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

Congress Passed Infrastructure Funding: What it Means for Trails

Nov 10, 2021

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act just passed through Congress, and this secures support for trails across the country, including Washington.

Hiker Headlines: Free Entry, Tri-Cities Trails, Campsite Alerts, #CreateResponsibly, Survey

Nov 04, 2021

November 11 is a fee-free day at federal and state lands. A trail system in the Tri-Cities continues to expand. You can now get notifications when state park campsites become available. Artists and creatives can now take the pledge to #CreateResponsibly. Take a survey to help shape the future of trails in Washington.

Take This Quick Survey to Shape The Future of Trails

Nov 03, 2021

Important planning for outdoor recreation is happening at the statewide level and you can help!

Spooky Tales from the Trail

Oct 29, 2021

Most of us have an unexplainable trail story or two. If that tale is told often enough, it can become part of personal — or organizational — lore.

Hiker Headlines: Halloween Hikes, Highway 20 Closure Scheduled, SR 14 Survey

Oct 28, 2021

If you head out for a Halloween hike this weekend, be sure to share your photos in a trip report. The National Park Service has some great templates for pumpkin carving. The Highway 20 closure is on the calendar for November 15. Winter weather is ramping up this week with heavy rainfall in Western Washington and snowy mountain passes. Provide your input for SR 14 planning near Dog Mountain.

Trip Reporters Put the Fun in Fungus

Oct 27, 2021

Mushrooms begin popping up when rain returns to the forest and the variety of colors and shapes can stop hikers in their tracks. Trip reporters have been turning their cameras on these intriguing fungi this fall, giving us all a chance to share in the wonder. Check out some of the fungi found in recent trip reports.

Bravespace Film Reclaims the Outdoors for Women of Color

A new film puts Black, Indigenous and women of color in front of and behind the camera to create community and connection. | By Jessi Loerch

Why do Leaves Turn Colors in the Fall?

Oct 21, 2021

We know those colors are fun to look at, and make for excellent photos, but it also raises the question of “why?” Why do leaves turn different colors in the fall?

Hiker Headlines: Wet Weather, Outdoor Alliance, Closures and Delays, Lost Trails Found

Oct 21, 2021

It’s going to be a wet weekend in Western Washington, and rain in the lowlands means snow in the mountains. At a recent meeting, WTA and partners met with Representative Derek Kilmer to chat about Great American Outdoors Act projects in Olympic National Forest. The Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead and trail will be closed for about a month to facilitate trailhead expansion and improvements. Expect delays on Highway 101 over the next month while crews remove hazard trees. Learn about two amazing Lost Trails Found accomplishments from this summer.

Preserving Space for the Future at Cashmere Canyons

Oct 20, 2021

Two WTA members have helped create a preserve that allows hikers to explore 12 miles of trail in the Wenatchee Valley.

Volunteers Connect the Dots on the Pacific Northwest Trail

Oct 20, 2021

During our 2021 summer season, our volunteers worked on 11 unique sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail, working across the state to keep this oft-remote route up to national scenic trail standards.

WTA's Pro Crew Finishes up Incredible Season

Oct 18, 2021

After 71 days and 4,243 hours of trail maintenance, WTA's first backcountry pro crew is wrapping up their packed season of trail work within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest!

Hiker Headlines: Mountain Snow, Artist Point Closed, Our DEI Work, Listening Sessions

Oct 14, 2021

Trip reports are showing winter conditions from a light dusting of snow in the trees, to trails completely covered in snow. The road to Artist Point recently closed for the winter season. We take a moment to reflect on our work toward diversity, equity and inclusion. Make your voice heard in a listening session on the Department of the Interior’s efforts to better understand barriers to outdoor recreation.

What We've Learned in Our Work Toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Oct 12, 2021

In early 2018, we rolled out a diversity, equity and inclusion plan at WTA. Over the last 3 years, we’ve consistently worked toward the goals in that plan. Now, we want to take a moment to reflect on our work and some key lessons we’ve learned.

A Plan for Silver Star's Future

Oct 07, 2021

Silver Star mountain in Southwest Washington is a beloved destination facing access issues. The Silver Star Coalition is looking to help with that.

Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Permits, Park Responsibly, Safe Streets, Prescribed Burn

Oct 07, 2021

Sno-park fees will increase this winter. If you’re heading out to find some fall foliage, remember to park responsibly at trailheads. Learn more about plans to improve active transportation across the state and provide your own feedback. And a prescribed burn is scheduled near Mount Adams today and tomorrow.

Breaking Ground on Independence Pass

Oct 05, 2021

For just over a decade, sections of the Independence Pass trail have been lost to treacherous washouts that prevent hikers from travelling its full length. Now, WTA and partners are working to bring it back.

This Summer Was WILD

Oct 04, 2021

InterImCDA’s WILD program, Wild Society and Wild Grief all took teens backpacking this summer (with gear from WTA's gear library). We ask them to reflect on the value of time spent in the “wild” for the youth they work with and some unexpected logistical challenges they encountered.

Hiker Headlines: Lookout Tower, Parks Planning, Prescribed Burns, Local Stonehenge

Sep 30, 2021

A new lookout tower is nearing completion on Pinnacle Peak outside of Enumclaw. Take a survey to help Seattle Parks and Recreation plan for the future. State parks is holding a meeting to share proposed plans for the Palouse Falls area. Land managers have announced some upcoming prescribed burns. And a Stonehenge memorial in the Columbia River Gorge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

What Do You Want From Seattle Parks? Let Them Know

Sep 29, 2021

The city of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department wants to hear from you to help them shape their priorities for the coming years.

Miles the Marmot Reports Back on a Record-Breaking Year for Hike-a-Thon

Sep 24, 2021

Our spokesmarmot shares thanks for all the amazing Hike-a-Thoners who did so much for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Day, Burn Bans Lifted, Parks Survey, Mapping Rainier

Sep 23, 2021

Celebrate National Public Lands Day by thanking a ranger. Burn bans have lifted in several areas across the state. King County Parks wants to hear from you as they plan for the future of parks, trails and natural areas. And you may come across signs of a new mapping project at Mount Rainier this week.

Northwest Weekend: Explore the Mountain Loop Highway, from River Valleys to Soaring Peaks

The Mountain Loop, which runs between Arlington and Granite Falls, offers endless options for a weekend of exploring — both on trail and in town. | By Anna Roth

New Book Shares Stories of Northwest Women Who Helped Shape Our History

Sep 20, 2021

Joan Burton's new book, “Footprints in Snow: Seven Brave Women Who Shaped the History of the Northwest Mountains,” shares the story of other iconic women in the history of the outdoors.

Hiker Headlines: Wet Weekend Weather, Latinx Heritage Month, Lands Reopen, National Parks Nominee

Sep 16, 2021

Wet weather is expected this weekend in Western Washington, including snow at higher elevations. Celebrate National Latinx Heritage Month this September. Wildfire closures are lifting in parts of the state. The first Native American has been nominated to head the National Park Service.

How WTA Works for Trails and for You

By building connections, looking for creative solutions and mobilizing hikers, we’re helping to create a strong future for trails. | By Jessi Loerch

Hiking Doesn't Have to be Hard: Be Easy on Yourself and Each Other

Sep 09, 2021

Hiking is always worthwhile but it’s not always easy and it’s not always pleasant. Acknowledging the whole spectrum of experiences will make for a more welcoming hiking culture, and being easy on yourself and others can add a little sunshine to a rainy day.

Hiker Headlines: Shorter Days, Trip Report Milestone, Highway 542 Weekend Closure, After Fire

Sep 09, 2021

Daylight hours are growing shorter as we transition into fall, emphasizing the importance of hike planning and packing a flashlight. We are celebrating the milestone of 200,000 trip reports. A portion of the Mount Baker Highway will be closed Sunday morning for a group bicycle ride. Wildfire closures are still in place across Washington, and the Forest Service gives some insight into the process of safely reopening an area after it burns.

Washington Hiking: As Close to Perfect as It Gets

By Craig Romano

Exploring the State Through Volunteering

Sep 08, 2021

Our varied, far-reaching volunteer opportunities have the added benefit of giving volunteers a fun opportunity to see and explore new parts of Washington.

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