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!

It's All Online: Legislative Session and Hiker Rally 2021

Jan 11, 2021

The 2021 legislative session is now underway. Learn about WTA's budget priorities and how to use your voice to support trails and public lands.

I Picked Up 80 Pounds of Trail Trash in a Year. Here's What I Learned

Dec 30, 2019

If you're looking for hiking resolutions for 2020, here's what I learned from a year of collecting 80 lbs of light sabers, orange peels and water bottles.

Behind the Scenes: Washington's Best-Kept Secret for Recreation Funding

Nov 26, 2019

Celebrating its 30th year, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse for the interests of outdoor recreation, including the hiking community.

Hiker Headlines: Land Protected Forever, Roadless Area at Risk, Hiking with Lawmakers

Nov 14, 2019

It's Nov. 14. Forty-six acres of forest near Issaquah were recently protected and will provide access to a popular hiking area. You have a chance to use your voice to protect roadless areas. And we've been hiking with state lawmakers to talk about trails and public lands.

Trail Champions in the House: Meet Five Leading Women in Washington's Legislature

Nov 06, 2019

This fall, we hiked with five Washington state representatives on trails in their home districts. We recently walked and talked outdoor recreation, physical health and economic benefits with Representatives Entenman, Jinkins, Leavitt, Robinson and Ryu.

Hiker Headlines: New Trail Opens, Grizzly Bears, Road Closure and Outdoor Preschools

Oct 03, 2019

It's Thursday, Oct. 3. WTA helped open up a new section of trail at Lake Whatcom Park. The public has a chance to comment on a plan to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades. Washington state is the first in the U.S. to license outdoor preschools. Washington State Parks has been honored as one of the best. And a new bill in the U.S. House could help get more people outside.

Get Outside to Celebrate on Public Lands Day

Sep 26, 2019

Earlier this year, Washington’s legislature officially recognized Public Lands Day. It’s coming up on Saturday. Here’s everything you need to know about the day and how you can celebrate.

Hiker Headlines: Celebrating Public Lands with Fee-Free Day, Hike-a-Thon Wins

Sep 19, 2019

There’s a fee-free day coming to our national — and state! — public lands. A new federal transit policy might make it easier for everyone to get outside. The U.S. Forest Service is hiring. The ranger station in Forks is limiting its hours. And WTA's annual Hike-a-Thon wraps up another successful season of fundraising for trails.

Hiker Headlines: Discover Pass Fees, Kids Hike Free, Olympics Campgrounds Close for Season

Sep 12, 2019

The new Transit to Trails bill makes it easier for everyone to get outdoors, nationwide. State park goers might see a Discover Pass fee increase, while fourth graders get a free pass to play outside in national recreation areas. It’s the last weekend to camp at some Olympic National Forest campgrounds. And do you love trails? Apply to be an ambassador!

Hiker Headlines: New E-Bike Rules, Enchantments Parking Changes, Fire Control

Sep 05, 2019

A new federal policy changes the rules regarding e-bikes on trails. Parking is no longer allowed along Eightmile Road. Upcoming road closures may mean re-routing your adventure. And planned fires may have some hikers smelling smoke.

Hiker Headlines: New Boss for Forests, Ellinor Closes, Trails Get Rebooted

Aug 15, 2019

There’s a new Deputy Regional Forester in town, and she’s stoked to supervise. Upcoming trail and road closures mean opportunities for new hiking discoveries. And thanks to our hiking community, trails are successfully getting rebooted.

Nation's Most Important Environmental Law at Risk

Aug 20, 2019

Big changes are being proposed to the country’s first major environmental law — the National Environmental Policy Act, or NEPA. Some of the changes would drastically roll back public comment periods, eliminating the voices of hikers like you in proposals that impact our public lands, and the activities we enjoy on them.

Hiker Headlines: Meteor Showers, Parks Funding, North Cascades Grizzlies

Aug 09, 2019

The Perseids return this weekend. King County voters approved their parks funding. Got opinions on grizzlies? North Cascades wants to hear. And there's a new wilderness designation in Colville.

