Celebrate 50 Years with WTA

In 2016, Washington Trails Association is celebrating 50 years of protecting trails.

From our humble beginnings as a little newsletter to our current role as a leading voice for trails, our goal to empower hikers continues to drive our work of protecting and promoting trails in Washington state. This year, as we acknowledge the founders, members and volunteers who inspired and led us to this point, we will turn our sights to the future of trails.

As the state's leading hiking resource and the nation's largest volunteer trail maintenance community, WTA serves more than 4 million hikers each year through our bimonthly magazine, online resources, social communities and collaborative partnerships. Through our grassroots advocacy, WTA focuses on trail issues, including funding, access and wilderness protection, while our innovative youth and families programs educate and empower families, teachers and youth groups to discover the outdoors.

In a time when more people are looking to get outside, WTA will continue to find new and innovative ways to encourage safe and sustainable hiking and trail systems, while working to improve access to hiking opportunities for all Washingtonians.

As we continue to explore new ways to empower, inspire and engage the hikers of today and tomorrow, we invite you join us.

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Thank You To Our Generous Sponsors

Jan 01, 2016

Learn more about the local companies and outdoor retailers that are helping us celebrate and launch the next 50 years of protecting trails.

New Look to Celebrate WTA's 50th Anniversary

Jan 15, 2016

Washington Trails Association is celebrating 50 years of protecting trails. To mark our golden anniversary, we’re unveiling a new logo.

50 Years of Giving a Voice to Trails

Feb 04, 2016

Together, by using our boots and voices and working together, we can have an incredible impact on Washington’s trails in the next 50 years.

Then and Now: A Look Back at WTA's History

Feb 04, 2016

It's our golden anniversary, celebrating 50 years of WTA. Throughout the year, we'll look back in time to our humble beginnings.

Celebrate 50 Years with This Commemorative Patch

Feb 18, 2016

In 2016, Washington Trails Association is celebrating 50 years of protecting trails. It's a special milestone, which is why we've created a limited-run commemorative patch for members who join or renew at the $50+ level.

Learning to Get Along

Mar 01, 2016

Before the internet, websites, blogs and social media, hikers and land managers lacked opportunities to communicate and stay connected.

Then and Now: The First Online Trip Report

Mar 04, 2016

Hear about the humble beginnings of wta.org and the first trip report filed online.

Then and Now: An Analog DIY for the Digital Age

Mar 17, 2016

Before backpacks had storage for cellphones and cameras, hikers had to create their own means of carrying personal items. Learn how to make your own DIY shoulder strap pouch.

Then and Now: Maps and Shifting Borders

Mar 31, 2016

Despite remaining fairly static, park borders and trails do sometimes change, impacting the effectiveness of your maps.

Then and Now: Variable Winters

Apr 14, 2016

Mountain snowpack changes how hikers access higher elevation trails. With a return to normal snow amounts in 2016, it may be a bit longer before hikers can enjoy certain areas.

Then and Now: Trailhead Transportation

Apr 28, 2016

Ways of reaching the trailhead have transformed over the last 50 years. See how getting to Washington's wild spaces has never been easier.

Then and Now: Gear

May 12, 2016

A lot has changed in fabrics and materials since the 1960's. See how hiking gear has developed over the last 50 years.

Reflecting on 50: Milestones and Moments Ahead

May 16, 2016

A conversation with three board members who are sharing their birthdays with Washington Trails Association.

Then and Now: Volunteering

May 26, 2016

Joining a work party has never been easier, and volunteers are needed more than ever to keep hiking experiences possible.

Cheers to the Next 50 Years of Trails!

Jul 12, 2016

Beer fans, rejoice, Washington Trails Tangerine Pale Ale will continue being brewed for the forseeable future. It is now available in beverage retailers across the state!

Then and Now: Hike-a-Thon Over the Years

Jul 21, 2016

In 2004, just 18 super-star hikers logged 700 miles and raised more than $5,300 for trails. Last year, 289 participants hiked 11,178 miles and raised more than $121,000 for WTA's programs!

Then and Now: Kloshe Nanitch Lookout

Aug 04, 2016

Hikers love fire lookouts, but these structures require both maintenance and care to be preserved for the future.

Then and Now: Trail Food

Aug 19, 2016

Backpacking meals have evolved considerably from the early days of canned meats and heavy ingredients. See how they've changed in the last 50 years.

Then and Now: Washington's Receding Glaciers

Sep 14, 2016

Washington's glaciers were first explored and studied over 100 years ago. How many of them will be around in another century?

Hikers Gather to Celebrate Trails

Sep 26, 2016

Thanks to the nearly 600 people who gathered at Snoqualmie Point Park for our 50th Anniversary Celebration!

Then and Now: Hike Planning

Sep 30, 2016

Planning and preparing for a hike was a little different 50 years ago. See how things have changed since the internet has taken over.

Then and Now: Photography

Oct 26, 2016

Changes in photography technology have made taking pictures on trail easier than ever. See the differences between today and 50 years ago.

Then and Now: WTA's Youth Program

Nov 23, 2016

From equipping teachers with the knowledge and gear to take their students outdoors to inspiring the next generation of trail stewards, WTA's youth program is working to get young hikers on trails and connected with their communities.

Then and Now: WTA Looks Forward

Jan 03, 2017

As we close the book on our 50th anniversary, we look back into WTA's past, and also to the future and what we hope to achieve in the coming years.