Hiker Headlines: Fire Smarts, Olympics Goats Relocation, WTA's Hike-a-Thon

It’s Wednesday, July 3. Be smart about fire safety this weekend. Goats are being relocated again in the Olympics, affecting some popular trails. We launched our annual Hike-a-Thon event. Award shines spotlight on expanding the outdoor narrative. Here’s some hiker news you may have missed while out on trail this week:

Fire prevention tips: With burn bans active in most counties across Washington state and Independence Day upon us, it’s time for a quick reminder on how to prevent forest fires. (No fireworks on public lands is a good start.)

Olympic trail closures: The first of two planned 2-week mountain goat capture and relocation efforts will take place Jul. 8-19, affecting some popular trails in Olympic National Park, including Lake of the Angels and the High Divide - Seven Lakes Basin Loop.

Do you know what to do if you encounter a mountain goat on trail?

Map of Closures at Hurricane Ridge for Goat Capture Operations July 2019 / NPS

Ready, set, hike: Hike-a-Thon registration is open! Make your August trail miles count by raising funds for our work, and win some pretty cool gear along the way. In Seattle? Mingle with WTA staff and fellow hikers on Monday, July 8 at Lagunitas Brewing Co. to learn more about our annual fundraising event. 

Outdoor representation: Bam Mendiola — a Washington hiker, speaker, writer and diversity consultant — was recently awarded the Outdoor Industry’s Together We Are a Force for Outdoor Participation award, along with WTA and the American Hiking Society, in recognition for their work on the inspiring #expandthenarrative social media campaign. WTA was honored to work with Bam on the campaign launch last November, and to continue our work to reduce barriers and increase outdoor access for all.

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