Advancing Trail Smarts

Supporting trails is not just about the much-needed trail maintenance and additional investment. It’s also about hiker awareness, transportation access, trip-reported conditions and so much more. We need targeted education to improve on-trail experiences and help hikers discover brand-new adventures.

Supporting trails isn't just about doing trail maintenance and increased funding. It’s also about hiker awareness. Transportation, road access, trip-reported conditions and so much more all help make a healthy trail system.

All of this requires targeted education to improve your on-trail experiences and help you lessen your impact on the places you love. If you haven’t seen our Trail Smarts video series, now's a great time to check it out. These tools provide quick refreshers on some of the most important hiking best practices.

Fun fact: Trip reports aren't just good for planning your next hike. They are critical to land managers as they make decisions and plan for the future needs of hikers. Write one today!

EXPAND YOUR TRAIL SMARTS

Dead out: what to do if you find an abandoned campfire

Jul 31, 2025

It’s peak wildfire season. Temperatures are rising into the triple digits and red flag warnings are in effect across multiple counties in Washington State. You’re doing a great job following the restrictions, but do you know what to do if you encounter an abandoned campfire that someone else has left behind?

WTA volunteer crew improves popular trail – and puts out smoldering fire

Jul 18, 2025

Last month, an 11-person volunteer crew, one of a series of work parties improving the way to popular Barclay Lake, ended up putting out a fire after their day of work clearing overgrown brush for a full two miles of the trail.

A hitchhiker's guide to Washington

I’ve hitchhiked scores of times across hundreds of miles. Here’s how you can do the same (legally and responsibly). By Joseph Gonzalez

How to decide if a single-walled tent is right for you

Have you been shopping for a shelter lately? With all the double-walled and single-walled options, it can feel in-tents. Here’s how to learn if a single-walled tent is right for you. By Joseph Gonzalez

Pack your patience and a trash bag this summer and fall

Sep 17, 2025

With national public lands stretched thinner than ever on staff and funding, hikers and trail users can help by taking extra care of the lands we all love. Here are a few ways you can help our shared lands and the people and organizations who work hard to protect them.

Night lights: how to illuminate your next hike

A headlamp is a must-have — and just the start of lighting options to make your next trip fun and cozy. By Sandra Saathoff

Community through carpooling: Tips to make the most of the ride

May 20, 2025

Looking for a way to make the drive to the trailhead more fun as the days get longer? We chatted with our partners at Western Washington Honda Dealers about how carpooling can help conserve resources — and how it can be a fun way to build community before your boots even hit the trail.

How to create a backup plan for your big hikes

Tips to create flexible itineraries so you can pivot quickly and still have fun. By Jessi Loerch

WTA's guide to charging backcountry electronics

Phones and other electronics have become a key tool for modern hikers. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your electronics charged while on trail. By Joseph Gonzalez

Hey bear! Years of delightful bear encounters on trail

When you spend a lot of time on trail, you get a lot of chances to see bears. Here are some of my favorite stories from the thousands of miles I've hiked. By Craig Romano

Sharing the weight and sharing the love: 14 things to share with your partner on trail

Romantic partner? Platonic hiking companion? We won’t define your relationship — that’s up to you. But whoever you’re hiking with, here are a few lovable nuggets to consider for your next outing. By Joseph Gonzalez

How to actually achieve your hiking goals

Do you have trouble sticking to your hiking resolutions? Goal-setting can help. Here's a template to help you get started. By Joseph Gonzalez

Elevated cuisine

Recipes inspired by WTA’s Lost Trails Found crews in the high country | by Joseph Gonzalez

A hiker's guide to drones and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)

Learn what you need to know before you take your drone with you on trail. By Joseph Gonzalez

Good gaiters, happy feet

All year long, a pair of gaiters can make your hiking a lot more comfortable. By Sandra Saathoff