How You Give Back to Trails (and Why We Love You For It)

You are amazing. You gave back to trails in so many incredible ways this year.

Thank you for all that you helped us accomplish this year, and for fighting for a future where our trails and outdoor adventures will always matter.

• If you filed a trip report, you did way more than hike this year. And you're in good company. All together, 2,800 hikers filed more than 7,300 trip reports just this year -- more than ever before.

• If you volunteered on trail, you helped build or improve 190 trails across the state -- with help from tons of hard-working volunteers, including 850 kids and teens. See the trails we worked on.
• If you spoke out for trails, then you helped us fight (and win!) for trail funding, road access to trailheads and sustainable trail systems.

• If you supported WTA as a member, participated in Hike-a-Thon, or gave a donation, then you did all of the above ... and so much more.
• If you took your first steps on Washington trails, introduced someone new to hiking or to our work here at WTA, thank you.

Why (our amazing) volunteers give back to trails

From their first work parties to their fiftieth, see why volunteers keep turning out to protect Washington's trails, year-after-year.

A special shout out to Trip Reporters

When you filed a trip report this year, you did more than just keep each other safe and informed. You contributed to a community of people who know, first-hand, how precious and important our trails are.

Below are just a few examples of trip reporters giving back to Washington's hiking community:

• Bob & Barb continue to inspire us by seeking out insane mushrooms, waterfalls and wonder all over the state. This couple in their 70's have filed an astounding 134 trip reports so far this year (and 490 total).
• The intrepid Joe Hendricks has shared his hikes in 57 trip reports so far this year, many of which contain super-useful video tours.
• MmeMazama and her boyfriend have been training for Kilimanjaro this year, and filing the trip reports to prove it. Good luck in February!
• Newcomers mbravenboer impressed us with their thorough reports, stunning photos and stand-out ambassadorship for dogs on trail.
  
• Daniel Y and newcomer Eastside Anne have joined Holly Weiler in shedding some light on Eastern trail conditions, from around Tri-Cities to the Kettle Crest.
  
• Sir-Hikes-a-Lot continues to string together some epic backpacking trips.
  
• The Surviving Urban team motivates Western city-dwellers to just get out there.
  
• MikeOnAHike shares the nuts, bolts and diaper blowouts of backpacking with his 8-month-old daughter around the Wonderland Trail.
  
• Not only does mytho-man share the latest and greatest intel from Central Washington, he is also a regional correspondent for Washington Trails magazine.

Thank you!

Your passion for Washington's wild places is why no other state in the country has a community like ours. In this season of gratitude, please accept the thanks of the whole crew here at WTA. Thank you for your support, for giving back, and for helping us improve wta.org.