Advancing Trail Smarts

Supporting trails is not just about the much-needed trail maintenance and additional investment. It’s also about hiker awareness, transportation access, trip-reported conditions and so much more. We need targeted education to improve on-trail experiences and help hikers discover brand-new adventures.

Supporting trails isn't just about doing trail maintenance and increased funding. It’s also about hiker awareness. Transportation, road access, trip-reported conditions and so much more all help make a healthy trail system.

All of this requires targeted education to improve your on-trail experiences and help you lessen your impact on the places you love. If you haven’t seen our Trail Smarts video series, now's a great time to check it out. These tools provide quick refreshers on some of the most important hiking best practices.

Fun fact: Trip reports aren't just good for planning your next hike. They are critical to land managers as they make decisions and plan for the future needs of hikers. Write one today!

EXPAND YOUR TRAIL SMARTS

How to find (and protect) wildflowers on your spring hikes

May 06, 2024

Tap the incredible community of trip reporters to follow the bloom across Washington. Plus, get tips on how to get stunning photographs of flowers, without ever stepping foot off trail.

Spring cleaning for your hiking gear — 6 things you should check

With a bit of a check-up, you can make sure you're ready for spring hiking. | By Victoria Obermeyer

Writing down 7 unwritten rules of hiking

Hiking has a set of unwritten rules that you may not know. We're demystifying them and helping you hike like a pro. By Anna Roth.

This might sting a little: A guide to Washington's stinging critters

Learn what you need to know about stinging critters and how to treat stings before hitting trail.

How do Forest Service roads signs work?

The U.S. Forest Service uses a variety of trail and road signs. Check out our guide on what they mean and how they help us get outside. By Jessi Loerch

How WTA is like a savvy, local friend to hikers who are new to Washington

When you move somewhere new, having a local friend who knows their way around makes all the difference. This is especially true for hikers who move to Washington, where the trail options feel endless and seasonal conditions vary greatly from place to place. | By Linnea Johnson

How to pick the right hiking socks for you

Happy feet, happy hiker. The right hiking socks can make a huge difference to your day on trail. (And your time chilling in camp.) Here’s some tips to help you find a pair that works for you. By Sandra Saathoff

Know Thyself: The First Rule of Backcountry Safety

Whether you’ve been adventuring for a few days or a few decades, you can always learn more about staying safe. By Loren Drummond

Seven tips to stay warm hiking on cold days

Feb 09, 2024

What you wear, the food you choose and even where you sit to take a break — they all make a difference to staying comfortable when hiking in winter.

Four Hot Drink Ideas for Winter Hikes

Feeling chilly? Warm-up with these hot drink hacks. By Jessi Loerch

The Overquilt: Stay Warm and Protect Your Gear During Cold, Wet Nights

Washington trails are beautiful year round, but low temperatures and rain can be a deterrent to overnight trips during colder months. The overquilt won't just keep you warmer: it'll protect your down sleeping bag, too! By Joseph Gonzalez

How to Map Out Your Labor Day Weekend with WTA's Hiking Guide

Research, design and document your plans for Labor Day Weekend with WTA's Hiking Guide resources. The best part? It's all free! By Joseph Gonzalez

How to Find the Right Tent for Your Backpacking and Camping Adventures

A shelter is one of the most important pieces of gear you can own, but choices can feel overwhelming. Don't worry — we're here to go over the best options for what's right for you. By Sandra Saathoff

What Do I Do if I Find Old Stuff on Trail?

Aug 01, 2023

What should you do if you see an old, human-made object on a hike? It could be a historical artifact that's best left untouched. By Linnea Johnson

How to Plan a DIY Thru-hike

If you’d like to create your own longer hike, here are tips to get you on the right path on a lesser-known route. By Lauren Lake