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

How professional WTA trail crews kept trails on the map in 2024

Sep 11, 2024

Our paid trail crews specialize in working on hard-to-reach backcountry trails. Here’s what they accomplished in 2024. By Joseph Gonzalez

Angry Mountain: One trail's role in a sustainable system

Trails need routine maintenance and trail systems need innovative, intentional updates to accommodate the changing needs of Washington's hikers. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is taking proactive steps to make that happen | By Joseph Gonzalez and Anna Roth

Intentional spaces

WTA’s Emerging Leaders find professional connections in the outdoor community. By Angelic Friday

Elevated cuisine

Recipes inspired by WTA’s Lost Trails Found crews in the high country | by Joseph Gonzalez

The magic of Trails Next Door: Why WTA wants to see your photos from local trails

Sep 06, 2024

Trails Next Door is a bonus category for WTA’s 2024 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest. One WTA staffer shares her perspective on the power of urban trails — and why they’re worth your photographic attention.

Hiker Headlines: Big Four Ice Caves, Mount Pilchuck closures; Mount Rainier timed entry reservation system feedback

Sep 05, 2024

Join us at Trails and Ales in Cle Elum on Sept. 12. Be aware of some road and trail closures that might affect your hiking plans. Share your thoughts on the Mount Rainier timed entry reservation pilot season. And prepare for both hot weather and bugs this weekend!

Back to School with WTA: A Guide for Busy Educators Planning Outdoor Adventures

Want to create outdoor experiences for youth this year? Get trip planning tips, resources and opportunities for the 2025 to 2026 school year.

Partnerships and Cooperation Expand Impact of WTA's work

Aug 30, 2024

WTA has completed several fantastic projects thanks to partnerships with land managers. Between weekend work parties, land manager trainings in exchange for rent and new trails, we're excited to share some updates with you.

Hiker Headlines: Hwy 20 opens, Stehekin reopens, berries ripening

Aug 29, 2024

It’s Aug. 29. Highway 20 has reopened and as wildfire risk dies down, the Stehekin evacuation orders have been lifted. In trip reports, berries are good for ripe for grazing and someone's spotted potentially the first snow of the season. Hike-a-Thoners are in their final push and watch out for trail runners along the PCT. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Representation and horse power: WTA and Back Country Horsemen of Washington team up for first joint all-women's trip

Aug 29, 2024

Watch a short film about the first all-women's backcountry trail work trip by longtime partners, Back Country Horsemen of Washington and Washington Trails Association.

The joy and responsibility of hiking with wildlife

As the state’s population grows, along with the demand for trails, hikers have a major role to play in caring for these places and enjoying them responsibly | by Melani Baker

King County’s plan for heat underscores importance of urban trails for climate-resilient cities

It’s no coincidence that King County’s Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy was unveiled on a trail. By Linnea Johnson

Mount Rainier wants to know: How did timed entry impact your visit?

Aug 27, 2024

Mount Rainier National Park is wrapping up a pilot summer season of their timed entry reservation system for the popular Paradise and Sunrise corridors of the park. Park leadership wants your feedback on how the reservation system impacted your visit or plans to visit.

Hiker Headlines: Duckabush area fire closures, Johnston Ridge Observatory estimated to open 2027

Aug 22, 2024

There are plenty of closures on the Olympic Peninsula, both due to fires and construction, as well as a closure of Skate Creek Road near Longmire. Access to the Johnston Ridge Observatory is estimated to reopen in 2027, depending on how repairs go. And Lake Wenatchee State Park has a new beach-accessible wheelchair for visitors to use.

Northwest Exposure: more than a photo contest

Photos aren't just happy memories — they're a way of helping trails across the state. By Erika Haugen-Goodman

Hiker Headlines: Mount Rainier fire ban, thunderous forecast, share your take on forest roads

Aug 15, 2024

We’re halfway through Hike-a-Thon — there’s still time to join in on the fun! Wildfire season continues across the Pacific Northwest. Thunder is in the forecast this weekend. Lake Sammamish State Park is piloting a program that offers the public use of a multi-terrain accessibility chair. And WTA wants to hear how forest road conditions have affected your hikes.

