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

How Kitsap County Volunteers Are Building Up Their Trails

May 17, 2022

Over the last few years, volunteers, including volunteer crew leaders, have accomplished a lot of work to give hikers and other trail users improved opportunities to get outside in Kitsap County. Two of those volunteers, Patrick and Marji Sullivan, have become integral in the Kitsap County trail work community and are helping expand access to public green spaces in the area.

How Backcountry Crews Put in Log Bridges in Challenging Locations

May 13, 2022

If you’ve ever crossed a log foot bridge, you’ve probably been grateful for the safe route across a river. But have you ever wondered how those log bridges get installed?

Hiker Headlines: Hike the State, Check Out Washington Expands, Road Openings and Closures

May 12, 2022

Join Washington Trails Association for Hike the State on June 8. The Check Out Washington program has expanded to allow more library users to check out Discover Passes with adventure packs. The North Cascades Highway has re-opened for the season. But some roads on the highway will also be impacted by a repaving project in July.

Feed Your Curiosity. How to Dig Up New, Personalized Hike Ideas on WTA

May 11, 2022

Here's how an account on wta.org can help you find new hikes. When you save more hikes or file trip reports, the recommendations get better.

How WTA's Second Gear Library is Helping One Group Get Outside

May 06, 2022

In August last year, WTA was excited to open the doors to a second gear library, located in Puyallup’s Meridian Habitat Park. We choose this location to help us better meet the needs of communities in the South Puget Sound region. And we’ve been thrilled to see groups already getting outside, with support from the new gear library.

Hiker Headlines: Thank You to GiveBIG Donors, Meteor Shower, Land Management Change

May 05, 2022

A huge thank you to everyone who donated to WTA during GiveBIG! Keep an eye out overhead for the Eta Aquarids meteor shower tonight. A bill was passed that will provide resources for better access to the outdoors. And, starting July 1, a few additional trailheads near Riverside State Park will require a Discover Pass.

Hiker Headlines: GiveBIG, Road Closures, Spring Hiking Prep, New Trail

Apr 28, 2022

GiveBIG is on May 3-4! Roads to Ira Spring and Talapus trailheads will be closing on a regular schedule this summer. WTA wants to help prepare you for spring hiking. A new trail that would give safer access to Clayton Beach is slated to be completed this summer. Priest Point Park will be renamed Squaxin Park, after the Squaxin Island Tribe.

Empowering One Another: A Personal Reflection on My Experience With WTA's Emerging Leaders Program

Apr 26, 2022

I recently finished 12-week's in WTA's Emerging Leaders Program, a paid development opportunity for individuals who are historically underrepresented in the outdoor industry. Now, as I'm moving onto a permanent position at WTA, I'm looking back on what I learned and the power of the connections I made.

Tips for Hiking With Kids, From a Trip Reporter and Mom of Six

Apr 26, 2022

Valene Ramseyer has been a hiker since she was a kid. Now, as the mom of six kids of her own, she likes to get out regularly with her family. We talked to her recently about hiking with her kids, and why she enjoys trip reporting.

3 Reasons Why Donors Give to Trails on GiveBIG. What's Yours?

Apr 26, 2022

Three hikers talk about why they gave to WTA for GIveBIG last year. From our website to trail maintenance, why will you give on May 3 and 4?

Hiker Headlines: WTA Leadership Change, Wildfire Prevention, New State Park in Progress

Apr 21, 2022

It's April 21. Jill Simmons is stepping down as CEO. Snow is in the forecast for the major mountain passes. Eastern Washington is preparing for the upcoming fire season. And, Nisqually State Park is on its way to being built and wants your input.

It is Past Time to Change Racist Names on Public Lands

Apr 20, 2022

Trip Report Roundup: Shifting from Winter to Spring

Apr 19, 2022

As we leave winter behind and continue deeper into spring, we dug into the trail conditions highlighted in recent trip reports.

WTA Leadership Transition: Jill Simmons Looks Back at Five Years

Apr 19, 2022

Jill Simmons announces she will be stepping down as CEO after five years of service and she shares her appreciation with the WTA community.

