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

Sun Protection While Hiking: Sunscreen, UV Protective Clothing & More

Get some tips for staying safe in the sun and make a more informed decision before setting out on your next hike.

How to Avoid Poisonous Plants on a Hike

The flora of Washington is, for the most part, friendly, but a handful of plants have the potential to inflict some serious pain. Learn how to identify them and avoid them.

How to Swim Safely in Cold Water Lakes

Washington state is full of beautiful mountain lakes — and many of them are very cold. Here's what you need to know to swim safely — and protect the fragile lake environment.

Trip Reports: Hikers Helping Hikers

Jun 10, 2021

Trip reports make WTA a uniquely helpful resource for hikers in Washington. Here are a few trip reports where hikers helped out a little extra.

How to Measure Distance on Trail

Being able to measure distances on trail is a small but handy skill that can help you care for the land you’re traveling on while you hike.

Tips for Using an Emergency Beacon in the Backcountry

Life is unpredictable and, despite your best preparation for a hike, you may get into trouble. If you do, having a device that can call for rescue may save your life, or the life of someone else.

How (and Why) to Know Your Hiking Pace

When planning for a hike or backpacking trip, you likely have an idea of how long you’d like to be out. Maybe you want to squeeze in a morning hike before the afternoon rain rolls in, or maybe you just need to make it to your campsite by sundown. Either way, it’s going to be easier to plan if you know how long it takes you to hike from point A to point B — also known as your hiking pace.

Tips for Staying Hydrated While Hiking in the Winter

In the summer, it’s easier to remember to drink. After all, it’s hot out, the sun is beating down on you, and the trail is dusty. Mentally, we think about drinking more often. In the winter, our brains don’t have to combat the heat, so remembering to drink is important.

What to Wear on a Winter Hike

Tips for dialing in your layering system and staying warm during your cold weather outdoor adventures.

How to Find the Right Rain Gear for Year Round Hiking

If you hike in the Pacific Northwest, you’re eventually going to be hiking in the rain. If you’re lucky, it’s just a few drops or a short shower; sometimes, it’s a torrential downpour that lasts for hours or even days. At these times, rain gear of some kind is essential for safety and comfort. It will get you through the rough spots, keeping you dry and warm enough to help avoid hypothermia. But there are so many options for rain gear. How do you choose the best for any particular situation?

How To Use WTA's Hiking Guide

WTA’s online Hiking Guide is full of great information about thousands of trails across the state. Find the right trail for you and get the most out of the trail description with these tips.

Hiker Headlines: Snow in the Mountains, Photo Contest, Winter Camping, Hunting Season

Oct 15, 2020

Snow is falling, temperatures are dropping, and the days are getting shorter — the late fall hiking season is here. Submit your photos to our annual photo contest. Sno Park permits will go on sale November 1 and Washington State Parks just released the list of campgrounds that will remain open through the winter. Fall is also peak hunting season.

Outdoor Ed: Head Outside for Fun and Learning

Oct 07, 2020

What a year. We're planted in front of glowing screens more than ever before, and parents have it especially rough, what with juggling jobs, childcare and trying to manage schooling at home. If you find yourself called upon to be a teacher as well as a parent these days, let WTA help you out.

Hiker Headlines: More Camping, Snow Falling, Plan a Park, Waterfall Reservations

Oct 01, 2020

It's October! State parks are extending the reservation and camping season at some parks. Snow is starting to fall in the mountains. elp plan the Miller Peninsula State Park near Sequim. And if you want to visit Multnomah Falls, you'll want to plan ahead. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

How to Stay Cozy When You Camp in Your Car

Camping in your car doesn’t have to be in a developed campsite. With a bit of preparation, you can turn you car into a cozy sleeping spot anywhere dispersed camping is allowed.