Activating Volunteers to Reboot Trails

Volunteerism is core to WTA's work. More than 75% of our trail work goes towards Trails Rebooted routes, while 78% of our hiking guide content includes hikes written by volunteers correspondents. And our outreach and advocacy efforts are partially driven by volunteer ambassadors; people just like you who care about showing up for trails.

In order to create a sustainable trail system that will be around for years to come, hikers need to step up and into the role of trail protectors and stewards. Here's how WTA is making that happen.

WTA volunteer crew improves popular trail – and puts out smoldering fire

Jul 18, 2025

Last month, an 11-person volunteer crew, one of a series of work parties improving the way to popular Barclay Lake, ended up putting out a fire after their day of work clearing overgrown brush for a full two miles of the trail.

Pack your patience and an extra trash bag this summer

Jun 18, 2025

With national public lands stretched thinner than ever on staff and funding, hikers and trail users can help by taking extra care of the lands we all love. Here are a few ways you can help our shared lands and the people and organizations who work hard to protect them.

Cutting-edge saw training: How WTA is sharing skills statewide

Cutting timber is a specialty task. Without sawyers, we wouldn't be able to create and maintain trails that last the test of time. That's why WTA's saw program and professional services are being tapped to help train sawyers statewide. By Joseph Gonzalez

Community through carpooling: Tips to make the most of the ride

May 20, 2025

Looking for a way to make the drive to the trailhead more fun as the days get longer? We chatted with our partners at Western Washington Honda Dealers about how carpooling can help conserve resources — and how it can be a fun way to build community before your boots even hit the trail.

When big damage requires heavy duty trail cleanup

Mar 25, 2025

In November 2024, the Pacific Northwest was hit by a bomb cyclone, and many of our trails were damaged by fallen trees and debris. For the last several months, WTA has been working with land managers and other organizations to get trails in the Issaquah Alps back open again.

Slate Creek: Not lost, but not quite found

Oct 31, 2024

I recently visited the Slate Creek Trail for a backcountry work party. I walked away from the experience with a new appreciation for trails in Eastern Washington — and for our volunteer community.

$1.9 billion for public lands is at risk: your voice is needed

Oct 22, 2024

The Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) created the Legacy Restoration Fund, which provides up to $1.9 billion annually to protect public lands and improve opportunities for the public to access them. With funding set to run out in 2025, we are gathering the support of people like you who love the outdoors to help us push to renew GAOA’s Legacy Restoration Fund.

Angry Mountain: One trail's role in a sustainable system

Trails need routine maintenance and trail systems need innovative, intentional updates to accommodate the changing needs of Washington's hikers. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest is taking proactive steps to make that happen | By Joseph Gonzalez and Anna Roth

Partnerships and Cooperation Expand Impact of WTA's work

Aug 30, 2024

WTA has completed several fantastic projects thanks to partnerships with land managers. Between weekend work parties, land manager trainings in exchange for rent and new trails, we're excited to share some updates with you.

Great American Outdoors Act improves popular trails (roads, bathrooms and more)

Aug 01, 2024

For four years, the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) — a federal bill that became law on August 4, 2020 — has been funding major improvements to some of our state’s most popular trails. But it's about to expire.

Mount St. Helens Jamboree: 3 days of heat, trail work and fun

Jul 31, 2024

3 days, 23 people, 7 miles of trail cleared at Washington's most active volcano.

Before and after: Trails get a glow-up from WTA crews

May 24, 2024

Nearly halfway through the year (what, how is that possible), WTA has done more than 350 work parties. We've opened trails, improved staircases and even improved a climbing area!

New local map makes the Carbon River corner of Rainier easier to explore

May 20, 2024

On the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park is a series of communities and outdoor experiences that make an ideal getaway for visiting the park, even when you don’t have reservations. The town of Wilkeson has collaborated with partners, including WTA, to create a locally-designed visitor access map to guide your visit.

Hikers have a responsibility to care for trails and each other

The landscape of Washington state is changing. As the state’s population grows, along with the demand for trails, hikers have a major role to play. As people who love time outside, we gain so much from trails. The future of trails is in our hands and we have a great responsibility to care for them and each other as we enjoy outdoor spaces. By Andrea Imler, WTA advocacy director

Partnership helps WTA get more done for Mount St. Helens trails

May 17, 2024

Washington Trails Association and the Mount St. Helens Institute team up to make it easier to hike near the iconic volcano.