Where We're Going ... We'll Definitely Still Need Roads

Apr 19, 2022

Hikers need roads. But wild weather takes out roads each year, and land management agencies need funding to repair them. Join WTA's Trail Action Network to speak up for public roads funding so you can continue accessing Washington's forests!

Rep. Strickland Visits WTA Gear Library and Talks Trail Funding

Apr 18, 2022

WTA met with Representative Marilyn Strickland to tour our Puyallup gear library and talk funding for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Spring Snow, Wheelchair-friendly Trails, Free Entry

Apr 14, 2022

Spring snow is falling in Eastern Washington and at the major mountain passes. You can now filter WTA’s Hiking Guide to find wheelchair-friendly trails. A new wildfire strategy will be implemented in Central Washington. An unprecedented number of blowdowns has left some areas of the Olympic National Forest temporarily inaccessible. Entry is free to national parks on April 16. And, consider exploring the inland Northwest this spring.

Camp Hosts: Good for Camps, Good for People

Volunteer camp hosts in Washington build strong connections with the campers and campgrounds they serve. | By Cassandra Overby

Hiker Headlines: Avalanche Danger, Permits, Restoration Project

Apr 07, 2022

Avalanche danger is high in the mountains right now. Permits are now available for three popular destinations in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The High Steel Bridge over the South Fork Skokomish River will be closed periodically today. And the Umatilla National Forest is seeking public input on a fire restoration plan.

Tips for Mental Preparation Ahead of a Big Hike

When taking on challenges like a hard run, hike, bike ride or backpacking trip, mental preparation is just as important as physical conditioning. By Craig Romano

Hikers Using Wheelchairs Help Improve Our Hiking Guide

Apr 04, 2022

With the help of hikers using wheelchairs, WTA now has a new way to filter our hiking information.

Progress Report: Glendale Forest, Building a Neighborhood Trail

Apr 04, 2022

Get the latest on this urban park and see how WTA's Emerging Leaders Program, land managers, and local residents are working to see it opened to the public.

Hiker Headlines: Olympic Improvements, Conservation Funding, New Place Names

Mar 31, 2022

Ruby Beach will be closed for about three months this spring while access and parking is being improved. The trails along the Ozette triangle are in need of repair. The funding proposal for the Land and Water Conservation Fund meets the minimum but more is needed. A long-awaited trail bridge over the Columbia River will open on April 8. Eighteen derogatory place names in Washington are in the process of being replaced.

How Wild Whatcom Brings Mindfulness to Trail Work Parties

Mar 29, 2022

Here are three of our favorite ways that Wild Whatcom makes time for mindfulness with youth.

Hiker Headlines: Spring, State Parks Director, Federal Budget

Mar 24, 2022

Spring has officially sprung! Washington State Parks will welcome a new director next week. And, we take a look at how the federal budget shaped up for trails.

2022 Federal Budget Trail Investments Good News — Here’s Why We’re Working for More

Mar 24, 2022

Last week, Congress finalized a federal budget for the 2022 fiscal year. Amid the trillions of dollars within Congress’s new budget — what matters for trails? In some good news, the budget increases investments in the Forest Service, but the numbers fall short of what's needed.

Moving Mindfully: How to Care for Your Body While Caring for Trails

Before you head out on your next work party, here are some key areas you can focus on to help minimize the risk of an overuse injury. By Holly Weiler

Walk a Labyrinth to Explore Your Own Path to Discovery

Labyrinths are an invitation to journey inward. How you experience that journey is up to you, but these suggestions on where to go and what to consider as you walk can get you started. | By Richard Porter

Family and Community: How Trails Help a WTA Volunteer Build Connections

Mar 22, 2022

WTA volunteer and member, Elizabeth Storm, shares how trail work on the Covel Creek trail connects her to childhood, family and community.

Hiker Headlines: New Trail, Recreation Survey, Legislative Wins, Free Day

Mar 17, 2022

Happy St. Patrick's Day! A new WTA-built trail is now open near Port Angeles. The Recreation and Conservation Office wants to hear from you. Eastrail projects received some incredible funding in the recent state budget. And, don't forget about the upcoming fee-free day on March 19.

Previous 30 items
1
...
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
...
34
Next 30 items