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

Hiker Headlines: Spokane Parks Need Funding, Cape Horn Reopens, Hunting Season Begins

Aug 01, 2019

Spokane County Parks & Rec is seeking input from hikers on how to allocate funding for 2020. Cape Horn Loop in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened. And hunting season in Washington officially starts today.

Hiker Headlines: Leave No Trace in the Enchantments, Outdoor Funding, Fighting Weeds

Jul 11, 2019

The Enchantments are getting some LNT Hot Spot love. Washington state awarded grants across the state to fund outdoor projects. And, toxic weeds in King County? There’s an app for that.

How to Craft Your Own Hiking Loop

Skip car shuttles and see new scenery around every bend. From the big picture to sorting out the details, learn how to plan your own day hike, an overnight trip or a multi-night backpacking adventure loop.

Tips for Hiking in Harmony with Dogs

Oct 14, 2019

Whether you have a dog or not, some advice to ensure harmony on trail.

Hiker Headlines: Safety Pink, National Parks, Climbing Ranger Gigs and Bats

Apr 25, 2019

It's April 25. Pink is for safety. Spring is for celebrating national parks And bats needs us humans to take care of them. Here’s some hiker news that you may have missed while out on trail this week.

The Dog Divide — It's a Ruff Issue to Tame

Jun 03, 2019

Whether you hike with dogs or not, we all share the trail. We need to try to consider other perspectives.

Hiker Headlines: New Wolf Pack, Raise a Toast to Trails, Beware Olympics Road Construction and Cascades Snow

Apr 11, 2019

It's April 11. Washington wolves have moved to the west side of the state. We'd love to raise a toast to trails with you in Ellensburg. It's the beginning of road work season — and it's still snow season in the mountaing.

Avalanches: Staying Safe in Spring

Apr 08, 2019

It's spring and we're eager to get out on new trails, but with warming temperatures comes an increased risk for avalanches.

A Map In Your Pack Is Worth Two Left Behind

Apr 04, 2019

If you’ve read almost anything from WTA about getting outside you know we want you to be prepared when you go hiking. Have water and snacks, extra clothing and all the other 10 Essentials, including a map.

Staying Safe When Days are Short

Apr 03, 2019

The air is growing colder, the leaves are beginning to turn and the long days of summer are behind us.

Hiker Headlines: Spring! Snow! Public Lands, Noisy Jets

Mar 21, 2019

It’s March 21. We're (still) excited about public lands. It’s spring! (And you should beware avalanches.) And you can learn more about jets on the Olympic Peninsula.

Backpack Hacks: Make This Year's Backcountry Trip Awesome

Feb 05, 2019

Learn tips for making your backcountry trip with WTA perfect.

Cold Weather Advice From the Instagram Community

Feb 15, 2019

At home or in the mountains — we're dealing with some frigid temperatures across all corners of the state. But if you are brave enough to venture out on trail for a hike, snowshoe or snow camp, there are a few ways to help make sure your time outside is as comfortable and cozy as possible.

Online Passes Now Available for Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks

Nov 09, 2018

Be prepared for adventure in Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park by purchasing your entrance pass online and bringing a paper copy with you.

Starting a Washington Trail Journey Using Trailhead Direct

Oct 24, 2018

With no car and no way to reach trails, Trailhead Direct is a great option for new hikers to start their journey and for seasoned hikers to enjoy as well.