Hiker Headlines: National Trails Day, Unlikely Hikers, Climate Crisis, So Much Hiking

It's May 30. This weekend, we celebrate National Trails Day. State Parks will be free Saturday. The New York Times told the story of folks working to expand the narrative around who is a hiker. The climate crisis will be visible to people visiting national parks this summer. And you all have been doing so much hiking! Here's some hiker news you may have missed while out on trail. 

Work parties will be out around the state for National Trails Day on Saturday. Photo by Barbara Budd. 

For the love of trails: This Saturday, June 1, is National Trails Day, a day devoted to advocacy and service for trails that so many of use to enjoy the outdoors. We probably don’t have to say we’re definitely into this day. We’ll be out working on trails and other events are planned around the state. If you get out on trail, let us know all about it in a trip report.

Fee free: And, while we’re on the topic of National Trails Day, in honor of the event, no Discover Pass will be needed to park at Washington State Parks on Saturday.

Unlikely Hikers: We were thrilled to see @UnlikelyHikers, @brownpeoplecamping and Washington’s very own Disabled Hikers in the New York Times. These folks are doing powerful work to expand the narrative of who is a “hiker.” 

Climate Crisis: Our national parks are a treasured part of our landscape — they’re also on the frontlines of the climate crisis. If you’re heading out to a national park this summer, you’re likely to see climate change in action, according to the Washington Post, including in parks in our own state, such as North Cascades National Park, which has the lowest snowpack in centuries.

So much hiking! With the long Memorial Day weekend, it seems the beginning of summer hiking season is truly here. We were so happy to see so many of you getting outside. Just in the last week, we had more than 650 trip reports posted. This is awesome. These trip reports help fellow hikers, land managers and WTA staff. Keep it up!

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