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!

WDFW plans 10 years into the future, starting with mule deer in the Methow

Jan 17, 2024

Balancing conservation and access is a process that requires intention. WDFW’s 10-year Recreation Strategy brings a new focus on recreation to their decisions about WDFW lands. One example of that is the work to protect mule deer in the Methow.

WTA's Goals for the State Legislature — and How You Can Help

Jan 09, 2024

Washington state’s legislative session – this year Jan. 8 through March 7 – is an important time for trail advocates like you to speak up in support of public lands and trails as legislators work to prioritize funding and policies for the state. This legislative session, WTA is supporting state land managers’ – Washington State Parks, Department of Natural Resources and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife — funding requests so that they are able to provide high quality recreational experiences on their lands.

DNR wants your input to plan the next 10 years for their lands

Jan 08, 2024

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites you to public meetings in person on Jan. 18 or 23 or online on Feb. 1 or 6 to share your thoughts as the agency develops their Outdoor Access and Responsible Recreation Strategic Plan. This will be DNR’s first statewide plan for recreation, and public input will help shape the plan.

Hiker Headlines: Mountain Loop Highway Closed, WTA is Hiring, Pacific Northwest Trail Plan Released

Dec 14, 2023

WTA is currently hiring for a couple of seasonal positions and one permanent position. Be aware of some road closures that might affect your hiking plans. A portion of the Methow Valley Wildlife Area is closing temporarily to protect the mule deer population. And the Forest Service has released its Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail comprehensive plan.

New Trails for the Teanaway Community Forest

Nov 14, 2023

We’re excited to start trail work in the Teanaway Community Forest — thanks to years of collaboration and careful planning.

A Vision for the Future of the South Mountain Loop Highway

Nov 13, 2023

After 5 years of work, WTA and a cadre of regional experts have completed the south Mountain Loop Highway Trails Vision. This report sets out a vision for the future of this beloved recreation area that is within a one hour drive to 4 million people. It makes suggestions for maintaining key access roads, increasing wheelchair-friendly trail options, maintaining currently inaccessible trails and more.

The Plans for Grizzly Bear Recovery in the North Cascades

Nov 09, 2023

The National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently released a Draft Grizzly Bear Restoration Plan/Environmental Impact Statement with different strategies for recovering this keystone species in the North Cascades Ecosystem. You can read the draft restoration plan and make public comment by the deadline of Nov. 13, 2023.

Index-Galena Road Reopens After 17 Years

Nov 07, 2023

Major flooding washed out the road in 2016. On a drenching November morning, the road reopened, restoring access to popular trails in the Wild Sky Wilderness.

Your Vote in Action: King County Parks Levy

Oct 02, 2023

We look in at the midway point of the King County Parks Levy to check on the trails built and the work accomplished by its funding.

A Washington hiker’s guide to the 2025 federal shutdown

Oct 01, 2025

As national parks, national forests and wildlife refuge operations shutdown and federal employees are furloughed, here's how hikers can still recreate responsibly across the state.

Hiker Headlines: Emerging Leaders Program Hiring, Breaking Ground on New Trail, Mount Rainier Road Closures

Sep 28, 2023

WTA is hiring for its next Emerging Leaders Program cohort! We’re excited to have started work on a new trail in Whatcom County. Some new funding come to Pacific Northwest urban forests and communities. You'll want to plan around some road closures that might affect your upcoming hikes, as well as some upcoming prescribed burns near Trout Lake. And we’re starting to see some snow in the high country!

Dash Point State Park Reveals: WTA is More Than Trails

Oct 02, 2023

Dash Point State Park is a great example of how WTA works in many different ways to create trails for everyone, forever. We are working behind the scenes to fund land management agencies, and we’re working on the ground to rebuild trails. From empowering partners to get their communities outdoors – to helping everyone who gets outdoors to see the part they play in stewarding the places they love, we are building a better future for trails.

WTA Breaks Ground on New Trail Thanks to Planning, Funding, Volunteer Power

Sep 27, 2023

Last week, WTA volunteers cut brush, dug new tread and built retaining walls to begin work on a new 15-mile loop trail around Olsen Creek in Whatcom County. This trail, and the opportunities to get outdoors that it will create, is made possible by years of work by WTA and our partners.

Recreate Responsibly: Reflecting on Three Years of Impact

Oct 04, 2023

The #recreateresponsibly movement was foraged during the pandemic, and has since grown into a national movement. Washington Trails Association and the Mountains to Sound Greenway are continuing to lead the charge in bringing the outdoor recreation community together under an adaptive goal of stewarding responsible recreation.

Hiker Headlines: 30 Years of Trail Maintenance, More Highway 20 Trails Reopen, Hurricane Ridge Road to Close Temporarily

Sep 14, 2023

We’re celebrating 30 years of trail maintenance at WTA! Sept 23 is National Public Lands Day. Take a survey to help Gifford Pinchot National Forest develop a sustainable trails strategy. There are some current and upcoming closures you might want to note when planning your weekend, but — in good news — some of the North Cascades wildfire closures have lifted.

