Mountain Loop Highway Updates

Progress on WTA's work on the Mountain Loop Highway.

WTA identified the Mountain Loop Highway area as a prime candidate for our Trails Rebooted work because of its proximity to a large (and growing) population and its wide array of recreation opportunities. Currently, demand outpaces the ability to provide an array of recreation experience here, but WTA, the Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, and other stakeholders in the area are working to improve the recreation experience here by looking for innovative solutions to land management and trying to understand what the communities here need through engagement processes.

Community Engagement: In late summer of 2020, WTA hosted a survey to understand what people who live, play and work on the Mountain Loop Highway care most about in this area. Take a look at the results.
Trailhead Ambassador Pilot: In summer of 2021, Glacier Peak Institute — along with support from the National Forest Foundation and WTA — launched a trailhead ambassador pilot program to spread awareness about Leave no Trace and responsible recreation. Want to get involved? Contact trails@glacierpeakinstitute.org

Recent Work and Investments on the Mountain Loop Highway

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.

Community-Based Solutions: Darrington Local Coordinating Mountain Loop Highway Trailhead Ambassador Program

Jul 25, 2022

Talking community and battling doomscrolling with the coordinator of the Mountain Loop Highway's newest trailhead ambassador program.

This Summer: Volunteer on the Mountain Loop Highway

Jun 22, 2022

Spread knowledge about Leave No Trace and responsible recreation by volunteering as a trailhead ambassador on the Mountain Loop Highway this summer.

Northwest Weekend: Explore the Mountain Loop Highway, from River Valleys to Soaring Peaks

The Mountain Loop, which runs between Arlington and Granite Falls, offers endless options for a weekend of exploring — both on trail and in town. | By Anna Roth

A Trails Rebooted Plan for a Special Area Near Mount Rainier

Aug 19, 2021

WTA is working with our partners to create new and improved opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Snoquera area, which offers an excellent area to disperse use from Mount Rainier National Park and other trails.

Helping Hikers and Collecting Vital Information on the Mountain Loop Highway

Aug 09, 2021

This summer, keep your eyes out for WTA volunteers on the Mountain Loop Highway. They won't be wearing hard hats — these folks will be in Gothic Basin and at Cutthroat Lakes several times this summer, sharing information about recreating responsibly and sustainably and doing visitor counts for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

One Year Later: How the Great American Outdoors Act Is Funding Trail Fixes

Aug 06, 2021

One year on from the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act, funding for stewardship and maintenance of trails has helped WTA to make great strides in our work. With four more years of GAOA funding to go, we're optimistic at what we can achieve, but we know that making trails for everyone, forever will take a lot more work.

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.

Meeting The Need: Investments on the Mountain Loop Highway

Feb 26, 2021

With more people discovering a love for trails, it's important to ensure the trail system can manage the increased needs. Here's how WTA is working on that goal in one part of Washington.

1 Trail, 2 Decades, 15 Stories

Feb 25, 2021

WTA started as a way for hikers to share their experiences on trails, and those decades of stories (now shared as trip reports on wta.org) compose a collective memory of Washington’s hiking community. We’ve gone back through nearly 1,000 trip reports for Goat Lake along the Mountain Loop Highway to highlight the variety of experiences that this trail has supported over the years.

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

Jul 30, 2020

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.

Tell Us About It: What Do You Think of the Mountain Loop Highway?

Jul 28, 2020

The Mountain Loop Highway has a ton of recreation options but needs investment to improve visitor experience and environmental help. Tell us what you like about hiking here and help shape the future of this gorgeous place.

Shaping the Future of Recreation in Snoquera

Snoquera offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation | By Christina Hickman

Low Snow, High Peaks and Big Views: Summer's Coming to Washington

Jul 06, 2020

The long weekend inspired a lot of you to get outside. Trip reports show everything from backyard to backcountry, and a lot of you headed to some standby areas for adventure: the Mountain Loop Highway, Snoquera, and the Teanaway, part of WTA's Trails Rebooted campaign.

Meeting Hikers' Needs: 5 Wins for Trails

Aug 13, 2019

We recently asked the hiking community which trails needed the attention of our Trails Rebooted campaign. Here are five trails you mentioned and what WTA is doing to improve the hiking experience on them.

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!

Building More Than Trails in the Columbia River Gorge

May 16, 2019

How WTA and our partners are shaping the future of the Columbia River Gorge.

Trails Rebooted

We're reimagining Washington's trail system — starting with the most beloved hiking spots across the state | by Allie Tripp

Get to Know the Noble Puncheon

Mar 27, 2019

Have you ever wondered what those little bridges are that keep your toes dry and happy on trail? Well, meet the puncheon.

Hiker Headlines: Olympic Permits, Mountain Loop Hwy, Public Lands Day, Spring Ahead

Mar 07, 2019

It’s March 7. Olympic National Park has a new permit process. Washington could get a day to celebrate public lands. The future of the Mountain Loop Highway is under consideration. And don't forget to change your clocks!

2019 Accomplishments: How Hikers Changed Trails for the Better this Year

2019 was a year to celebrate for Washington trails. Hikers all across the state have helped WTA fix trails, advocate for funding and ensure access to the trails we all love. Thank you for helping us build a future where there are trails for everyone, forever.