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.

Hiker Headlines: New Boss for Forests, Ellinor Closes, Trails Get Rebooted

Aug 15, 2019

There’s a new Deputy Regional Forester in town, and she’s stoked to supervise. Upcoming trail and road closures mean opportunities for new hiking discoveries. And thanks to our hiking community, trails are successfully getting rebooted.

Meeting Hikers' Needs: 5 Wins for Trails

Aug 13, 2019

We recently asked the hiking community which trails needed the attention of our Trails Rebooted campaign. Here are five trails you mentioned and what WTA is doing to improve the hiking experience on them.

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.

Road Access: Helping Get Hikers to Trailheads

Jul 02, 2019

We’re taking a look at roads across the state as part of work to ensure access to trails.

Making Trails and Mentoring Leaders at Little Mountain Park

Jun 11, 2019

Partnerships and mentoring are making this Mount Vernon trail system stronger.

Trails Rebooted Hits the Ground Running

Jun 11, 2019

While WTA’s Trails Rebooted campaign officially launched last month, we’ve been hard at work since early 2019. And we’re excited to share some of our early successes with you!

Rebooting Washington's Trails on National Trails Day

Jun 05, 2019

WTA's delivering on our goal to support Washington's trails at every turn.

Building More Than Trails in the Columbia River Gorge

May 16, 2019

How WTA and our partners are shaping the future of the Columbia River Gorge.

WTA Launches 'Trails Rebooted' to Upgrade Our Trail System

May 13, 2019

Trails Rebooted is channeling your passion for close-in hikes to reimagine what’s possible for iconic trails and investing in the trail system of tomorrow.

Trails Rebooted

We're reimagining Washington's trail system — starting with the most beloved hiking spots across the state | by Allie Tripp

A Vision for the Teanaway

How the Teanaway Community Forest will expand opportunities for hikers while boosting the recreation economy. | By Jessi Loerch

Rapid Response: WTA Crews Clear Popular Trails at Cougar Mountain

Apr 15, 2019

Winter storms took a toll on trails in Issaquah. WTA crews took a toll on the trees that came down in the winds.

Let's Roll: Trailhead Direct Service Begins April 20

Apr 11, 2019

Trailhead Direct, the popular transit-to-trails service co-led by King County Metro and King County Parks returns April 20 with more routes connecting convenient transit locations to popular trailheads.

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.

Get to Know the Noble Puncheon

Mar 27, 2019

Have you ever wondered what those little bridges are that keep your toes dry and happy on trail? Well, meet the puncheon.

Hiker Headlines: Olympic Permits, Mountain Loop Hwy, Public Lands Day, Spring Ahead

Mar 07, 2019

It’s March 7. Olympic National Park has a new permit process. Washington could get a day to celebrate public lands. The future of the Mountain Loop Highway is under consideration. And don't forget to change your clocks!

Lopping in a Winter Wonderland: Creative Trail Maintenance in Spokane

Feb 22, 2019

When we think about trail maintenance, a winter wonderland isn’t usually the first setting that comes to mind. But this winter in Spokane, volunteer crew leader Jane Baker proved it can work, and you can have a lot of fun doing it.

Libraries Check Out Discover Passes in Pierce, Spokane and Skagit Counties

Feb 04, 2019

A new program allows individuals and families to rent Discover passes through a select number of local libraries.

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!

Take action: hike a new trail!

So use our hike finder map to select somewhere new, read the hike description and recent trip reports and start planning your next adventure to a new destination. By hiking a different trail, especially a less crowded alternative to a popular hike, you are not only expanding your trail knowledge; you are lessening the impact on our trail system. Take one minute to join us in pledging to hike a new trail.

Take Action: Write About Road Conditions!

Take the pledge! Next time you write a trip report, include a bit of information about how the road to the trail is! Some examples of details to include: what kind of vehicle you used, what kind of surface the road is, how long the road and/or the overall condition of the road.

2019 Accomplishments: How Hikers Changed Trails for the Better this Year

2019 was a year to celebrate for Washington trails. Hikers all across the state have helped WTA fix trails, advocate for funding and ensure access to the trails we all love. Thank you for helping us build a future where there are trails for everyone, forever.