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.

Grant Helps Improve Trail Experiences in Hood Canal Area

Oct 25, 2018

Before & after: take a look at how trails were transformed thanks to a grant and a lot of hard work from WTA volunteers.

A 15-Year Vision For Trails: Meet The Teanaway Community Forest

Oct 24, 2018

After one and a half years, the final draft of the Teanaway Community Forest is finally here!

You Did It! Lake Serene Is Protected Forever

Oct 17, 2018

Last Friday, our friends at Forterra announced they have officially completed the purchase of land abutting the Lake Serene trail, guaranteeing the trail will remain accessible forever.

Members: Making the Difference for Trails

Sep 24, 2018

Our members empower hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to explore, steward, and champion Washington’s trails and public lands. Here are three stories from this summer we are proud our members made possible.

Lost Trails Found: Summer Progress Report

Sep 19, 2018

2018 was an incredible summer for our Lost Trails Found campaign! Take a peek at some of the work we accomplished throughout the season.

Celebrate Blanchard Mountain!

Sep 11, 2018

Celebrate the protection of Blanchard Mountain with a day full of fun activities!

Two New Loops at Lyle Cherry Orchard

Sep 10, 2018

Thanks to the work of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and a grant from the National Park Service, WTA will embark on the creation of two new loops and reroute on a section of the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail in Southwest Washington.

WTA and PSE: A Powerful Partnership

Aug 30, 2018

WTA and Puget Sound Energy are powerful partners in 2018 as both are committed to the health of our environment and of our communities.

Thousands of Hikers Speak Up for Recreation on Washington Trails Day

Aug 14, 2018

On Washington Trails Day, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for prioritizing funding for recreation and trails on national forests.

National Park Service Backs Down from Major Fee Increases

Apr 12, 2018

Thanks to an overwhelming response from hikers and trail advocates, the Department of Interior has backed off from a plan for steep National Park fee increases.

Learning Skills, Building Strength on All-Girls Work Parties

Apr 04, 2018

For 10 years, WTA's all-girl trips have empowered young women on trail.

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.