Readers' Choice 2012: Trails, Gear, Gifts

The year-end issue of Washington Trails is just around the corner, and this one's a doozy! We're wrapping up 2012 with a recap of some of this year's big trail projects, a look at the planned cleanup efforts of North Cascades' Monte Cristo Mine, a spotlight on gear companies right here in the Northwest and our year-end gear gift guide.

To top all that off, we're also presenting the results of our readers' choice survey in a 24-page mega-feature that will knock your Thorlos off! You won't want to miss this one. Here's some highlights:

Readers' choice: best hiking destinations and trails

This past summer, we surveyed the Washington Trails audience to find out what they considered to be the best hiking destinations and trails throughout the state—everything from national park hikes to berry-picking trails.

You name, we got it. Wildflowers, waterfalls, wildlife, coast trails and more throughout the Olympics, Cascades and beyond. One particular hiking destination was the runaway favorite, nabbing top spots in four categories!

We also found out about your hiking faves not just in mileage and scenery, but where you're going for post-hike chow and what you're reading to get inspired. You can see it all in Washington Trails' 2012 readers' choice issue.

Trail maintenance spotlight

In 2012, WTA worked on 170 trails throughout the state—from Beacon Rock and Coyote Wall in the Columbia Gorge to the Duckabush and Humptulips on the Olympic Peninsula; from Mount Rainier's Wonderland to the Colville's Sullivan Lake; and just about everywhere you can imagine along the I-90 corridor.

In this issue, check out some spotlights on a few featured trail projects, and the amazing volunteers who spend their time maintaining the trails for all to enjoy.

Northwest gear: a guide to go local

There are gads of outdoor gear companies based right here in the Northwest. Some you're probably familiar with, many more will probably surprise you. From retailers, to footwear and apparel brands, to multi-use gear providers, you could outfit your entire hiking ensemble with just "local" items. Many of them are even manufactured right here in the Northwest.

We spotlight nine local companies that not only produce outdoor equipment, but are also engaged in outdoor stewardship, community programs and local sponsorship.

Smart shopping: holiday gift guide

The holiday season approaches ... along with packed parking lots and long checkout lines. Washington Trails has you covered with this year's holiday gear gift guide.

We've selected nearly 50 hot new gear items that will please any hiker on your shopping list—from footwear, apparel and electronic items to tents, packs, accessories and all the essentials. We've got ideas for everyone, including the hiking kids and pups on your list.

The easy part: all of these items will be on wta.org with direct links to purchase through your favorite retailers. And, every purchase made will support WTA's work with a percentage going directly back to trails.