Hiker Headlines: We Want to Hear From You, Trails Rebooted, SOAR Act

It’s July 30. We’d like to hear your thoughts on a couple things. We’re celebrating some Trails Rebooted wins this year. And we’re excited to see the SOAR act moving ahead in Congress. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

We'd love to hear your opinions on the Mountain Loop Highway, which includes many popular hikes, including Goat Lake. Photo by Aaron Tiger.

Tell us about the Mountain Loop: 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 your thoughts. 

Speaking of Trails Rebooted: While this year has been like no other for our trail work team, we’re still happy and the progress we’ve made to reimagine popular trails and help hikers discover new favorites. Check out what we’ve been up to lately.  

Why do you need trails? We're celebrating Washington Trails Day this Saturday! Most years, we'd be out at trailheads meeting hikers like you, asking you to sign postcards and celebrate with us. But since we can’t connect in person this year, we're asking you to digitally tell us why you need trails. We’re collecting stories to send to policymakers and remind them that trails are important to so many people in Washington. 

Progress in Congress: The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation (SOAR) Act passed the House Natural Resources Committee this week. The SOAR Act has been a priority of WTA's federal advocacy work, as it aims to improve access to the outdoors by improving outfitter-guide permit systems on federal lands. Washington Reps. Suzan DelBene and Derek Kilmer are cosponsors of the bill. It will now have to pass the House Committee on Agriculture before moving to the full House. 

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.
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