Stories & News

Get the latest news, how-to advice, and feature articles about the trail community, the current hiking season and issues impacting trails you love.

Get local news, how-to advice, and feature articles about our trail community, the current hiking season in Washington and issues impacting trails you love.

Learn more about: WTA member magazine | Signpost blog

Hiker Headlines: New Names, King Tides, Family Fair

Jan 19, 2023

Nine geographic locations have had their names officially changed. Washington is getting hit with king tides this weekend. Check out the Outdoor Family Fair next weekend on Jan. 28. And, we've got a snowy weekend in the mountains ahead.

How to Raise Kids Who Care for Trails

4 tips to help your kids have fun hiking — and share a feeling of stewardship. By Devanee Chapman

Taking Students Hiking and Backpacking — With a Little Help from WTA

Jan 18, 2023

Seattle charter school Rainier Prep recently added outdoor programs to its curriculum. Last year, six teachers from Rainier Prep attended WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training workshop. Since taking the workshop, they've hit the ground running and have successfully led two trips in the last year.

What You Need to Know About Spending the Night in a Fire Lookout

Fire lookouts were the best way to spot developing fires in the forest before wildfire detection technology advanced. Some are accessible via hikes and available for overnight stays. We compiled a list of some of the Pacific Northwest's fire lookouts that can be reserved or are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. By Leina Seeley

Interview With a WTA Ambassador

Jan 13, 2023

We recently sat down to talk with Kathleen Lange, a longtime WTA volunteer ambassador who’s been part of the program since 2018, to chat about why she loves the role and connecting with hikers.

5 Week-long Hiking Vacations to Begin Planning in Early Winter

Longing for sun drenched alpine ridges with views that go on forever? Feeling hemmed in by the cold and gray of winter’s doldrums? You, my friend, need a backpacking plan.

Hiker Headlines: WTA's New CEO, Free Day, Call for Volunteers, Shuttle Service, Openings and Closures

Jan 12, 2023

A big welcome to our new CEO! January 16 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and parking fees are waived in some areas. WTA is looking for volunteer app developers. A shuttle service from Seattle to Snoqualmie Pass is starting up. Olympic National Park has some closures due to weather. And, Samish Overlook has reopened.

We're Off! Washington State's 2023 Legislative Session

Jan 12, 2023

This week kicks off Washington state's 2023 legislative session! WTA will be working with partners and people like you to champion legislation and funding requests that impact public lands and outdoor access. Last year, WTA and hikers helped secure two game-changing wins for public lands, and we're back in Olympia this year ensuring that both programs continue into the future.

Meet WTA's New CEO: Jaime Loucky

Jan 11, 2023

From growing up in the foot of the North Cascades to taking on the leadership of WTA, learn why Jaime is passionate about WTA's vision and community.

Trip Report Roundup: Last and First Hikes of the Year

Jan 09, 2023

There are many ways to celebrate the end and beginning of a year — and going for a hike is a fabulous option. Here are some of our favorite trip reports from hikers who shared their last hikes of 2022 and first hikes of 2023.

Hiker Headlines: Thank You, Members; Camping Changes at Olympic National Park; Photo Contest Winners

Jan 05, 2023

Happy New Year! Thanks so much to our members for an incredible 2022. Washington State Parks has a new logo. The campground reservation process in Olympic National Park is changing. And, you can now check out all of our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest winners.

2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest Winners

Jan 03, 2023

See all the winning photographs from the 2022 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest ranging from majestic views to furry bears.

Thank You for 2022, WTA Members!

Jan 03, 2023

As we're getting ready for the new year ahead of us, we wanted to thank WTA members for their invaluable support.

Hiker Headlines: Good News From 2022

Dec 29, 2022

The year is almost over, and we want take a moment to reflect on the good things that happened for trails and public lands in 2022. Public lands got more funding. WTA helped open new trails — and improve many more. And across the state, the hiking community came together to support each other and the places we care about.

Celebrate 2023 with a First Day Hike at a State Park Near You

Dec 27, 2022

If you’d like to begin 2023 with some time outside, Washington State Parks has made it easy. Across the state, more than 40 state parks have First Day Hike events planned on Jan. 1, 2023. The events include ranger-led hikes, snowshoe trips, bike rides and more.

