Hiker Headlines: Photo Contest, Leading by Example, Hike-a-Thon

It's Aug. 27. Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is now open. We're excited to see how many hikers are leading by example on trail. And our Hike-a-Thon fundraiser has less than a week to go — there's still time to support WTA and help participants meet their goals. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

We'd love to see your photos from all across the state! Show us your hiking family, stunning vistas, your favorite local park. We can't wait to see what you come up with. Photo by Andy Zahn.

Show us your best shot! WTA’s annual photo contest, Northwest Exposure, is now open. We want to see your favorite hiking photos! There are five different categories to choose from. And this year, we know a lot of you have been exploring close to home. We’d love see your photos from your nearby parks and trails. And if you want a bit of inspiration and fun, check out some of our favorite photos from past years.

Less than a week to go: Our annual Hike-a-Thon fundraiser has been going strong all month, and we’ve been so amazed with all that you've done. Hike-a-Thoners have hiked all over the state, and raised funds that will support WTA’s work for trails all year round. If you haven’t yet, there’s still time to support WTA and help a Hike-a-Thoner reach their fundraising goal! 

We can do this together: This summer, many folks have been enjoying the mental and physical benefits of being outside. We’re so happy to see that trails are giving people joy during hard times. With that in mind, we’re also happy to see folks who are leading by example when they head outside. If you want to know how to make things just a bit better on trails right now, we have some suggestions. (And if you’re out camping, we have ideas for that, too.) And to help spread the word about #RecreateResponsibly, new signs in English and Spanish are going to go up at recreation areas around the state soon!

Tell us your thoughts: We want to know what you think of the Mountain Loop Area between Granite Falls and Arlington. As part of our Trails Rebooted campaign, WTA is dreaming big about the future of the Mountain Loop Highway. But to be able to do that most effectively, first we need to know what you think! Whether you live on the Mountain Loop, go there regularly or even if you haven’t visited yet, we want to hear from you.  

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter. 
• Check our Hiking Guide for information on what trails are open. 
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Families Go Hiking, our email newsletter for families with plenty of tips on keeping kids busy.