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: Spruce Railroad Trail, Winter Recreation, Christmas Tree Permits, Land Transfers

Dec 03, 2020

It’s December 3. The Spruce Railroad Trail has reopened. A permit is required to park at the many Sno-Parks around the state. We explain the rules and regulations around Christmas tree permits. The Department of Natural Resources announced two land transfers. And, Baker Lake Dam Road will be closed for two full days. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Mica Peak Traverse: Completing A New Trail Near Spokane

Nov 25, 2020

This fall, WTA volunteers and partners celebrated another win for trails in the Spokane-area, this time in the form of a trail connecting two of the region’s largest swaths of public land. The California Creek Trail, completed in mid-October, now officially connects Liberty Lake Regional Park and Mica Peak Conservation Area.

Hiker Headlines: Thankful for the Outdoors, Funding for Projects, Virtual Events

Nov 25, 2020

It’s November 25. Consider 6 outdoor activities to celebrate the season in addition to #OptOutside, which is this Friday. The Forest Service is accepting public comment on which projects should be funded. In-person events put on by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will go virtual this winter. And, a turkey visits a national park. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Hiker Headlines: Highway Closures, Avalanche Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning

Nov 19, 2020

It’s November 19. Three mountain passes are now closed for the season. The Northwest Avalanche Center updated their website. A new report shows the size of the outdoor recreation economy in Washington State. DNR is hiring wildland firefighters for the 2021 season. And, you can submit your comments to help with planning for the Wanapum Recreation Area in Central Washington. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Grateful for the Wins: Some Good in a Tough Year

Nov 18, 2020

A moment of gratitude to our community for continuing to make so much possible. Together, helped hikers get outside, helped keep each other safe and even advanced some critical work for our mission.

How to Stay Healthy for a Lifetime on Trail

By Craig Romano

Hiking Toward Healing

Time on trail is helping me recover from years of trauma | By Pam McPeek

Trails for Everyone

How WTA is working to clear paths to nature and welcome everyone | By Allie Tripp and Jaime Loucky

Youth Ambassadors: Then and Now

Conservation & Social Justice: "We're All Traveling on the Same Trail"

Luis Villa, Executive Director of Latino Outdoors, reflects how a hike in Costa Rica sparked a new understanding of the connections between social and environmental movements.

Fuel Your Hike With These Ready-To-Go Meals

Backpacking food has come a long way in recent years. Meals today are creative and delicious. We took prepared meals out on trail this fall to give them a try. Here are some of our favorites.

Hiker Headlines: Snow and Avalanche Safety, Outdoor Access for Veterans, Park Survey, Muddy Trails

Nov 12, 2020

It’s November 12. Trip reporters are sharing details about winter conditions on trail. A discounted avalanche safety course will be offered this winter for folks who self-identify as BIPOC. Two big wins for veterans were announced this week: free access to National Parks, and a bill to expand outdoor therapy as a treatment for PTSD. Clark County Parks wants your input for future planning. And, a reminder that Spokane County Parks trails are closed when muddy. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

8 Favorite Outdoor-Themed Games

Nov 12, 2020

These staff recommended games are the perfect accompaniment to your shoulder-season adventures — or a fun way to stay busy while you wait out the highcountry snow. Not to mention, they'd also be great holiday gifts for the nature lovers in you life! (Feeling extra? Pair it with a gift donation to WTA or other great outdoor nonprofit.)

Hiker Headlines: Free Days, Grand Openings for Trails, Plans for Forests and Parks

Nov 05, 2020

It’s November 5. The final free days for State Parks are coming up in November. Two ribbon cutting ceremonies, one on the Olympic Peninsula and one in Spokane Valley, mark major accomplishments for trail access. Washington DNR released their 2020 Forest Action Plan. And, you can provide your input for recreation planning in the Blue Mountains. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

You Voted for Trails: Here's What's Next

Nov 04, 2020

The results of 2020 elections continue to be reported across the country. This year, many voters have submitted their ballots by mail. As a result, the counting of those ballots will occur over the next few days and weeks.