Hiker Headlines: Winter, Winter and More Winter; Now Hiring

Dec 22, 2022

Yesterday was the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Plenty of folks have been enjoying winter play these days. But there’s an incoming ice storm and avalanche danger the next few days — prepare in advance and be smart if you choose to head outside. And, in non-weather news, WTA is hiring!

Rue Mapp Uplifts Black Joy in the Outdoors with New Book

In her new book, Rue Mapp is telling the story of Black people that she has always known to be true — one of freedom and strength. By Jessi Loerch

How to Set a New Year's Hiking Resolution as a Family

We wanted to hike 22 times in 2022. Here's how we made it work with our 9-year-old and 4-year old. By William Garrow.

How WTA Ambassadors are Creating a Lasting Impact

Dec 19, 2022

WTA's work wouldn't be possible without volunteers, who help our work in many different ways. Volunteer ambassadors support WTA’s mission to mobilize hikers to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. Right now, we're welcoming new ambassadors. Learn more about the program and how to get involved.

Trail Work Through the Seasons

Check out what a year of trail work looks like for WTA. | By Tiffany Chou

Hiker Headlines: Openings and Closures, New Advisory Committee, Winter Hikes

Dec 14, 2022

The bridge at Waikiki Springs Nature Preserve has reopened after construction. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has announced their wildlife area closure dates for the winter. The Margaret’s Way trailhead will be closed for a couple of days next week. And, we’ve for some ideas for you if you're looking for winter hike ideas.

Improve Your Winter Hiking Experience

Check out some tips on how to give your winter hiking packing list a refresh and a few things to keep in mind when packing or hiking to help make your time on trail more enjoyable.

Paradise at Mount Rainier Only Open on Weekends: What to Know and Where to Go Instead

Dec 14, 2022

The road to Paradise at Mount Rainier National park will be closed on weekdays this winter due to staffing shortages. The road will be available for public use only on Saturdays and Sundays for the remainder of the winter season. The sledding area will remain closed all season, even on weekends. The road closure will put some of the park's most popular winter destinations, like Panorama Point, out of reach for many visitors, and might create some additional weekend traffic.

Partnership Brings New Trails to the Teanaway Community Forest

Dec 13, 2022

After a decade of strong collaboration, WTA and our partners are so excited that a trails plan for the Teanaway Community Forest has passed the state’s environmental review. That means, in 2023 WTA will be able to break ground on new trails in the community forest. Find out where we plan to work first.

Hiker Headlines: WTA Winter Safety, Work on Hurricane Hill Lodge, Fun in the Snow

Dec 08, 2022

Join WTA for a talk about winter safety in January. Be prepared for a road closure and heavy traffic in some areas. Washington State Parks wants your input on signage. The Great American Outdoors Act has allocated funding for improvement projects to the Hurricane Ridge day lodge. And, there are some new fun things to do this winter in Washington!

Celebrating the Lives of Those We Lost in 2022

Dec 07, 2022

We take a moment to reflect on the lives of some of those who we've recently lost. They are missed, but we will remember and celebrate their lives and contributions to our community for years to come.

Building Onramps to Nature’s Benefits

Dec 06, 2022

Braided Seeds is helping communities of color rest and reconnect to nature. A wilderness first aid course, in partnership with WTA, has been one way to help people in their community feel safer outside.

Hiker Headlines: Paradise Access Changes, Christmas Tree Permits, Outdoor Recreation Economy Report

Dec 01, 2022

Access to Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park is now restricted to the weekends. Grab a permit online if you're interested in cutting your own Christmas tree from a national forest. The Kraus Ridge Trail is temporarily closed for most of December, and Mount Teneriffe trailhead is closed for snow. The Bureau of Economic Analysis has released an outdoor recreation economy report for the United States. And, a snowstorm has hit Washington!

Crafty: WTA Staff Creations Inspired by Time on Trail

Nov 30, 2022

Time on trail is inspirational. And for WTA staff, we're often inspired in a very tangible way. (Maybe because we build trails for a living?) We like to get our hands on things, to tinker with gear, pack our paints and experiment. As the days get shorter, and we spend a bit more time warm and cozy indoors, it seemed like a good time to share some of the beautiful things that WTA staff are making by hand.

Support Our Community During #GivingTuesday

Nov 29, 2022

On this #GivingTuesday, we are highlighting three of our community partners and the amazing work they are doing connecting youth to the outdoors. Please consider sharing your generosity and supporting them today.