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: Hair ice and freezing temps, Rainier wilderness permit fees, Nisqually State Park closure

Jan 23, 2025

Mount Rainier National Park has changed the prices for wilderness permits. Nisqually State Park is closed for construction starting next week through the fall. There’s a new way to look at how funds are being used through the Climate Commitment Act. And the cold temperatures we’ve been seeing will stick around for awhile.

How Kaf Adventures is helping climbers reach new heights and give back to trails

Jan 22, 2025

WTA and Kaf Adventures have been partnering since 2017 to help give back to trails and further skills in the outdoors.

Why I hike through cities

Jan 21, 2025

Most urban centers in Washington provide ample green space and pedestrian infrastructure to support refreshing strolls, invigorating day hikes or epic feats of endurance. Incorporate urban walks into your ventures outside this year.

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: Fee-free day, road closure, a big win in Congress

Jan 16, 2025

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day and parking fees are waived in some areas. Share your thoughts to help Washington State Parks develop a park on Miller Peninsula. In a big win, Congress just passed the EXPLORE Act! A road near the Quinault River is closed. Olympic National Forest has expanded their office hours. And Washington has sent firefighting aid to California.

How to pick a pair of snowshoes

Snowshoes open up a whole new world in winter — here’s what to consider if you're looking for a pair. By Sandra Saathoff.

Hiker Headlines: Tiger Mountain, Squak Mountain trail closures; WTA winter workshops

Jan 09, 2025

Some trails in the Issaquah Alps are closed due to storm damage. Join WTA for some upcoming events, including a free winter hiking workshop and a snowshoe workshop! And, the Washington Department of Natural Resources has released its statewide recreation plan for the next 10 years.

Share a story: Finding yourself on a summit journey

Jan 08, 2025

From time to time, we like to share memorable moments from our community. Here’s one of those stories from Rizka Budiati-Szkutnik (@rizkapb on Instagram).

2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners

Take in the beauty of Washington's trails through the lens of talented photographers across the state.

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

Hiker Headlines: WTA is hiring, Hoh Rain Forest closure, Oregon state park fee increases

Jan 02, 2025

Happy New Year from all of us at WTA! We are currently hiring for a full-time professional crew coordinator. The Upper Hoh Road is temporarily closed due to imminent road failure. Olympic National Forest has announced some big forest health projects coming up. Some Oregon state park fees have increased for the 2025 season. And there’s snow hitting the mountains this weekend!

29 hiking resolution ideas to find joy in 2025!

Dec 30, 2024

Although number of hikes, mileage and elevation gain may seem like some of the most obvious hiking goals you can make, there are plenty of other hiking projects you can embark on that are just as fun and get you outside all the same. We've got some ideas for you.

Partnership With Kalispel Tribe Creates New Trails North of Spokane

Dec 30, 2024

A trail system at Indian Creek Community Forest is helping the Kalispel Tribe provide education, recreation, and community to the Tribe and broader community members.

Kick off 2025 outside with a First Day Hike and a trip report!

Dec 27, 2024

Ring in the new year by joining Washington State Parks at a First Day Hike near you!

Helping WTA Help Hikers

Dec 27, 2024

One of the special things about WTA’s vision of Trails for Everyone, Forever, is that it brings together hikers, land managers, advocates and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. This work is also valued by companies who want to have a positive impact on their local community, like WTA’s partners at Western Washington Honda Dealers. Their support is helping us get more done for trails.

12 Women and 4 Horses Fix a Trail

WTA and Back Country Horsemen of Washington team up for their first all-women volunteer trip. By Victoria Obermeyer.

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.

A cure for trail burnout

If you’re feeling a bit blah about hiking, these tips can help you find the spark again. By Craig Romano

How WTA ambassadors helped hikers across the state this year

WTA’s dedicated ambassadors spread the joy of hiking in 2024 through connection, awareness and education. By Nicole Masih-Théberge.

Subtle signs: tips for winter wildlife tracking

Winter is the ideal time to slow down and look for the subtle signs of wildlife on trail. Here are some tips to get you started. By Jack Shaw

Hiker Headlines: Wallace Falls, Squak Mountain closed due to storm damage; 2025 fee-free days announced

Dec 12, 2024

Two popular state parks are closed until further notice due to damage from the bomb cyclone. Some land managers have shared their 2025 fee-free days! And the snow line is dropping low in the mountains this weekend.

My year at Rainier: A goal to hike all of the mountain's trails

One hiker’s quest to see it all, and how WTA helped her get there. | By Catherine Vine

Thank you, Jim, for 35 years of copy editing!

Dec 09, 2024

After 35 years of volunteer editing Washington Trails magazine, Jim Cavin is finally enjoying a well-earned retirement. Join us in thanking him! By WTA staff

Hiker Headlines: Free pass, tree for 4th graders; winter hours and closures around the state

Dec 05, 2024

Olympic National Park has started its winter operations. Be aware of some closures, including an extension of the Lake 22 trail closure. The Washington Department of Natural Resources has started two large cleanup projects. And the Forest Service is reminding families with fourth graders that their Every Kid Outdoors program is offering free America the Beautiful passes and Christmas tree permits.

Celebrating the lives of those we lost in 2024

Dec 05, 2024

We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.

5 WTA partner organizations to support this Giving Tuesday

Dec 02, 2024

Washington Trails Association believes that trails are for everyone, forever. This year for Giving Tuesday, we are highlighting five WTA partner groups that are making sure everyone has access to experience nature in meaningful ways. Please consider sharing your generosity with these organizations.

Trip report roundup: Trees down, snow sticking around

Nov 22, 2024

With winter storms rolling into the region and a bomb cyclone knocking down trees (in addition to power for many communities), the conditions on trails have changed a lot in the last week. Some parks, like Wallace Falls State Park, are closed due to the extent of the damage.

WTA teams up with Everett to increase access to local trails

Nov 22, 2024

An exciting project and major victory for WTA's Trails Next Door campaign is now underway in South Everett. Crews will be working to increase accessibility and walkability to green spaces and trails.

Hiker Headlines: Highway 20, Mountain Loop Highway closing; WTA closed Thanksgiving week

Nov 21, 2024

Heads up: Highway 20 is closed for the winter, and the Mountain Loop Highway and Mount Pilchuck Road are closing this week. WTA is also closed next week for Thanksgiving. WTA is currently hiring for 2025 seasonal positions. And Mount Rainier National Park has announced its major 2025 construction projects.

5 surprising ways WTA members are making trails for everyone, forever possible

Nov 20, 2024

From equipping outdoor educators with snowshoes for their students to helping hikers at trailheads, here are 5 cool things our members support.