Meet Our Favorite Hiking Cat Trip Reporters

Oct 29, 2020

Move over hiking dogs — it's time for cats to take the spotlight (at least for #NationalCatDay).

Hiker Headlines: Sno-Parks, New Public Land, Twisp Area Restoration

Oct 29, 2020

Starting this Sunday, hikers can prep for winter adventures by purchasing a Sno-Park permit. The Every Kid Outdoors pass is receiving an extension. New public land is coming to the Little Spokane River. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest released plans for a Twisp River drainage restoration project. And, a new community forest in Kittitas County wants to hear from you.

Hiker Headlines: Hiker Survey, Rainier Roads Close, Forest Jobs, New Plan for Gorge, Bat Week

Oct 22, 2020

Tell us about your hiking season by taking a short survey. Roads close at Mount Rainier National Park due to winter conditions. The forest service is hiring. A new plan for the Columbia River Gorge looks toward the future. And, it’s Bat Week! Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Found in Recent Trip Reports: Hikers Helping Hikers

Oct 21, 2020

If you keep up with trip reports, you're bound to hear plenty of inspiring stories. Hikers hitting the trail for the first time, hikers reaching a new personal milestone, hikers experiencing awe, or one our favorites — hikers helping other hikers.

Hiker Headlines: Snow in the Mountains, Photo Contest, Winter Camping, Hunting Season

Oct 15, 2020

Snow is falling, temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter — the late fall hiking season is here. Submit your photos to our annual photo contest. Sno Park permits will go on sale November 1 and Washington State Parks just released the list of campgrounds that will remain open through the winter. Fall is also peak hunting season.

Trail Planning Takes Time: Scouting Trails in the Teanaway Community Forest

Oct 13, 2020

WTA is helping bring the Teanaway Community Forest trail plan to life, scouting an existing web of unofficial trails for the ones that will be able to sustain hikers, bikers and riders for years to come.

Science Says Building the Outdoors for Kids is Better for Everyone

Oct 12, 2020

Research has confirmed that nature is good for kids. That's why WTA has been working to create a future that ensures kids have more access to nature.

Tribes and Treaty Rights: An Acknowledgment of Indigenous Lands

Oct 12, 2020

We respectfully acknowledge the lands we are visiting are the homelands of Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, some of whom have reserved rights on these lands. Please tread gently and treat these places with respect.

Hiking Makes You Happy. These Photos Are Proof

Oct 08, 2020

Hiking is scientifically proven to be good for our minds and bodies. Plus, it makes for some great photos, the kind that can bring a smile to your face months and years later.

Hiker Headlines: Artist Point Closing, Fee Free Day, Lahar Monitoring, Tonasket District, Aggressive Owls

Oct 08, 2020

It’s October 8th. State Parks are free this Saturday. Mount Rainier National Park wants your thoughts on changes to volcanic monitoring. The Tonasket Ranger District is now administered by the Colville National Forest. The good kind of forest fires, prescribed burns, are scheduled for the fall. And unseasonably frequent owl attacks have been reported. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.”

Outdoor Ed: Head Outside for Fun and Learning

Oct 07, 2020

What a year. We're planted in front of glowing screens more than ever before, and parents have it especially rough, what with juggling jobs, childcare and trying to manage schooling at home. If you find yourself called upon to be a teacher as well as a parent these days, let WTA help you out.

Tacos for the Trail

Oct 02, 2020

In celebration of National Taco Day, we bring you some the WTA staff's favorite riffs on trail tacos.

Hiker Headlines: More Camping, Snow Falling, Plan a Park, Waterfall Reservations

Oct 01, 2020

It's October! State parks are extending the reservation and camping season at some parks. Snow is starting to fall in the mountains. elp plan the Miller Peninsula State Park near Sequim. And if you want to visit Multnomah Falls, you'll want to plan ahead. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Caring for Each Other on Trail

The skills we teach our crew leaders and volunteers can help cultivate a more welcoming trail community — whether on a work party or just out on your own. By Janée Romesberg

Finding a Little Bit of Balance in the Outdoors

Sep 28, 2020

For long-time WTA member Archana Bhat and her family, there’s no such thing as an uneventful backpacking trip.