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By weighing in on critical policy and inspiring people to stand with us and raise their voices, we ensure that Washington’s public lands remain accessible and protected for everyone.

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Funding for lands, trails and the staff who maintain them determines our ability to get outside. Photo by Todd Entrikin

Explore the issues:

• How does Washington Trails Association help protect public lands and trails?
• Why do trails and outdoor places need public funding?
• Why do people need access to nature?
• Why do trails and public lands need your voice?
• Why are trails important to Washington state?

How does Washington Trails Association help protect public lands and trails?

WTA, and our community of hikers, has long advocated to protect the outdoor places surrounding the trails we love, from remote wilderness to local parks and green spaces.

• We defend public lands against attempts to sell them or reduce their protections We’re currently defending the lands protected by the Roadless Area Conservation Rule.
• We advocate for the funding needed to staff land management agencies (like the U.S. Forest Service or Washington State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife) who care for our public lands. 
• We work with broad coalitions of state and federal government agencies, Tribal governments, local communities and outdoor recreation groups to plan outdoor infrastructure that reduces impacts on the land and creates better visitor experiences — like our work on the beloved Mountain Loop Highway, in the West Fork Teanaway, around the Silver Star area and along Highway 410 on the northeast side of Mount Rainier.
• We advocate for funding for the state to acquire lands that expand opportunities for hikers while boosting the recreation economy, like the creation of the Teanaway Community Forest.
• We are strong advocates for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which funds the conservation of natural areas, parks, forestlands and farmlands.

Why do trails and outdoor places need public funding? 

Public lands belong to everyone, and local, state and federal government agencies steward these shared outdoor places for us all. With Washington’s population growing and more people enjoying the outdoors, funding for public lands has not kept up with the demand.

With the help of nonprofit partners, champions in government and individuals like you, WTA secures funding to care for outdoor places and ensure public access to them: 

• We strongly supported the historic Great American Outdoors Act, which was passed in 2020, creating the Legacy Restoration Fund and funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund fully and permanently. 
• In 2026, we are working to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, which is paying for vital maintenance work on national public lands.  
• In 2022, working with partners, WTA helped secure a new source of funding for our state parks, forests and other state public lands — to care for these outdoor places and keep them open and safe to visit. Every year, we work during the state legislative session to get trails and public lands the funding they need so that everyone has access to the benefits of time in nature.
• We support ballot initiatives, such as King County’s Parks Levy, to increase funding for nearby green spaces and parks.

Time in nature is good for the heart, mind and body. Getting outside saves $390 million in health care costs annually in Washington. Photo by Dan Labuda

Why do people need access to nature?

Humans have a need for time in nature. We believe that people who spend time outdoors have a desire and responsibility to care for the outdoor places they love. WTA creates opportunities for more people to get outside responsibly and to use their voice in planning the future of outdoor places — and the transit, roads and trails that get us there. 

• We promote existing public transportation to trailheads, advocate to expand transit options and ask land managers to think creatively about transportation to public lands, for example using shuttles as a solution to parking congestion.
• We advocate for investments in roads leading to trailheads to preserve our ability to reach and maintain beloved hikes, and to regain access to areas that have been lost over time.
• We support policy and programs that get tens of thousands of Washington’s youth outside: Every Kid Outdoors at the national level and No Child Left Inside at the state level.
• We ask decision-makers to consider how policies (like permitting) will impact different people’s ability to get outside and support programs that remove barriers to the outdoors like the Outdoor Recreation Equity grant program.
• We collaborate with local groups invested in particular areas across the state, from the Olympic Peninsula to Eastern Washington — so hikers’ perspectives can improve outdoor experiences for everyone and better protect outdoor places. 

Protecting landscapes like the Teanaway creates clean water and economic opportunities for nearby towns. Photo (c) David Hagen

Why do trails and public lands need your voice? 

We are the strongest force for public lands when we speak together. One of WTA’s core beliefs is that people will protect the places they love. The more people that have the opportunity to connect with Washington’s beautiful places, the stronger our voice for lands and trails will be. 

• Our conversations with lawmakers in Washington D.C. and Olympia have taught us that the stories of  hikers’ and others who get outside have the power to effect change. WTA helps hikers speak up for public lands through messages to your representatives, petition signatures and events like Hiker Rally Day.
• We amplify your voice by joining with outdoor recreation and conservation partners to be a powerful force for public lands. We regularly work with groups including Back Country Horsemen of Washington, Evergreen Mountain Bike Association, The Mountaineers, Northwest Trails Roundtable, Outdoor Alliance Washington, Partnership for the National Trails System, The Wilderness Society and more. Working with partners, WTA developed and leads the Recreate Responsibly Coalition. 
• We keep hikers informed about opportunities to help shape the future of outdoor areas.
• We push for policy solutions for public lands to ensure that Washington’s forests are healthy and resilient in the face of climate change.

Why are trails important to Washington state?

Ninety percent of Washington residents hike, walk or use mobility devices on trails. Trails are also important to everyone in Washington state for the economic and community health benefits they provide. 

• Each year, people enjoying outdoor activities contributes approximately $25.2 billion to Washington state’s economy and supports over 237,000 jobs, particularly benefiting rural communities.  
• The physical and mental health benefits of time spent on trail saves more than $390 million in health costs annually in Washington state.
• Trails protect the outdoor places surrounding them, providing clean water and air, climate resilience and wildlife habitat.   

Photo by Andrew Porter