Volunteer News

The stories of our volunteers and trail maintenance around the state.

Stories about volunteers and trail maintenance.

You can also read WTA volunteer stories, meet our hardworking crew leaders, and see standout volunteers at the Rock Wall of Fame.

Storms Take Toll on Trails

Jan 25, 2012

The past week of snow, ice and wind have taken their toll on a number of trails throughout the state, and particularly in King County where WTA trail crews and hikers have reported many downed trees and debris.

Looking for the Next Leader of the Trails Program

Nov 12, 2011

Karen Daubert's first week on the job took her to two volunteer appreciation events on opposite sides of the state. She saw first-hand the commitment and love for trails that WTA's volunteers have. Now she is appealing to you to help find the next leader of WTA's trails program.

WTA Recognizes the Work of Volunteers

Nov 08, 2011

Volunteers crowded into the REI conference room Friday evening to hear stories of how much their hard work has impacted trails this year.

WTA Celebrates National Public Lands Day

Sep 28, 2011

WTA helped celebrate our national public lands by taking 151 volunteers out on 13 work parties for this year's National Public Lands Day.

Signature Project: Pacific Crest Trail

Washington Trails Association volunteers spent 5,524 hours repairing the Pacific Crest Trail in 2011.

Pete Dewell Nears 1000 Days on the Trail

Sep 27, 2011

Of the 29,565 days (give or take a couple hundred) that he has been living, Pete Dewell has given 1000 of those days to trail work. On October 13th, at age 81, he will become the first WTA crew-leader to hit 1000 days of all-volunteer trail work with WTA.

Midnight Deadline for Cape Horn Match

Sep 15, 2011

The National Forest Foundation will DOUBLE all gifts made to WTA's Cape Horn Trail project by midnight tonight, September 15. They will match your gift, dollar-for-dollar, up to our $13,000 goal.

Chance to Give Back to Trails on National Public Lands Day

Sep 14, 2011

Washington Trails Association is fielding a dozen trail work opportunities for hikers on National Public Lands Day. There is something for everyone on the schedule - a Volunteer Vacation, two Backcountry Response Teams, a weekend work party, a family work party, a celebration, and a half-dozen other one-day work parties spread across the state.

Amgen Foundation Grant Supports Youth Volunteers

Sep 29, 2011

The Amgen Foundation has awarded the WTA youth program a $15,000 grant. Two employees also helped out by delivering ice cream to a group of high school volunteers in August.

WTA Meets with Rep. Herrera Beutler to Discuss Trail Funding

Aug 25, 2011

WTA and other user groups met last week with Representative Jaime Herrera Buetler (3rd district) to discuss trails funding.

The Glacier Basin Trail is Finished

Aug 03, 2011

Four hundred volunteers, 151 days of work parties, 17,450 hours of labor - and now a new Glacier Basin trail to transport hikers to Glacier Basin, one of the most popular hiking destinations in Mount Rainier National Park.

Spotlight on on Mount Baker

Jul 21, 2011

When you volunteer in the Mount Baker District, you'll join a community of fun-loving volunteers who come from Bellingham, Everett, and Seattle. They come for the scenery, sure. They also come for the camaraderie. Some come back again and again to work with WTA's chief Northwest Washington crew leader, Arlen Bogaards. And a few come because they feel a strong connection to the Mount Baker area.

Guemes Mountain Trail Opens

Jun 20, 2011

WTA started working on the Guemes Mountain trail in fall 2010 and we are excited that this sweet hike to some great views is now open.

What Your Summer is Missing

Jun 03, 2011

WTA Trains New Crew Leaders

Apr 19, 2011

WTA trained assistant crew leaders during back-to-back weeks this April. By setting aside time for training in the spring, we ensure that all of our volunteers, from our first-time green hats to our most seasoned crew leaders, will enjoy quality experiences on trail.

Signs of Spring: Volunteer Vacations

Apr 04, 2011

The first sign of spring at WTA is the beginning of our Volunteer Vacations. An intrepid (and eager) crew of 11 volunteers hiked into the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park on Saturday. They're working this week on a reroute of the trail about 4 miles in and tackling a couple of the big blowdowns a half-mile further up the trail.

Skagit Land Trust Honors Three from WTA

Mar 25, 2011

WTA is finishing up work on Guemes Mountain, one of our ten signature projects for 2011. In appreciation for their hard work, the Skagit Land Trust is giving its annual Stewardship Award to three members of the WTA trail community - WTA field director Alan Carter Mortimer, WTA crew leader Arlen Bogaards and volunteer crew leader Pete Dewell.

WTA is hiring seasonal field staff

Jan 12, 2011

Spend the summer with WTA trail crews

The WTA Bridge Dedicated

Oct 11, 2010

On October 7th, 40 people gathered in King County's Grand Ridge Park for the dedication of the newly-christened "WTA Bridge."

Sun + Volunteers = Great Day

Sep 28, 2010

On one of the most beautiful Saturdays of the entire hiking season, more than 120 WTA volunteers joined one of seven work parties that celebrated National Public Lands Day.

National Trails Day a Success!

Jun 09, 2010

Kicking off the "trail maintenance season" on National Trails Day, Washington Trails Association partners helped ensure a successful day of giving back.