Success Stories

Learn about our impact for trails statewide, and check out some of the recent victories we've had in protecting trails.

Historic State Funding Wins for Trails, Equity After a Decade of Work

Apr 26, 2023

WTA and hikers helped secure some incredible, and lasting, wins for ongoing trail funding in the 2023 state legislative session. WTA's Emerging Leaders Program in partnership with Washington State Parks was also funded, along with a number of other important projects and programs around the state.

We Did It! WTA Celebrates Game-Changing Investments for Trails, Outdoors this Legislative Session

Mar 11, 2022

WTA helped lead the way to a game-changing win at the state Legislature this year. State public land agencies will receive $15 million annually ($5m per agency) to improve outdoor recreation opportunities by addressing crucial maintenance needs. A new pilot project is being funded to provide leadership opportunities for underrepresented communities in the outdoors. We hope you’ll join us in thanking lawmakers for this huge win.

A Year of Achievements in Glendale Park

Dec 13, 2021

WTA, partners and the local community have made incredible headway in bringing access to this local park.

WTA's Pro Crew Finishes up Incredible Season

Oct 18, 2021

After 71 days and 4,243 hours of trail maintenance, WTA's first backcountry pro crew is wrapping up their packed season of trail work within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest!

New Loops, New Hikes, New Views in the Columbia River Gorge

Jul 02, 2021

Thanks to a partnership between Washington Trails Association and Friends of the Columbia Gorge Land Trust, the trail system at the land trust’s Lyle Cherry Orchard Preserve has been improved.

GAOA Provides Vital Funding for Public Lands

Mar 03, 2021

The Great American Outdoors Act was a huge win for the outdoor community. Here’s some of the ways it will help Washington.

Hiker Headlines: Goodbye 2020, Winter Wonders, the Other Washington

Dec 30, 2020

It’s December 30. As the year ends, we look back on all the great work the WTA community accomplished in 2020. Getting outside during the winter is great for mental health, plus fee-free days make it easy to explore new state parks. Mount Rainier announced changes to its winter activities. And congressmembers in Washington D.C. asked for funding for local parks. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Small But Mighty: Backcountry Crews Make Big Strides on Lost Trails

Dec 09, 2020

Our pint-size backcountry crews were able to get a lot of work done — donating over 6,000 hours of work to lost trails across the state! We want to share a few highlights from our 2020 season to give you a peek at everything these crews accomplished.

Trail Volunteers: Thank You from a Blue Hat

Dec 07, 2020

2020 was hard, but volunteers have shown up for trails in a big way.

Mica Peak Traverse: Completing A New Trail Near Spokane

Nov 25, 2020

This fall, WTA volunteers and partners celebrated another win for trails in the Spokane-area, this time in the form of a trail connecting two of the region’s largest swaths of public land. The California Creek Trail, completed in mid-October, now officially connects Liberty Lake Regional Park and Mica Peak Conservation Area.

Grateful for the Wins: Some Good in a Tough Year

Nov 18, 2020

A moment of gratitude to our community for continuing to make so much possible. Together, helped hikers get outside, helped keep each other safe and even advanced some critical work for our mission.

Masks On, Hands Off (My Tools): Trail Work in the Time of COVID-19

Aug 13, 2020

COVID messed everything up. But despite the whirlwind of changing safety requirements, WTA has adapted our work parties so our volunteer crews can continue to do the work public land managers rely on to keep trails clear and safe for hikers.

How Powerful Partnerships Help WTA Build a Better Future for Trails

Aug 13, 2020

WTA has been bringing people together for years. By building connections, finding middle ground and creating shared goals, we are moving toward our vision of trails for everyone, forever. Here are a few recent examples of how, when we come together, we can do more for trails and the hiking community.

Victory! Congress Approves Vital Funding for Public Lands

Jul 22, 2020

The Great American Outdoors Act has passed the Senate and the House. With full funding for the Land and Water Conversation Fund and $9.5 billon for the backlog of maintenance on federal lands, the Great American Outdoors Act is a historic piece of public lands legislation. Thank you for helping to make it happen!

