Success Stories

Learn about how WTA is creating a powerful community of hikers who know how to care for and advocate for our state's amazing trails. Check out some of our recent success stories.

New Bill Is Great News for Federal Wildfire Funding and Trails

Mar 23, 2018

Hikers and trail advocates scored several big victories with the passage of a federal budget bill in Congress.

Fairhaven Forest Saved for Future

Mar 16, 2018

With the help of WTA volunteers, Recreation Northwest and Bellingham Parks and Recreation, the lush utopia of cedar, willow, fir and cottonwood trees known as the Fairhaven Forest is a little bit more accessible.

Trail Maintenance Help Coming to the Methow

Feb 26, 2018

The Methow Valley Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest selected by USDA as one of 15 priority areas to help address the $314 million trail maintenance backlog on forests.

Youth Volunteers Restore Years of Neglect on Ingalls Creek Trail

Feb 23, 2018

This past summer, a group of 10 dedicated teens spent sixteen days camped beside Ingalls Creek, improving one of the key access routes to the Stuart Range and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Where are They Now? Simon van Tulder, Youth Ambassador

Feb 15, 2018

Learn how a past Youth Ambassador is using his leadership development to further his passion for engineering.

A Year of Joy in WTA Trip Reports

Dec 31, 2017

Trip reports bring us joy all year long. Here are some of our favorites from 2017.

How a Teacher Is Opening Up a Whole New World for Seattle Teens

Dec 27, 2017

We sit down with Center School teacher Alex Scilletta to find out how a simple snowshoe adventure can make a difference in the lives of students.

New Trail Opens on Heybrook Ridge

Dec 21, 2017

In 2017, a total of 230 volunteers spent 21 days working at Heybrook Ridge County Park near Index. All of that work has paid off. On Oct. 21, volunteers and representatives from Friends of Heybrook Ridge, Snohomish County and WTA gathered at the trailhead to celebrate the project’s completion.

Lost Trails Found: Regaining Access to the North Fork Sullivan

Dec 13, 2017

Strong partnerships and a lot of hard work in the field makes for big improvements in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.

Sharing Joy in the Outdoors

Nov 29, 2017

At Pinnacle Explorations, the goal is simple: to help kids have a good time outside. With the help of WTA's Gear Library, Pinnacle is able to offer hands-on, outdoor workshops at an accessible cost for youth and families.

Good News for Hikers Near Spokane

Nov 03, 2017

Thanks to funding from REI, WTA tackled more Spokane-area trails in 2017. Working closely with Spokane County Parks, Washington State Parks and the Bureau of Land Management, WTA identified several Spokane-area trails for high-priority trail work this year.

Lake Serene Trail Goal Met, Land Won't Be Logged

Oct 31, 2017

With your help, our partners at Forterra have reached their goal of raising $275,000 in order to purchase the land surrounding the Lake Serene Trail and protect it from being logged.

OLT Program Provides New Skills for International Students

Sep 18, 2017

Every August, WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program treks down to Green River College in Auburn for a workshop that gives WTA the chance to work with international students and gives those students the skills they need to lead outdoor trips. Our team is joined by six students from the International Student Ambassador (ISA) program, along with Green River staff.

Two WTA Grants Help Support Trailwork in the Southwest and Olympics

Sep 12, 2017

The National Forest Foundation and the National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance support WTA's work in parts of the state where trails need the most love.

WTA's Gear Library Grows to Meet Increasing Demand for Outdoor Experiences

Sep 08, 2017

We are excited to share that our gear library now has a new home in a larger space, which will better accommodate the growing community of program partners and the ever-increasing amount of items available to borrow.

Hikers Turn Out for Trail Funding on Washington Trails Day

Aug 10, 2017

Last weekend, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for trails and trail funding.

Ready to Explore

Jul 25, 2017

WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training program provides resources to youth groups looking to expand their horizons in the outdoors. From planning and facilitating to outfitting these outdoor adventures, WTA resources for youth groups can be critical in breaking down barriers to getting outside.

A Transformative Experience

Jul 19, 2017

Every spring, a group of eighth grade students from Licton Springs K-8 School in Seattle embark on a week-long backpacking trip in one of Washington’s iconic locations. This June, the students headed out on a six night trip along Ross Lake in the North Cascades. To help make that trip possible, the students borrowed tents, packs, shoes and sleeping bags from WTA’s gear library.

Recovering From the Ashes: Fixing Trails After a Wildfire

Jul 06, 2017

WTA volunteers repair trails damaged by fires around Mount Adams, Holden Village and along the Entiat River.

With WTA Support, Community Partners Get Youth Outside

Jun 23, 2017

This spring, our youth program worked with more than 15 organizations to bring hundreds of kids, tweens and teens out for at least one day of service. Over the past few months, WTA has been honored to partner with such a diverse range of schools and youth groups across the state.

Youth Ambassador Program Reaches New Heights

Jun 20, 2017

Over the past nine months, WTA's youth ambassadors have blown us away with their creativity, hard-work and dedication to the hiking community. Whether they hail from Darrington, Olympia, Yakima or Stanwood, our ambassadors have been giving back in more ways than we could have ever imagined.

National Trails Day: Volunteers Show Up in Service of Trails

Jun 09, 2017

All over the state (and country), volunteers devoted June 3 to trails. From Mount Rainier National Park to trails outside Spokane and in the heart of Seattle, we revisit another successful National Trails Day.

Young WILD Leaders Get a Lift from Outdoor Leadership Training

May 12, 2017

Normally, our Outdoor Leadership Training program trains adults who work with youth. But last month, we were joined by a group of exceptional youth leaders who will use their new skills in their community.

10 Years of Youth Engagement

Apr 12, 2017

Thanks to our members and donors, over the past 10 years, WTA’s youth engagement has grown into a comprehensive program serving thousands of students. But that’s not all. It’s also fostering the next generation of environmental advocates.

Spokane-area Hiker Protects Trails She's Loved Since Childhood

Mar 21, 2017

For Spokane-area's Holly Weiler, getting to lead work on trails she's loved since childhood has special meaning. That the project came in ahead of schedule and under budget is just a bonus.

Gear Library Helps Young Women Discover the Outdoors

Mar 16, 2017

Every time they go exploring, Young Women Empowered makes use of WTA's gear library to stay safe and comfortable. On a recent trip, many of their youth and mentors were able to experience the North Cascades for the first time.

With WTA's Help, Youth Ambassadors Share Their Love for Trails

Mar 04, 2017

Through WTA's Youth Ambassador Program, young people who love to hike and volunteer gain valuable skills and share their love for trails

Record Numbers Show Up to Speak for Trails in Olympia

Feb 16, 2017

More than 120 hikers from across the state joined WTA for Hiker Rally Day in Olympia yesterday to voice their support for funding for trails and recreation lands and programs to get youth outside.

Youth Ambassador Spotlight: Julianna Hoza

Feb 03, 2017

Learn how this Youth Ambassador has been making big waves in her local hiking community.

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.