Stories & News

Get the latest news, how-to advice, and feature articles about the trail community, the current hiking season and issues impacting trails you love.

Get local news, how-to advice, and feature articles about our trail community, the current hiking season in Washington and issues impacting trails you love.

Learn more about: WTA member magazine | Signpost blog

Hiker Headlines: GivingTuesday, WTA is hiring, stay overnight at Fort Worden State Park

Nov 20, 2025

GivingTuesday is coming up on Dec. 2! WTA is hiring for several 2026 seasonal positions — apply now. Gifford Pinchot National Forest has closed Forest Road 6808 due to a sinkhole, and its voicemail system is currently down. Christmas tree permits are now available in some national forests, and Washington State Parks is piloting a lodging program at Fort Worden State Park.

Warm hands, happy feet: WTA’s gear library and Outdoor Research’s gear help kids get outside

Nov 19, 2025

WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program has been helping youth get outside for more than a decade. But getting outdoors often requires gear, which can be spendy. Support from partners like Outdoor Research, who donates winter gear, helps keep kids warm and dry when they get outside.

The deeply rewarding work of clearing a trail lost to time and brush

Nov 17, 2025

WTA crews have been working to restore the White River trail, which would open up loop options and smoother access to the PCT in the Glacier Peak Wilderness.

How pack llamas are helping hikers with Parkinson's return to trail

When a lifelong hiker was diagnosed with the disease, he found a way to keep getting outside. And he helped others do the same. By Chloe Ferrone

Creating a Path for Outdoor Leaders

WTA celebrates 5 years of helping build a better future for trails through the Emerging Leaders Program | By MJ Mahan and Krista Dooley.

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 closed this weekend, Summit at Snoqualmie parking fees

Nov 13, 2025

It’s Nov. 13. Highway 20 will be temporarily closed starting 5 p.m. today, Nov. 13, due to weather conditions. The Summit at Snoqualmie has announced its 2025-26 parking fees. And the government has resumed operations. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

From fear to safety

Hiking isn't fun or beneficial when you face discrimination on trail. Here's how one researcher is shaping a more welcoming outdoors for BIPOC recreators. By Linnea Johnson

Volunteer appreciation 2025: Celebrating the people who give back

Nov 10, 2025

Our gratitude for our volunteers happens every day. Once a year though, we dedicate one week to celebrate volunteers and members who fuel our work — Volunteer Appreciation Week. Here's a roundup of how we welcomed longtime and new volunteers to celebrate their efforts this year.

Hiker Headlines: It's sno-park season, Carter Falls trail closed, fee-free day

Nov 06, 2025

Veterans Day is a fee-free day. WTA and other organizations will be at Summon the Snow at the Seattle REI this Saturday! Cayuse Pass is closed at Mount Rainier National Park boundary for the winter and the Carter Falls trail is closed due to a dislodged bridge. And it’s now sno-park pass season!

I found my people on a WTA work party

Nov 04, 2025

I have been volunteering with WTA for almost 2 years and have participated in close to 200 work parties. Here's why the community of people at work parties keeps me coming back. By Anne Kang

A whirlwind trail work tour — from Frog Pond to Turtleback, Big Rock to Three Corner Rock

Nov 03, 2025

Projects around the state are wrapping up! Check out these regional updates on the work we're most excited about.

See how your vote is creating healthy forests and new trails thanks to the Climate Commitment Act

Nov 03, 2025

One year ago, Washington residents voted to defend the Climate Commitment Act. Now, we’d like to celebrate how this act is benefiting lands in Washington state and the people who enjoy them.

Trailwork behind the scenes: The joys of tool maintenance

Oct 30, 2025

Caring for the tools we use on trails is a big job. Thankfully, dedicated and skilled volunteers around the state help make this big project a lot easier.

Hiker Headlines: Mount Pilchuck road, nightly Longmire gate winter closures, Little Spokane's fresh new trailhead

Oct 30, 2025

It’s Oct. 30. Winter continues in the mountains: The road to Mount Pilchuck and Westside Road at Mount Rainier is closed and the nightly Longmire gate closures will begin on Oct. 31. The Knothead Loop at Little Spokane has a refreshed trailhead. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

WTA professional crews build staircase in beloved Spokane park

Oct 28, 2025

Washington Trails Association’s professional trail crews recently built a staircase in Spokane’s High Drive Bluff Park. The new staircase provides safe and more sustainable access to one of Spokane's most popular trail systems. By Joseph Gonzalez

Hiker Headlines: White River Bridge reopens early; Chinook, Cayuse passes closing for winter

Oct 23, 2025

Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass are closing for the winter on Friday. North Shore Road along Lake Quinault has also closed and I-90 near Cle Elum is closed due to overpass damage. But here’s some good news: The White River Bridge on SR 410 has opened ahead of schedule! And there’s snow in the mountains.

New plan to fire more national parks staff and rangers undercuts already short-staffed parks

Oct 21, 2025

The Trump administration detailed their plans to fire at least 2,050 staff who work for the Department of the Interior, including eliminating at least 272 additional positions at the National Park Service. The planned firing come on top of massive reductions in staffing for national public lands agencies since February. The cuts leave hikers less safe, reduce everyone’s access to public lands and must be overturned.

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!

6 volunteer crew leaders who build trails and community

Our amazing volunteer leaders ensure our work parties are safe, fun and even get a little work done. Their deep love for the outdoors and appreciation for our community make them a priceless part of WTA. By Victoria Obermeyer.

Hiker Headlines: Mountain snow incoming, free day, vote for your favorite photo

Oct 09, 2025

Friday is World Mental Health Day, and you can head to state-managed lands without a Discover Pass. Vote for your favorite photo in the Flora and Fauna category of WTA's photo contest. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has launched a new notification system for prescribed burns. And snow is coming to the mountains!

Navigating trail disappointments with mindfulness

When a day on trail doesn't go how you'd planned, taking a time to find gentle perspective can help you calm your irritation and see the bigger picture. By Beth Glosten.

Putting our heads together: Trail work as a team effort

If you’ve ever joined a WTA work party, you know the work is about more than digging tread or clearing brush. By Brandon Tigner

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.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Celebrate with a mooncake on trail

Oct 01, 2025

Mooncakes: the delightfully sweet, dense treat that folks eat during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Also, a great calorie-heavy snack for your hike!

A Washington hiker’s guide to the 2025 federal shutdown

Oct 01, 2025

As national parks, national forests and wildlife refuge operations shutdown and federal employees are furloughed, here's how hikers can still recreate responsibly across the state.

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.

Many hands make light work — how one Trailblazer troop gives back by cleaning tents and more

Sep 29, 2025

The members of Girl Scout Trailblazer troop 4389 regularly help out at WTA’s Seattle gear library to ensure that the gear is clean, in good working condition and ready to lend out to other youth programs. Their dedication helps ensure that more than 3,100 pieces of gear in the Seattle gear library are regularly maintained and ready for use.

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.