10 easy ways to care for trails (and the outdoors)

Trails offer us life-changing experiences in nature. They provide a way to move, find mental relaxation and connect to loved ones — and to ourselves. We have a responsibility to care for outdoor spaces and each other. When we do that, we help build a bright future for Washington’s outdoors. 

Photo by Itamara Ceuta. 

Trails give us so much — here are 10 easy ways to give back:

1. Bring a bag (and gloves) to pick up litter. Pack extra dog poop bags for your fellow hikers who forgot theirs.
   
2. Download WTA’s Trailblazer app to file trip reports. Knowing conditions helps other hikers and the folks who manage the trail. 
   
3. Join WTA in Olympia for Hiker Rally Day on March 18. WTA’s lobby day only comes around every 2 years, and this year we are protecting hard-won funding for trails. 
   
4. Sign up for WTA’s Trail Action Network. We’ll send you action alerts once or twice a month so you can help trails from the comfort of your own phone (or computer).
   
5. Stay on trail to protect trails and landscapes for fellow hikers. Take our pledge to keep to the trail and share it with others.
6. Take someone new for a hike and share your trail etiquette and know-how with them. 
   
7. Take transit to your next hike — it can be a fun and relaxing experience. Plus, it supports a healthy climate and cleaner air and water.  
   
8. Be welcoming to others you see on trail. Trails have the best possible future when more people have a good time on trail and see the value in getting outside. 
   
9. Get a new perspective on the nature in your neighborhood and hike a local trail.
   
10. Support trails from your backyard to the backcountry with a donation. WTA is a member-powered nonprofit.