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

Reclaiming Joy in Unprecedented Times

Sep 14, 2020

By producing events that truly welcome everyone, Chevon Powell combines her love of nature and event planning to bring people together and create a powerful community.

Hiker Headlines: Wildfires, Burn Bans, Giving Back to Public Lands

Sep 10, 2020

It's Sept. 10. Many outdoor areas are closed due to fires and smoke. We were overjoyed and so grateful for the success of this year's Hike-a-Thon. And there are more chances to give back to trails coming up. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Creating More Open Space in Cities

Sep 03, 2020

Street closures have made it clear that we need room for people to move and enjoy green spaces in urban areas.

9 Tips to Show Lands Some Love on National Public Lands Day

Sep 02, 2020

Trails have seen a lot of love this summer. It's time to return the favor. Be part of the national effort to make trails cleaner from Sept. 19-26.

Four Gear Tips for Family and Group Camping

Aug 31, 2020

Are you headed out this long weekend to enjoy an outdoor adventure with your household or social pod? Here’s a few gear tips from WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program staff to make things a bit easier, and maybe even help to reduce the environmental and social impact of your group’s outing.

Your Daily Dose of Cute Wildlife

Aug 31, 2020

You're welcome.

Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Leading by Example, Hike-a-Thon

Aug 27, 2020

It's Aug. 27. Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now open. We're excited to see how many hikers are leading by example on trail. And our Hike-a-Thon has less than a week to go — there's still time to support WTA and help participants meet their goals.

Photos We Love: WTA Staff Picks From Northwest Exposure Contest

Aug 24, 2020

See some staff favorite photos from recent years — and get inspired to enter your own photos.

Masks, Trash & Parking: 3 Easy Ways to Lead by Example on Every Hike

Aug 22, 2020

Every time you lace up your hiking shoes and head out on trail, it's an opportunity to help keep the outdoors a refuge during tough times. Here are some easy ways to lead by example, keep it positive and create the outdoor community of your dreams.

Q&A: Camping Responsibly Outside Campgrounds During a Pandemic

Aug 21, 2020

How to find a great campsite for some physically distanced camping — while staying safe and protecting the landscape.

Finding Connections — With Nature and Each Other — During a Pandemic

Aug 21, 2020

Although in-person trips aren't possible right now, Wild Grief is finding a way to fulfil their mission.

Hiker Headlines: Baby Wolverines, Closures, Forestland for the Community, Free State Parks Day

Aug 20, 2020

It's Aug. 20. Scientists in Mount Rainier made an exciting discovery recently. Folks in Kittitas County can help shape the future of nearby forestland. An upcoming closure at Olympic National Park may impact your hiking plans. And on Tuesday, you won't need a Discover Pass to explore state parks. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trails this week.

A Trail System at Work

Trail networks — which form endless loop and thru hike possibilities — can help us create the hiking experiences of our dreams | By Rachel Wendling

The Great American Outdoors Act was, Indeed, Great - Now, What’s Next?

Aug 18, 2020

The outdoor recreation world is buzzing after the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) passed and was signed by the president recently. With billions of additional dollars now invested in public lands, we've all been wondering: What’s next? Where might these investments go? And how might the government take on the hefty task of addressing their maintenance backlogs?

Masks On, Hands Off (My Tools): Trail Work in the Time of COVID-19

Aug 13, 2020

COVID messed everything up. But despite the whirlwind of changing safety requirements, WTA has adapted our work parties so our volunteer crews can continue to do the work public land managers rely on to keep trails clear and safe for hikers.

Problem-Solving in a Pandemic: Connecting Youth to the Outdoors in the Time of COVID

Aug 13, 2020

Navigating a pandemic has forced all of us to approach work in a new way. If you can do your job online, tech makes it relatively easy, but in-person work is a puzzle: how do you offer quality connections and complete trail projects when physical distance is the number one way to support public health right now?

Hiker Headlines: Hiking Helps the Economy, Fire Safety, Hunting Season, Meteors

Aug 13, 2020

It's Aug. 13. A new report show how much outdoor recreation boosts the state's economy. We have a few safety reminders for you this week about fire season and hunting season. It's a great week to go look for shooting stars. And a few Seattle parks need new names and you can help. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

New Report Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Stronger Than Ever

Aug 13, 2020

A new report about the outdoor recreation economy in Washington shows just how important hikers' contributions are to making our state thrive. From money added to the overall economy to the 264,000 people employed by recreation, it's clear that we need to continue to advocate for increased investment in the outdoor community.

How Powerful Partnerships Help WTA Build a Better Future for Trails

Aug 13, 2020

WTA has been bringing people together for years. By building connections, finding middle ground and creating shared goals, we are moving toward our vision of trails for everyone, forever. Here are a few recent examples of how, when we come together, we can do more for trails and the hiking community.

My Hair Was Made for Wild Adventure

By Chelsea Murphy

Finding Balance as A Parent

Aug 11, 2020

"My life at home and work are much different than what I’d planned for 2020 — but I’m finding ways to make peace with that."

Hiker Headlines: Input For Trails, Fire Season, GAOA Signed Into Law

Aug 05, 2020

It’s August 6. With the celebration of Washington Trails Day and the Great American Outdoors Act being signed into law, trails have been in the spotlight this week. Land managers across the state are looking for community input on a variety of proposed projects. And it’s the season of fires and road construction, so check conditions and plan ahead to avoid inconvenient delays.

We Need Trails, on Washington Trails Day and Every Day!

Aug 05, 2020

This Washington Trails Day — our state's official holiday for trails — we asked our community why they need trails. Here's what you told us.

Inspiration and Advice for Getting Out on Trail with Kids

Jul 31, 2020

Time on trail with kids can create magical memories that last a lifetime. Here are some tips from members of our community on how to get out with your own kids.

Hiker Headlines: We Want to Hear From You, Trails Rebooted, SOAR Act

Jul 30, 2020

It’s July 30. We’d like to hear your thoughts on a couple things. We’re celebrating some Trails Rebooted wins this year. And we’re excited to see the SOAR act moving ahead in Congress. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Nature on Trail: River Otter and Mountain Bog Gentian

Jul 29, 2020

Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two local species, the river otter and mountain bog gentian, and where you can find them.

Tell Us About It: What Do You Think of the Mountain Loop Highway?

Jul 28, 2020

The Mountain Loop Highway has a ton of recreation options but needs investment to improve visitor experience and environmental help. Tell us what you like about hiking here and help shape the future of this gorgeous place.

Excited to be Back to Work on Trails Rebooted

Jul 27, 2020

WTA staff and volunteers have begun a gradual return to the field under new guidelines for COVID-19. Work parties are small affairs these days, and we still have restrictions on experience required to participate (under normal circumstances we love to welcome new volunteers on our trips!). But we're continuing to work with our agency partners to assess additional projects and an expanded schedule.

Rebooting a Trail for the Future

Jul 24, 2020

Sharpe Park is just one example of how we’re improving trails in popular areas.

Hiker Headlines: Big News for Public Lands, Goats Fly, Borrow a Discover Pass, Cover Your Face

Jul 23, 2020

The Great American Outdoors Act, a critical piece of legislation for public lands, passed Congress this week. Mountain goats are flying via helicopter from the Olympic mountains to their new home in the Cascades. Libraries across the state are reopening and offering Discover Passes for checkout. And, yes, face coverings are still an essential part of your trail attire: keep bringing them and keep wearing them when passing other folks. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.