Moments with Miles, the Hike-a-Thon spokesmarmot

Every August, trail lovers across the state can celebrate their love of being outdoors. Hike-a-Thon, an annual community fundraising event, encourages hikers to hike, share stories of their adventures and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington.

Miles is ready for Hike-a-Thon! Photo by Jenny Stuart.

We caught up with Hike-a-Thon’s official spokesmarmot, Miles, on the trail recently to hear what he’s most excited about for the 2024 event.

Q: How was your winter nap, Miles?

A: *Stretches and smacks lips* Not bad, not bad. Could’ve used another few weeks, but I was just so excited to get ready for Hike-a-Thon that I couldn’t sleep another minute! 

Q: Whew, sounds like being the spokesmarmot for Hike-a-Thon is a pretty tiring job! What makes you keep coming back year after year?

A: Well, the snacks I eat on trail during Hike-a-Thon are always amazing — and I’m pretty hungry right now … I haven’t eaten in months! In fact, give me a sec, just gotta grab that lichen right there. *chews* Much better! 

Q: OK, so besides the snacks, what makes Hike-a-Thon special? 

A: So many things! I love meeting the amazing people who hit the trail to raise money for WTA. Their hard work means that WTA can continue to provide incredible resources for hikers, build and maintain trails all over the state and advocate for trails and the critical role they play in the community. Oh, and there are PRIZES! I could use some WTA gear to spruce up my burrow and to help me on trail!

Q: What’s your favorite prize?

A: I just love the Hike-a-Thon T-shirts so much! When you’re born with cryptic coloration, you love anything that helps you stand out. Plus, it’s fun to spot other Hike-a-Thoners and know you’re part of a community that’s making sure there will always be trails for everyone, forever.

Q: Wow, it sounds like Hike-a-Thon is pretty darn amazing! Do you need to hike on mountains in Washington or can you hike anywhere?

A: See, that’s the wonderful thing about Hike-a-Thon. You can participate in whatever way works best for you. Sneak in a quick visit to a local park while you run errands or get a few miles at the Grand Canyon on a family vacation. I think the trails in Washington are just the best, but I might be biased.

Q: So, if you can hike anywhere for Hike-a-Thon, does that mean that anyone can join and donate?

A: Sure does! Signing up for Hike-a-Thon is free and easy, so why not do it? If you’re social — like a marmot — then you can even join a team and participate with friends or family. Anyone who donates to Hike-a-Thon will become a WTA member and support an incredible organization that helps people spend time outdoors. I’ve got groundhogs in Georgia and woodchucks in Wisconsin who donate to my Hike-a-Thon page, and they all love getting the WTA magazine! I think they might use it in their dens for bedding when they’re done reading it, but that’s OK — it’s recycling. 

Now if you don’t mind, it’s been great chatting but I REALLY need to go grab some more snacks. I’ve got a lot of eating to do before Hike-a-Thon kicks off on Aug. 1. See you on trail, and don’t forget to sign up for Hike-a-Thon!