The Wild Nearby: Hikers Benefit from Investments in Southwest Washington

Nov 11, 2019

Since 1993, we've been working towards a sustainable trail system in the Columbia River Gorge. Thanks to dedication, partnerships, member support and the hard work of volunteers, we can claim these successes in 2019.

Lost Trails Youth Crew Spends Five Weeks in the Pasayten Wilderness

Sep 23, 2019

Our Lost Trails Youth Crew made big impacts (and big memories) this summer as they improved trails in the remote Pasayten Wilderness.

Hike-a-Thon 2019: Hikers Cover 15,000 Miles, Give Back in a Big Way

Sep 17, 2019

From amazing moms to guidebook author Craig Romano to a crew from GeekWire, a record number of Hike-a-Thoners hiked over 15,000 miles in August and raised more than $155,000 for trails.

Recovering the Pasayten: A Coordinated Effort

Sep 10, 2019

There's a whole lot of work to be done in the great Pasayten Wilderness — which is why we couldn't be happier to tackle it together with these fellow nonprofits.

Young Stewards Explore and Lend a Hand on Washington Trails

Sep 09, 2019

The power of partnerships helps the Deaf T-Birds, a high school group, get out to explore and clean up Olympic beaches.

Blanca Lake: Just One Place WTA is Working to Save Iconic Trails

Sep 04, 2019

Our Trails Rebooted campaign is working to protect some of the most popular and iconic trails all across the state.

Hiker Headlines: Parks Funding, Getting Kids Outside, Public Lands Questions

Jul 18, 2019

Parks in King County need your help with vital funding. More kids are getting outside thanks to a boost from Washington grants. Trailhead Direct, a WTA partner project, is inspiring transit-to-trail systems in other states. New federal land policies are in flux. And Olympics bridges will close for inspection.

Hiker Headlines: Leave No Trace in the Enchantments, Outdoor Funding, Fighting Weeds

Jul 11, 2019

The Enchantments are getting some LNT Hot Spot love. Washington state awarded grants across the state to fund outdoor projects. And, toxic weeds in King County? There’s an app for that.

Making Trails and Mentoring Leaders at Little Mountain Park

Jun 11, 2019

Partnerships and mentoring are making this Mount Vernon trail system stronger.

Trails Rebooted Hits the Ground Running

Jun 11, 2019

While WTA’s Trails Rebooted campaign officially launched last month, we’ve been hard at work since early 2019. And we’re excited to share some of our early successes with you!

The Story of Saving Mount St. Helens Offers Lessons for Today's Trail Advocates

May 15, 2019

The eruption of Mount St. Helens was a remarkable natural disaster. But the story of Mount St. Helens is also the story of how, when communities come together and speak up for public lands, we can move mountains.

Rapid Response: WTA Crews Clear Popular Trails at Cougar Mountain

Apr 15, 2019

Winter storms took a toll on trails in Issaquah. WTA crews took a toll on the trees that came down in the winds.

Connecting Youth and Nature — for Learning and Fun

Mar 25, 2019

Since 2014, the Glacier Peak Institute has been creating paths for local youth to get outdoors. The institute is a strong example of a WTA Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program partner with a deep dedication to providing outdoor experiences to youth.

Major Gains for Lost Trails Around the State

Dec 26, 2018

This year, more than 500 volunteers devoted nearly 15,000 hours of work to saving lost trails across the state. Follow along for a look back at everything we've been up to in our Lost Trails Found campaign.

Rockstar Community Leaders Champion Outdoor Adventures

Dec 20, 2018

Meet three determined outdoor leaders who led memorable trips for their schools and programs this year.

3 Organizations That Go Outside to Train the Next Generation of Scientists

Nov 13, 2018

Three ways that graduates from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program are taking kids outside to learn about science and inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.