Require Permits for Entry

Jun 13, 2023

Mount Rainier National Park has proposed requiring reservation for vehicles to enter the park at popular entrances. The change would limit access to beloved trails that are close to major population center. Washington Trails Association is concerned about this proposal and we’re asking our community to speak up about it by June 26.

Hiker Headlines: Speak Up For Eightmile Lake, Passes Reopening, I-90 and Lake Quinault Area Construction

May 25, 2023

Chinook and Cayuse passes are reopening tomorrow. Expect I-90 delays and closures, including closures of the Franklin Falls and Denny Creek trails, as well as some construction projects in Olympic National Forest and National Park. Submit a public comment about the proposed plan to rebuild Eightmile Dam in the Enchantments area. And, join Golden Bricks Events for Sundaes outside this Sunday at Be’er Sheva Park.

Speak up for Eightmile Lake in the Enchantments

May 24, 2023

Eightmile Lake is high in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and part of the Enchantments. The dam at the end of the lake needs to repaired. We're asking hikers to speak up to ensure the plan will protect hiking and backpacking opportunities in the area.

Follow Major Changes Proposed for Visiting Mount Rainier

May 08, 2023

Mount Rainier National Park has released a draft plan proposing significant changes to how people visit popular areas of Mount Rainier National Park. Sign up with WTA to stay up to date and share your feedback.

Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, North Cascades Permits, Dog Mountain Shuttle, State Budget Wins

Apr 27, 2023

GiveBIG is on May 2-3! The Washington state Legislature adjourned this week, with some big wins for WTA and trails. All available North Cascades National Park wilderness permits will be available to the general public on May 1. The Dog Mountain shuttle will begin running on weekends starting this weekend. And, Olympic National Park has several upcoming bridge improvement projects this spring — expect some delays and closures.

Historic State Funding Wins for Trails, Equity After a Decade of Work

Apr 26, 2023

WTA and hikers helped secure some incredible, and lasting, wins for ongoing trail funding in the 2023 state legislative session. WTA's Emerging Leaders Program in partnership with Washington State Parks was also funded, along with a number of other important projects and programs around the state.

Hiker Headlines: Olympic Camping Permits & Road Closures, Urban Forest Funding, Wildflowers

Apr 13, 2023

Olympic National Park camping permits for the summer will be available to reserve on April 15. Expect some road closures and a trail closure in the Quinault area. The Forest Service is allocating over $9 million to support urban green spaces in Washington and Oregon. And, wildflowers are here!

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.