From the Gorge to the border, popular trails are getting love this spring

Apr 03, 2024

It's barely the end of winter and WTA trail crews have accomplished great things already. Thanks to increased staff capacity, we're building new trails in several parts of the state, and our work last year has earned kudos from land managers and neighbors alike.

8 ways hikers are benefitting from critical federal funding

Feb 07, 2024

WTA was thrilled in 2020 when we rallied our hiking community and joined with partners to help pass the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). Here’s some of the work that the GAOA has supported in Washington state, from 2021 through 2023, to help support millions of outdoor experiences.

A Vision for the Future of the South Mountain Loop Highway

Nov 13, 2023

After 5 years of work, WTA and a cadre of regional experts have completed the south Mountain Loop Highway Trails Vision. This report sets out a vision for the future of this beloved recreation area that is within a one hour drive to 4 million people. It makes suggestions for maintaining key access roads, increasing wheelchair-friendly trail options, maintaining currently inaccessible trails and more.

Partnerships Made the Popular Suntop Lookout ADA-Accessible

Sep 05, 2023

Fire lookouts are perhaps the last destinations most people would recommend to someone searching out trails that meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. These locations often come with long, grueling hikes on trails that can be in terrible shape. But thanks to work from a legion of volunteers, nonprofit and agency staff, the Suntop Fire Lookout off Highway 410 will soon be ADA-accessible, truly a trail for everyone.

Tour These Trail Maintenance Projects: A Summer Status Report

Aug 23, 2023

So far this year, we've cleared 2,520 drains, cut 1,297 logs, and hung out with 1,424 new volunteers! We've also done a ton of other projects all over the state. Here's a few of them.

The Power of Annual Trail Maintenance

Aug 17, 2023

WTA's Claire Thompson reflects on why the less-glamorous tasks of annual trail maintenance are some of the most important, cost-effective and impactful trail work we do.

Volunteer Profile: The Pie Guy Is Delivering Smiles to the Backcountry One Slice at a Time

Aug 14, 2023

Meet Mike Read, the "Pie Guy," whose passion for conservation, community, and culinary delights has brought joy to the trail crews of Washington.

Discover Frog Mountain Trail: A Triumph of Conservation and Recreation in Wild Sky Wilderness

Jul 28, 2023

The opening of the new Frog Mountain Trail in Wild Sky Wilderness is a testament to the power of collaboration, conservation and responsible recreation.

Silver Star Vision Plan is a North Star for the Future of a Special Area

Jun 30, 2023

Trails planning is a detailed process. The Silver Star area in Southwest Washington has been the focus of planning work for years. Now we're happy to announce the vision plan for the future of this area is complete!

Big Summer Plans: 3 Areas WTA is Excited to Work in 2023

Jun 14, 2023

WTA is excited for a summer season of trail work. Here's a preview of some of the key projects we're working on this summer to build trails that will last for years to come.

Help Hikers! WTA Needs Volunteers at Trailheads This Summer

Jun 09, 2023

WTA is teaming up with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help with welcoming and educating hikers and other outdoor recreationists. We're looking for volunteers in Central and Northern Washington to help us out.

The Greg Ball Trail: Bridging Past, Present and Future

May 08, 2023

WTA volunteers memorialize longtime WTA leader, Greg Ball, by renovating a bridge in his honor at Wallace Falls State Park.

Historic State Funding Wins for Trails, Equity After a Decade of Work

Apr 26, 2023

WTA and hikers helped secure some incredible, and lasting, wins for ongoing trail funding in the 2023 state legislative session. WTA's Emerging Leaders Program in partnership with Washington State Parks was also funded, along with a number of other important projects and programs around the state.

Full Crews, Clear Trails, Can't Lose

Apr 06, 2023

Are you ready for spring? Washington's trails are, thanks to the volunteer crews who've been working all winter to prep them for hikers this season.

We Survived Winter in Eastern Washington with Hot Cocoa, Camaraderie and a Rethinking of Trail Work

Mar 27, 2023

Outside Spokane, WTA trail volunteers find a way to give back to trails, help snowshoers and keep community all winter long.