Share Your Hopes for Trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Sep 14, 2023

Gifford Pinchot National Forest is creating a sustainable trail system plan to guide future recreation opportunities across the forest and to support visits to iconic places like High Rock Fire Lookout, Goat Rocks Wilderness, Mount Adams and Mount Saint Helens. The forest’s leadership wants to hear from you by Sept. 30 to learn what you value about access to this landscape and where you see opportunities to better meet needs in the future.

Hiker Headlines: Family-Friendly Work Party, Alpine Lakes Wilderness Survey, Wildfires Rage On

Aug 24, 2023

Join WTA on a family-friendly work party at Panorama Dome on September 2. Take the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Visitors Survey to help shape the future of the area. Wildfires continue across the state.

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Sourdough Mountain Trail and Lakes Angeles Area Closures, FR 25 Closure Reduced

Aug 03, 2023

Parking fees will be waived in some areas tomorrow, Aug. 4, for Great American Outdoors Day. Be aware of some new closures and restrictions, and a reduction in the Forest Road 25 closure. And sign a petition to protect the Green River Valley from mining activity.

Hiker Headlines: Hike-a-Thon, Annette Lake Trail Closure, New Youth Outdoors Funding

Jul 27, 2023

Hike-a-Thon starts Aug. 1! As you’re planning your upcoming trips outside, be aware of closures and fire restrictions. Share your thoughts on a sustainable trails strategy in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. And we’re excited about some new funding to connect youth with the outdoors.

Discover Frog Mountain Trail: A Triumph of Conservation and Recreation in Wild Sky Wilderness

Jul 28, 2023

The opening of the new Frog Mountain Trail in Wild Sky Wilderness is a testament to the power of collaboration, conservation and responsible recreation.

Hiker Headlines: Mountain Loop Hwy Fully Open, More Campfire Restrictions, PNT Win

Jul 20, 2023

The Forest Service approved the comprehensive management plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail, and it is now headed to Congress. The Mountain Loop Highway is fully open! And be aware of some campfire restrictions and closures when you’re planning your hikes in these next few weeks.

Help Shape the Future of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Jul 19, 2023

The Alpine Lakes Collaborative needs your input on the wilderness. Take the survey now.

Major Step Forward for Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail

Jul 14, 2023

The Forest Service has completed a comprehensive management plan for the Pacific Northwest Trail, which runs over 800 miles across Washington. WTA has long supported the development of the trail and we are thrilled by this critical step forward.

Hiker Headlines: Mowich Road Open, Forest Protection Wins, Active Rainbow Fire, A Seattle Times Profile

Jul 13, 2023

Mowich Road at Mount Rainier is open! Be aware of several campfire and recreation use restrictions being put in place, as well as an active wildfire in the Lake Chelan area. Exciting news about some recent forest protections coming about as a result of the Great American Outdoors Act. And WTA’s CEO took a hike with The Seattle Times to outline WTA’s priorities in the outdoor recreation space.

Hiker Headlines: Road and Trail Openings, Hurricane Ridge, New Trail Funding

Jul 06, 2023

Some roads and a trailhead have opened back up, and the Hurricane Ridge area is now allowing more private vehicles each day. Please also be aware of a couple of closures. And WTA is proud to have supported the Puget Sound to Pacific initiative to secure funding for the Great American Rail-Trail.

Hiker Headlines: Hurricane Ridge and Coldwater Areas Reopen, Chiwawa River Road Closure

Jun 22, 2023

This Saturday, June 24, is Washington Trails Day. The Hurricane Ridge area and Mount St. Helens Coldwater area are reopening to the public. The Chiwawa Road has a closure. And wildfire season has started.

Silver Star Vision Plan is a North Star for the Future of a Special Area

Jun 30, 2023

Trails planning is a detailed process. The Silver Star area in Southwest Washington has been the focus of planning work for years. Now we're happy to announce the vision plan for the future of this area is complete!

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Big Four Ice Caves Open, Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Permit Plan, Hike the State

Jun 15, 2023

Plenty of exciting hiking events are coming up, including a fee-free day for Juneteenth, Washington Trails Day and Hike the State. The Big Four Ice Caves are open once again! And we're asking our community to speak up about Mount Rainier National Park’s plan to require permits for entry.

Speak Up for the Trails You Love

Jun 21, 2023

This June 24 is Washington Trails Day, a day in honor of our state’s spectacular outdoors and WTA’s stewardship of and advocacy for trails. This year, WTA is celebrating Washington Trails Day by inviting everyone who loves the outdoors to join our advocate community, Trail Action Network! By Linnea Johnson

Speak Up About Mount Rainier's Plan to Require Permits for Entry

Jun 13, 2023

Mount Rainier National Park has proposed requiring reservation for vehicles to enter the park at popular entrances. The change would limit access to beloved trails that are close to major population center. Washington Trails Association is concerned about this proposal and we’re asking our community to speak up about it by June 26.