Five steps to take your hiking to the next level

New to hiking? Seasoned walker? Wherever you are in your hiking journey, take these five easy steps to develop your hiking toolkit. By Joseph Gonzalez

Hike-a-Thon vibe check: How’s everyone doing so far?

Aug 13, 2024

It’s mid-August, which means one thing: Hike-a-Thon is in full swing! The best place to be on the internet right now is the Hike-a-Thon Facebook group, where dedicated participants are sharing their adventures and cheering each other on as they raise money for trails. Here's some of the fun folks are sharing online. (And it's not too late to register — join us anytime before Aug. 30!)

The big picture on wide-angle photography

Tips and tricks on how to wield a wide-angle lens to capture your hiking adventures. By Doug Diekema

My life through lenses: A Northwest Exposure judge on her journey as a photographer

Aug 09, 2024

Victoria Obermeyer, WTA's multimedia content coordinator reflects on her career and passion for photography.

Hiker Headlines: Perseid meteor shower peaks, Mount Adams and Pasayten area fire closures

Aug 08, 2024

The Perseid meteor shower peaks this weekend! Wildfire growth across the state and construction projects are impacting trails. Hunting season is here. Washington State Parks is updating its campsite fees next year. And do your part to help secure $150 million in trail funding! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The five most commonly asked questions received by ambassadors

Aug 07, 2024

WTA outreach volunteers support WTA and hikers by conducting outreach at events and trailheads all over the state. They connect directly with the public about hiking and get asked a lot of questions. Here are the top five questions they recieve: By Nicole Masih-Theberge

How to reduce your waste on trail

Check out these tips and tricks for lessening your environmental impact when planning for your next trip. By Marissa Wall

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon begins, free day, new Trailhead Direct stop, Washington cities rank high in hikers

Aug 01, 2024

Hike-a-Thon starts today! This Sunday is Great American Outdoors Day, which celebrates the Great American Outdoors Act, and parking fees will be waived on some federal lands. Be aware of a new campfire ban — as well as some incoming smoke — and a couple of upcoming road closures. Some fun news though: Trailhead Direct has added a new stop and a couple of Washington cities ranked high in adult hikers compared to metropolitan areas across the country.

Great American Outdoors Act improves popular trails (roads, bathrooms and more)

Aug 01, 2024

For four years, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) — a federal bill that became law on August 4, 2020 — has been funding major improvements to some of our state’s most popular trails. But it's about to expire.

Mount St. Helens Jamboree: 3 days of heat, trail work and fun

Jul 31, 2024

3 days, 23 people, 7 miles of trail cleared at Washington's most active volcano.

Share a story: Forest bathing at Heather Meadows

Jul 29, 2024

Enjoy a snapshot from the WTA trip reporter and Instagram community, brought to you by volunteer, trip reporter and photographer Derek Posey.

Hiker Headlines: Fire closures across the state, WTA is hiring and more

Jul 25, 2024

WTA is hiring for a donor relations officer! Be aware that there are many road and trail closures statewide to keep on your radar. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Hiker Headlines: Heat wave, new fires near North Cascades Hwy, Cascade Crest 100, bugs & beauty

Jul 18, 2024

A heat wave and poor air quality hit central and eastern Washington. A new wildfire near Rainy Pass temporarily closed a section of the North Cascades Hwy. It's reopened, but unplanned pass closures are possible due to wildfire activity. New fire flares up in the SE corner of the state. The Cascade Crest 100 is this weekend. It's buggy and beautiful out there, say trip reporters.

250,000 trip reports! A quarter million acts of kindness for the common good

Jul 17, 2024

How one tiny, generous habit has had a big impact for public lands and the trail community in Washington.