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

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Climate Lecture, Trail Plans, New Open Space

Oct 06, 2022

Parking fees will be waived in some areas for World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10. Visit Town Hall on Oct. 18 to listen to the University of Washington College of the Environment’s annual Doug Walker Lecture. Share your thoughts on a new comprehensive plan for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail. An emergency closure has been implemented on a part of Stevens Canyon Road for construction. And, a new recreation area has opened on Vashon Island.

Connecting Classrooms to Nearby Green Spaces

How I worked with WTA to understand more about connections between natural areas in neighborhoods, public health and nearby schools. By Anna Caudill

Honorable Mention: 5 Northwest Exposure Favorites from WTA’s Photo Judges

Oct 03, 2022

We asked our photo contest judges to pick honorable mentions from last year’s contest — and explain what they love about the images.

Learning & Growing: WTA's Innovation Over the Years

Dig into WTA's history of protecting trails.

How to Get to King County Trailheads Without a Car

Sep 27, 2022

Get to parks, trails and green spaces in King County using these public transportation routes.

Having Fun on Trail: Work Party Selfies!

Sep 23, 2022

Trail work can be hard and tiring, but WTA trail crews also know how to have fun. Just check out all the smiles, silliness and selfies from our work parties!

Creating Even Better Hiking for the Port Gamble Forest

Sep 22, 2022

An effort is underway to protect critical areas within the Port Gamble Forest. The area is popular with hikers and many other outdoor enthusiasts. The work is a continuation of earlier work to protect a large section of forest.

Hiker Headlines: Now Hiring, Free Day, Bridge Replacement Project

Sep 22, 2022

WTA is hiring! A big thanks to everyone who joined us for Hike-a-Thon this August! This Saturday is National Public Lands Day; parking fees will be waived in some areas, and some celebration events will be held. A bridge replacement project in the Black Diamond Open Space will cause some closures in the area this October. And, make sure to check wildfire statuses and the air quality index if you're heading out this weekend.

Hike-a-Thon 2022: A Recap with Miles the Marmot

Sep 21, 2022

Miles the Marmot here! I'm sharing the final numbers for WTA's 19th annual Hike-a-Thon. What a great year — all thanks to our hikers! Join us next year for the 20th anniversary of Hike-a-Thon.

Let’s Play: King County Coalition Comes Together to Get Youth Outside

Sep 20, 2022

King County Play Equity Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to making changes that make it easier for young people in all communities to move their bodies outside — and to get all of the benefits that come with play.

Better Gear, Smaller Footprint

How gear companies are using innovation to leave a lighter impact on the world. By Jessi Loerch

Hiker Headlines: Reopenings, Construction Closures and Wildfires Continue

Sep 15, 2022

Snow Lake and Ruby Beach have both reopened after a summer of construction work! A couple of trails in Beacon Rock State Park will be closed next week for an improvement project. And, wildfires continue to burn throughout the state. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Three Cheers for First-Time Trip Reporters! 🙌

Sep 14, 2022

Trip reporters are a big part of what makes the Washington hiking community so special. Here's some of our favorite recent trip reports.

Trip Reporters Celebrate Southwest Washington Trails and Volunteers

Sep 12, 2022

WTA is hard at work improving and building trails in Southwest Washington. Get the latest updates and learn how you can support trails in this region of the state.

Hiker Headlines: Graves Creek Road Work, Wildfire Season Continues

Sep 08, 2022

Graves Creek Road is slated to be repaired next week. Wildfire season continues in earnest and more trails and campgrounds are closed due to nearby flames. And, summer is not over yet!

The Mid-Autumn Festival: Quality Time with Community Under the Full Moon

Sep 07, 2022

The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节) is on September 10 this year! If you’re hoping to find a place to get outside and see the full moon on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, we've got some tips and ideas.

My Journey to an Outdoor Career

How WTA helped me gain the skills to transition from the classroom to the backcountry. By Iman Chatila

A Book Made for Disabled Hikers

Syren Nagakyrie hopes their new hiking guide gives many who have felt excluded the information they need to get outside. By Jessi Loerch

Hiker Headlines: Labor Day Weekend, Closures, New Funding

Sep 01, 2022

The long weekend is almost here! Get some inspiration on where to go, and keep up to date on the latest trail and road closures. And, a new infrastructure bill will award Washington $6.3 million in funding for forest projects.

20 Days on Mineral Creek: Revitalizing a Route to the PCT

Aug 31, 2022

Tucked into a quiet trailhead outside of Salmon La Sac is the Mineral Creek Trail — a steep yet rewarding route straight into the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It was in pretty rough shape — so we sent our Lost Trails Found crews in to give it a glow up.

Don’t Miss the Shot: Tips for Capturing Spontaneous Outdoor Photos

If you — and your camera — are ready, you can capture the spontaneous magic of hiking

How Libraries are Building a Path to the Outdoors

Aug 29, 2022

The King County Library System (KCLS) aims to support the community in their outdoor endeavors by providing hiking- and outdoor-specific resources for many years.

Hiking Then and Now

When it comes to gear, I don’t long for yesteryear | By Craig Romano

Hike the Minecraft Biomes of Washington

If you want to take your Minecraft exploration off-screen, we figured we could help by pairing in-game biomes with some local hikes right here in Washington.

Hiker Headlines: Closures, Hot Weather and Wildfires

Aug 25, 2022

There are multiple closures and road delays in the North Cascades this week. And, with hot weather coming our way, make sure to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Making Strides in Trail Stewardship

Aug 23, 2022

As hiking rises in popularity, we’re constantly looking for innovative solutions to support a growing number of hikers on trail.

Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Closures, Wildfire Info

Aug 18, 2022

WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now accepting entries! Take note of a few trail and road closures over the next several weeks. Be aware of controlled fires in Thurston County starting soon. And, on that note, be sure to check wildfire statuses before heading out on a trip.

WTA's Photo Contest is Now Open

Aug 17, 2022

It's that time of year again! Enter your favorite hiking photos for a chance to win prizes and help tell the story of trails.

WTA's Driving Directions Will Get You There

Aug 15, 2022

When you can tell your phone to navigate you to almost anywhere in the city, it might seem quaint to rely on written driving directions. But head out for a hike and you might find yourself wanting WTA's ground-truthed driving directions.

Multipurpose Gear: Rethink Your Backpacking Basics

Being able to find multiple purposes for single pieces of gear can be a helpful skill to have in the backcountry. And many of the things you already bring on your trips can probably be used for a couple of different things.