Advocacy in the Blog

Current issues affecting trails and hikers.

The latest news and wins on issues impacting hikers and public lands. Stay in the loop by signing up for Trail Action Network today!

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.

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.

E-bikes: You Gave Input, What Comes Next?

Nov 15, 2022

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources asked for your opinion on the use of e-bikes. Over 7,000 people responded to the survey, including WTA’s Trail Action Network advocates — thanks for your input! Based on this input, WDFW and DNR recently shared a report of their recommendations for e-bikes going forward. Here are the main takeaways and what happens next.

King County Voters: This "Yes" Vote Will Help Save Green Spaces

Oct 18, 2022

Voters have the chance in this election (Nov. 8) to vote "yes" to Conserve Our Future, King County Proposition 1. Vote "yes" so this program can continue to protect lands that support the health of our communities, ecosystems and climate.

Hiker Headlines: Labor Day Weekend, Closures, New Funding

Sep 01, 2022

The long weekend is almost here! Get some inspiration on where to go, and keep up to date on the latest trail and road closures. And, a new infrastructure bill will award Washington $6.3 million in funding for forest projects.

Protect the Future of Trails with WTA

Aug 01, 2022

Hundreds turned out this weekend for Washington Trails Day to join WTA in protecting the future of trails. You can join too.

Why Do We Fix Popular Trails?

Jul 26, 2022

Popular trails can need as much — or more — maintenance than less-well-known routes. Find out why.

Hiker Headlines: Road Openings and Closures, Urban Forest Funding, Survey on E-Bikes

Jul 07, 2022

Sunrise Road has reopened for the summer. Mallardy Ridge Road will be closed from July 15 to September 15. Some Conconully State Park campgrounds are closed temporarily due to flood damage. $550,000 of funding was awarded by the Department of Natural Resources for urban and community forests. The state wants to hear your thoughts on e-bikes on trails. And, a retriever featured in WTA's Hiking with Dogs workshop is a semi-finalist in the 2022 American Humane Hero Dog Award competition.

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Highway 20 Repaving, Dog Mountain Trailhead to Move, Firework Safety

Jun 30, 2022

Registration opens for WTA’s Hike-a-Thon on July 1. Some roads and parking lots on Highway 20 will be affected by a repaving project this month. Plans to move the Dog Mountain trailhead have kicked off. And, please help prevent wildfires this weekend.

Snow Lake and Annette Lake Trails to Close for Several Months

Jul 05, 2022

The Annette Lake and Snow Lake trails, popular hikes along the I-90 corridor, will be closed for several months this summer due to trail construction work, funded by the Great American Outdoors Act. The work will require the use of potentially-dangerous tools, so the trails will close in the interest of safety.

Hiker Headlines: Free Days, Outdoor Rec Funding, Road Openings, Methow Planning

Jun 09, 2022

Enjoy a fee-free visit to the trailhead weekend. The Department of Agriculture unveiled $503 million of funding for outdoor recreation projects. Chinook Pass is set to reopen on June 10. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is hosting a public workshop to discuss development of the Methow Wildlife Area. And, Washington State Parks will be starting up their summer outdoor concert series.

Local Transit, National Action: Trailhead Direct is Back for 2023

May 10, 2023

Trailhead Direct is starting its 2023 season this weekend. The service provides transit access to nearby trailheads from Seattle. Nationally, WTA is working to improve transit options to trails for the future.

5 Tips to Get Your Friends to Help Protect Trails

Jun 15, 2022

We recently talked to three hikers who have advocated for trails in official and unofficial ways about what works best to get friends on board for saving trails.

Rep. Strickland Visits WTA Gear Library and Talks Trail Funding

Apr 18, 2022

WTA met with Representative Marilyn Strickland to tour our Puyallup gear library and talk funding for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Olympic Improvements, Conservation Funding, New Place Names

Mar 31, 2022

Ruby Beach will be closed for about three months this spring while access and parking is being improved. The trails along the Ozette triangle are in need of repair. The funding proposal for the Land and Water Conservation Fund meets the minimum but more is needed. A long-awaited trail bridge over the Columbia River will open on April 8. Eighteen derogatory place names in Washington are in the process of being replaced.

2022 Federal Budget Trail Investments Good News — Here’s Why We’re Working for More

Mar 24, 2022

Last week, Congress finalized a federal budget for the 2022 fiscal year. Amid the trillions of dollars within Congress’s new budget — what matters for trails? In some good news, the budget increases investments in the Forest Service, but the numbers fall short of what's needed.

Where We're Going ... We'll Definitely Still Need Roads

Apr 19, 2022

Hikers need roads. But wild weather takes out roads each year, and land management agencies need funding to repair them. Join WTA's Trail Action Network to speak up for public roads funding so you can continue accessing Washington's forests!

Hiker Headlines: New Trail, Recreation Survey, Legislative Wins, Free Day

Mar 17, 2022

Happy St. Patrick's Day! A new WTA-built trail is now open near Port Angeles. The Recreation and Conservation Office wants to hear from you. Eastrail projects received some incredible funding in the recent state budget. And, don't forget about the upcoming fee-free day on March 19.

Hiker Headlines: Spring Forward, National Park Public Input, Good Fire

Mar 10, 2022

Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades want your input on two new proposals. Learn how GirlTrek is celebrating Harriet Tubman’s 200th birthday. Prescribed burns are scheduled in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Identify trees with the helpful Trees PNW app. And, don’t forget to spring forward on March 13.

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.

Hiker Headlines: Sno-Park Status, WTA Advocacy, Icicle Road, MLK Day

Jan 13, 2022

Sno-parks are slow to reopen after last week’s snowstorm. The state legislative session just kicked off in Olympia. Icicle Road near Leavenworth will likely be closed through the weekend. And, entry fees will be waived at public lands on Monday, January 17 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Short Legislative Session, Big Goals for the Outdoors

Feb 07, 2022

WTA is leading exciting requests to the state legislature during this year's short session.

Congress Passed Infrastructure Funding: What it Means for Trails

Nov 10, 2021

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act just passed through Congress, and this secures support for trails across the country, including Washington.

A Plan for Silver Star's Future

Oct 07, 2021

Silver Star mountain in Southwest Washington is a beloved destination facing access issues. The Silver Star Coalition is looking to help with that.

What Do You Want From Seattle Parks? Let Them Know

Sep 29, 2021

The city of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department wants to hear from you to help them shape their priorities for the coming years.

Two Programs Emerge to Benefit the Health and Well-Being of Washington's Children and Adults

Aug 25, 2021

Two successes from the 2021 legislative session will help connect the benefits of nature with the people of Washington state: The Parks Rx Pilot Program and Licensing for Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care.

Planning for Paradise: Your Input on Mount Rainier's Future

Aug 18, 2021

Mount Rainier National Park is looking for your help to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion in the most trafficked area of the park.

You Make Trails Happen: Hikers Speak Up on Washington Trails Day

Aug 10, 2021

On Saturday Aug. 7, several thousand hikers took action at trailheads and online, calling for better funding for the Forest Service in celebration of Washington Trails Day.

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.

How Do You Enjoy the Olympics? Help Plan the Future of Olympic National Forest

Jul 29, 2021

Olympic National Forest is looking to hear how you create in the region as part of their Sustainable Recreation plan.