Meet the Trail Community

There are many different trail users across Washington state, and to honor our 50th Anniversary in 2016, we began spotlighting them. Hear what trails means to them, and the future of their on-trail pursuits. Learn about how to join WTA, and support a community that protects the trails we love.

Meet the Trail Community: Wildland Firefighter

Dec 18, 2017

As a helitack manager, Chris O'Brien spends much of his time managing fire and looking at trails from the air. But when he can, he heads out to volunteer, or simply take a short walk on trails near his winter home in Olympia.

Meet the Trail Community: Mountain Biker

Dec 01, 2017

Mountain biker Melissa MacKelvie wants everyone to find their connection to nature. It's empowering, and builds the community of people who care deeply about trails.

Meet the Trail Community: First Generation Hiker

Sep 21, 2017

Meet a woman who is the first in her family to go hiking, and learn what inspired her to start.

Meet the Trail Community: Birder

Jan 09, 2017

Learn how one birder went from novice to manager of a monthly bird count in a now-lush Seattle park.

Meet the Trail Community: Gear Designer

Dec 28, 2016

Gear designers help you get out with the best equipment. Meet a product developer with Atlas Snowshoes whose connection to trails runs deep.

Meet the Trail Community: Volunteer

Oct 31, 2016

Three years ago, Bev Stoll joined her first work party at Mount Walker. Now, with 95 days of volunteer trail work under her boots, we ask her what she thinks is the future of volunteers on trails.

Meet the Trail Community: Bow Hunter

Oct 20, 2016

Gregg Bafundo hunts and forages on trails near his home in Tonasket. Read how he uses trails to participate more fully in the natural world.

Meet the Trail Community: Girl Scouts

Oct 10, 2016

The Girl Scouts empower young women to become people of courage, confidence and character. Anishka Kanjilal and Elena Boyle are two such girls, learning about the importance of nature, trails, and our place in the world.

Meet the Trail Community: Environmental Educator

Oct 05, 2016

Khavin Debbs has loved being in nature since he was a boy. Now, as an educator with Seattle-based outdoor preschool Tiny Trees, he's helping spark that love in the next generation.

Meet the Trail Community: Equestrian

Sep 14, 2016

Horses have provided Kathy Young, president of Back Country Horsemen of Washington, the opportunity to immerse herself in nature all her life. Hear what spurred her connection to trails.

Meet the Trail Community: Politician

Sep 13, 2016

As the Policy Advisor for Outdoor Recreation and Economic Development, Jon Snyder is tasked with evaluating the role Washington’s outdoor recreation industry plays in bolstering the state’s economy as a whole.

Meet the Trail Community: Outdoor Technologist

Sep 02, 2016

What role does outdoor technology have in protecting trails or building community? Ryan Branciforte of Trailhead Labs talks about the future of trails, maps, apps and tech.