5 Ways WTA Makes Your Hike Possible
From securing trail funding and digging in the dirt to providing hike information and promoting hiker education, here are a few of the ways that WTA helps Washington hikers get out on trail.
As hikers, we know that a healthy, sustainable trail system is a must-have for Washington. At WTA, we're working to make that trail system a reality every step of the way. From securing trail funding and digging in the dirt to providing hike information and promoting hiker education, here are a few of the ways that WTA helps Washington hikers get out on trail.
Securing trail funding is the first key step in making your hike possible. Photo by Tatyana Savchuk.
We RallY Hikers to Speak Up for funding
We know that funding is key when it comes to public lands an trails — which is why we meet with legislators in Olympia every year to advocate for that funding. More than 100 hikers join us for our biannual Hiker Rally where hikers speak directly with their elected officials and share the positive impact that trails have had on their hearts, minds and bodies.
At a nation level, WTA rallied local advocates to support the Great American Outdoors Act, which includes historic funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund and for differed maintenance on our federal public lands. We keep hikers abreast of trail advocacy opportunities like this throughout the year via our Trail Action Network newsletter.
We Pitch in on the planning process
Planning processes for recreation areas can be long, sometimes lasting decades. We've been involved in the Teanaway Community Forest and the Snoquera area recreation planning process for several years now, and we work to ensure hiker voices are at the table every step of the way.
By working collaboratively with land managers, tribes and fellow recreation groups we can easily identify opportunities where we can work together and pool resources to meet the needs of the area and the visitors, both now and in the future.
WTA's Leadership & Inclusion Crew worked to rebuild stairs along the iconic Snow Lake trail this past fall. Photo by Britt Lê.
We dIg the tread and build the bridge
Our volunteer trail crews are out maintaining and building trails all year long — whether it be building brand new trails in your neighborhood, improving iconic trails to stand the test of time or reviving long-lost favorites in the deep backcountry.
We help connect so many volunteers with trails in need of help that we've got the largest state-based trail maintenance program in the country!
We help you find your dream destination
WTA's free, online Hiking Guide is a one-stop shop to plan your perfect hike. Our guide has information on more than 3,500 hikes in Washington — all researched and curated by local Washington hikers. You can find critical details like trailhead location, trail length and pass requirements, as well as helpful WTA pro-tips, links to the latest weather forecast and even planning maps.
Want tips for lacing your boots? How about being a good trail steward? Or planning for you first overnight trip? We got 'em. Photo by Rachel Wendling.
We tie your bootS and pack your bag
Our wealth of hiker education resources runs deep! Helping hikers get outside and explore safely is always a top priority. From practical advice on minimizing your impact and hiking with dogs to fun tips on lacing your boots and brewing the best backcountry coffee, there is so much to learn.
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