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

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.

Revel in Green for the Spring Equinox This Weekend

Mar 16, 2022

Spring arrives this weekend and it's a perfect time to take a really close look at the nature around us. Whether it's a tiny patch of moss, a hardy clump of sagebrush or a wide stretch of rainforest, the Pacific Northwest offers an abundance of green — especially in the spring.

Striped Peak: New Trail on Olympic Peninsula is Ready for Hikers

Mar 14, 2022

After three and a half years and 83 volunteer work parties, there's a new trail on a popular peak outside of Port Angeles.

We Did It! WTA Celebrates Game-Changing Investments for Trails, Outdoors this Legislative Session

Mar 11, 2022

WTA helped lead the way to a game-changing win at the state Legislature this year. State public land agencies will receive $15 million annually ($5m per agency) to improve outdoor recreation opportunities by addressing crucial maintenance needs. A new pilot project is being funded to provide leadership opportunities for underrepresented communities in the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us in thanking lawmakers for this huge win.

Hiker Headlines: Spring Forward, National Park Public Input, Good Fire

Mar 10, 2022

Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades want your input on two new proposals. Learn how GirlTrek is celebrating Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. Prescribed burns are scheduled in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Identify trees with the helpful Trees PNW app. And, don’t forget to spring forward on March 13.

More Than Just a Cup of Coffee

Getting more people outside, especially those who have been previously shut out from the outdoors, is the goal of Campfire Coffee. Quality coffee is the way to bring people in. | By Charlie Wakenshaw

Meet Bronka Sundstrom: Mount Rainier Icon

Bronka Sundstrom has traveled countless miles on Washington trails, setting the record for the oldest woman to summit Mount Rainier. At 96, she’s still finding joy on the trails that have been her comfort. | By Jessi Loerch

Where We’re Needed Most: How WTA Decides Where We Work

There's a lot to consider when we decide where to work on trail around the state. By Jessi Loerch

Q&A With a GirlTrek Leader: Harriet Tubman, Walking and Community

Mar 04, 2022

On March 10, GirlTrek encourages folks to walk in honor of Harriet Tubman's 200th birthday. We talked with Trina Baker, a leader for GirlTrek and a member of WTA's board, about why this event is so important — and why she's so passionate about the power of walking and community.

4 Ways to Practice Mindfulness on Trail

Mar 03, 2022

Mindfulness in the outdoors doesn’t require perfection, simply sharing a thoughtful space with yourself or someone else is practicing mindfulness.

Hiker Headlines: Road Washout, North Cascades Permits, Free Day

Mar 03, 2022

The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road is closed at milepost 9 due to a washout. The North Cascades National Park early access lottery opened today. Access to Washington state recreation lands will be free on March 9 in honor of Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday. And, be sure to check conditions before heading out since some areas are still recovering from all the rain this week.

Hiking From Home: Explore your City Surroundings

Feb 28, 2022

A hike doesn’t have to involve a long drive to a trailhead deep in the backcountry. You can get the same physical and mental health benefits by going for a walk right from your front door.

Three Trips WTA's Lost Trails Found Work Made Possible

Feb 25, 2022

Over the years, we have loved seeing hikers return to some of the notoriously rough and difficult-to-navigate trails that we've prioritized in our Lost Trails Found work. We take a look at three trips that benefited from trail maintenance and advocacy efforts.

Hiker Headlines: Permits, Carbon River, Glacial Art, Jobs

Feb 24, 2022

Backpacking permits, day hiking permits and even driving permits are starting to open up for this spring and summer. The Carbon River corner of Mount Rainier is back open after winter damage closed the area. Olympic National Park is looking for artists to create work to immortalize glaciers. And, we are hiring for two exciting positions.

How WTA Members are Making a Difference, Month by Month

Feb 22, 2022

We caught up with three monthly donors to hear about their favorite hikes and trail snacks and how trails help them be mindful.

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Mountain Snow, State Parks Jobs, Forest Funding

Feb 17, 2022

Fees will be waived at national forests on President’s Day. Be prepared for snow on the mountain passes this weekend. Washington State Parks is hiring for seasonal summer positions. And, funding has been allocated to Washington forests to fix damage caused by recent natural disasters.

The U.S. Forest Service Needs More People

Hikers rely on the Forest Service, but for decades the agency hasn't gotten the funding it needs. Hikers can speak up to help the agency get the support necessary to care for trails and public lands.

Expert Voices: 3 Ways Time Outside is Good for Your Mental Health

Feb 15, 2022

We talked with three of our partners, all mental health professionals, about the benefits they see when youth and families spend time outside.

Beating the Winter Blahs Thanks to WTA’s Gear Libraries

Feb 14, 2022

WTA has been excited to see our partners borrowing snowshoes to get outside with youth. We wanted to know how the trips were going, so we asked three groups to share the highlights of their snowy adventures.

What's Your Hiking Love Language?

Feb 11, 2022

How do you show your special someone you care about them (on trail)?

Hiker Headlines: Seal Pup, Muddy Trails, Applications, Trail Love

Feb 10, 2022

A seal pup was born at Deception Pass, prompting some trail detours. Some trails in Central Washington are closed due to muddy conditions. It’s almost time to sign up for WTA’s backcountry volunteer trips. Enchantments permit applications will open on Feb 15. We have some valentine cards for that special hiker in your life. And, you can take action for trails by letting your legislators know you support reducing the maintenance backlog for state parks and lands.

WTA’s Emerging Leaders Are Just Getting Started

Feb 08, 2022

WTA welcomes a team of five new folks focused on building an inclusive community and learning leadership skills for working in the outdoors.

Short Legislative Session, Big Goals for the Outdoors

Feb 07, 2022

WTA is leading exciting requests to the state legislature during this year's short session.

Preview: WTA's 2022 Volunteer Backcountry Trip Schedule

Feb 04, 2022

It's only February, but Washingtonians know that the short, gray days mean it's primo planning season. Have you considered adding a WTA backcountry trip to your 2022 adventure schedule? You should. Here's why.

Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge Renovation, State Parks Survey, Committee Volunteers

Feb 03, 2022

The Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center will be getting a major upgrade next year. State Parks wants your feedback through a new survey. On Groundhog Day we learned of more winter on the way, and we have a few other forecasts you might want to check. And, Olympic National Forest needs volunteers to serve on their Resource Advisory Committee.

Hiker Headlines: Jobs, Permits, Bridges, Snow and Mud

Jan 27, 2022

WTA is hiring for several positions. North Cascades National Park permits will be processed through recreation.gov starting this season. Work has wrapped up on two historic bridges at Deception Pass. Hikers should avoid hiking on muddy trails in Eastern Washington. And, expect snow at the mountain passes this weekend.

What Could the Future of Trails Look Like?

Jan 25, 2022

WTA’s trail team has been thinking about what it means to create the trail system of the future, and three of our staff members shared their hopes. Their thoughts show the importance of three key priorities: create more trails and accessible greenspace, innovate trail layouts and redesigns to improve hikers’ experiences on trails, and find ways to help people feel safe and welcome in the outdoors.

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