Hike-a-Thon Frequently Asked Questions

Hike-a-Thon is Washington Trails Association's favorite fundraising event of the year. Every year, hikers collect donations from family and friends, then spend the month of August hiking the mountains, the coasts and everywhere in between. Have a question? The answer is probably here.

What is Hike-a-Thon?

Hike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event where hikers have an opportunity to support WTA and celebrate their love of being outdoors. Throughout August, Hike-a-Thon participants hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington.

After registering, participants set up and customize their own fundraising webpage (provided by WTA) and share the page with friends, family or anyone else wanting to support trails in Washington. Participants can raise one time donations or receive donations per mile or per hike.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Registration for this year's Hike-a-Thon is now open! You can register on WTA's dedicated Hike-a-Thon page. Hike-a-Thoners can participate as individuals or as a team.

Is there a registration fee?

No! Registering for Hike-a-Thon is free.

Once you raise $40, you will receive a 2026 Hike-a-Thon t-shirt. You are welcome to get your fundraising started by donating $40 yourself. Hike-a-Thon shirts are available in unisex and youth sizing. All shirts have a crewneck neckline.

A grey t-shirt for Hike-a-Thon 2026

What prizes can I win?

Prizes are awarded for reaching fundraising benchmarks. The more you raise, the more prizes you get! We'll also have fun weekly challenges that once completed, will enter you into a prize drawing. Check out this year's prizes!

Who can hike for Hike-a-Thon?

Anyone who loves to spend time outdoors can participate in Hike-a-Thon! There are no age restrictions.

Can I hike as part of a team?

Yes! You’ll create a team webpage for your entire team which displays your team's fundraising goal. When you register, follow the directions to create a team.

If you would like to hike as a family, simply register your family members as a team.

Do my Hike-a-Thon donors become WTA members?

Yes. Any donation is eligible for WTA membership. All donations made to Washington Trails Association through Hike-a-Thon are tax-deductible.

Do I need to hike on named trails in order to log hiking miles?

No. To promote the many different ways hikers connect with nature, Hike-a-Thon miles do not need to be on a named trail.

Can I hike in other states and countries for Hike-a-Thon — or only in Washington?

Any mile hiked anywhere in the world can count as a Hike-a-Thon mile.

Will my employer match my donations or participation hours?

Many companies will match donations or employee participation in cause-related events. Check with your employer’s HR department. Remind your supporters to check to see if their employer will match their donations to your fundraising page too!

Some companies, such as Microsoft, will match your hours spent promoting your Hike-a-Thon campaign. They typically will NOT match hours spent hiking.

In order for company matches to be counted towards your Hike-a-Thon fundraising goal, please email miles@wta.org with a screenshot of the match request or a receipt showing the match was requested with the date and the amount. All match information must be received by September 8 to be counted towards this year's Hike-a-Thon.

Can my company sponsor Hike-a-Thon?

Yes. Sponsorship opportunities are always available for any business that wants to support the event. Contact our development team at corporate@wta.org for more information.

Have a question not answered here?

Email us! We'd love to hear from you. Contact Miles the Marmot at miles@wta.org.