A Day of Action: Hikers Raise Their Voices on Washington Trails Day

Aug 06, 2019

This Washington Trails Day, thousands of hikers raised their voices for funding on this day of action, hiking and celebrating.

Hiker Headlines: Spokane Parks Need Funding, Cape Horn Reopens, Hunting Season Begins

Aug 01, 2019

Spokane County Parks & Rec is seeking input from hikers on how to allocate funding for 2020. Cape Horn Loop in the Columbia River Gorge has reopened. And hunting season in Washington officially starts today.

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.

Roads, Trails & Red Tape: 5 Federal Public Land Bills Hikers Should Care About

Jul 18, 2019

With August recess approaching, we give you a 5-minute digest of a number of federal bills impacting national public lands we are tracking as they move through Congress.

Love King County Parks? Vote Yes on Prop. 1

Jul 15, 2019

Please join WTA and our local partners in supporting King County Proposition 1, the County Parks Levy. Take the pledge to vote yes on the Aug. 6 ballot.

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.

Celebrating Partnership: WTA and King County Parks

Jun 27, 2019

On Monday, WTA staff joined King County Executive Dow Constantine for a hike on the Margaret’s Way trail. The trail is a strong example of what can happen when a government agency like King County Parks teams up with a non-profit organization like WTA.

Hiker Headlines: Federal Advocacy, Closed Trails, Drought and Ferry County

Jun 13, 2019

It's June 13. WTA has been in the other Washington. A number of toilets are closed at trailheads in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It's really, really dry out on the Olympic Peninsula. And Ferry County is making the most of the recreation economy.

Three State Recreation Organizations Advocate Together for Trails in D.C.

Jun 12, 2019

Last week, WTA’s advocacy director Andrea Imler journeyed to the other Washington with leaders of two other local outdoor recreation organizations, Back Country Horsemen of Washington and Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to speak up in support of public lands and trails.

WTA Launches 'Trails Rebooted' to Upgrade Our Trail System

May 13, 2019

Trails Rebooted is channeling your passion for close-in hikes to reimagine what’s possible for iconic trails and investing in the trail system of tomorrow.

Hiker Headlines: Legislative Debrief, Morning Star Meeting, Big Four Closure, Mount Rainier Chains

May 02, 2019

The state legislative session is over, and there were some big victories mixed with disappointments. You have a chance to learn more about Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area. The Big Four Ice Caves trail bridge is closed. And chains are no longer required at Mount Rainier.

State Budget: The Wins and Losses in the 2019 Legislative Session

Apr 30, 2019

The 2019 legislative session has some big wins and some disappointing losses for state lands. Here's a roundup of decisions that affect public lands and hikers.

Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Win, State Parks, WTA Jobs, PIE

Mar 14, 2019

It’s March 14. The public lands package is a done deal. State Parks have a free day next week. We're hiring! Plus: You should eat some pie today.

Hiker Headlines: Public Lands Victory, Have a Say on Larrabee, Health Benefits of Green Spaces

Feb 28, 2019

It's Feb. 28. A massive lands package — including permanent authorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund — passed Congress. If you use trails at Larrabee State Park, the state would like your input. A much-needed update to maps of the Kettle Crest are in the works. And science proves what a lot of us know — being outside is good for you.

Victory! Congress Passes Public Lands Package

Feb 27, 2019

The package is the largest public lands bill in recent history, and there's plenty to celebrate for hikers in Washington state.

Public Lands Package Heads to House for Consideration

Feb 22, 2019

The House of Representatives will soon consider a robust public lands package that benefits Washington's trails and outdoor spaces. See how you can help.

Hiker Headlines: Digging Out, Peregrine Falcons, St. Helens Permits and Good News for Badger Mountain

Jan 31, 2019

It's Jan. 31. Federal land managers are trying to recover after losing 10 percent of their work year. A section of Cape Horn trail seasonal closure begins to protect nesting peregrine falcons. And some good news for love, fun and Tri-Cities hikers.