Hikes Near Home

Sometimes, a long drive to the trailhead just isn't in the cards. But luckily, Washington is home to many urban and close-in greenspaces that are available for exploration.

Trip reports for the soul: How writing trip reports shifted my entire perspective

I made a goal to write 100 trip reports in a year. I didn’t expect it to change the way I thought about hiking. | By Tiffany Chou

Why I hike through cities

Jan 21, 2025

Most urban centers in Washington provide ample green space and pedestrian infrastructure to support refreshing strolls, invigorating day hikes or epic feats of endurance. Incorporate urban walks into your ventures outside this year.

Hiker Headlines: #LoveLocalTrails giveaway, North Cascades permit fee changes, Forest road hazards

Feb 01, 2024

Take part in our #LoveLocalTrails giveaway in this February! Join WTA and Pierce County Parks to learn more about safe winter recreation virtually on Feb. 17. North Cascades National Park is implementing a new permit fee structure in March of this year. Be aware of a couple of road hazards in Olympic National Forest this week, as well as delays on SR 18 next to Tiger Mountain if you’ve got any sunrise or sunset hiking plans.

Love Local Trails

The annual #LoveLocalTrails giveaway is now open through February 28! Winners will be announced in early March via Instagram story.

Urban Trails Become Winter Wonderlands

Suggestions for finding hikes near you, even in the dark, wet winter months. By Craig Romano

From Mud to Magnificent: How WTA Helped Transform a Neighborhood Park

Mar 21, 2023

WTA, in partnership with other groups, helps transform the muddy trails in Whipple Creek Park into a neighborhood greenspace fit for year-round use by hikers, bikers, equestrians and more.

Hiker Headlines: Free Day, Mount Rainier Permits, Great Backyard Bird Count

Feb 16, 2023

Monday is Presidents Day, and parking fees in some areas will be waived. The Mount Rainier National Park early access reservation lottery opens on Feb. 21. Part of the Cowiche Canyon Preserve has been permanently closed. The Great Backyard Bird Count is this weekend. And, be prepared for snow this weekend.

21 Places To Take Your Kids This Winter

In the winter, getting out with kids can feel like a lot — but it's worth it, even if you barely make it out of the parking lot. Here are 21 winter hikes to try when you want to keep it chill. Some are short and sweet, and some can be extended if you discover your kid has energy to spare.

WTA's Favorite Hikes Close to Home

We help you get outside year round, but we know that can get harder in the winter. Get ideas from WTA staffers on where we go (and why) when we need a close-to-home escape.

Walking Through Past and Present: Seattle's Redlining Heritage Trail

The Redlining Heritage Trail offers a path to understanding, strength and empowerment | By Emi Okikawa

Wastewater Treatment Trails: These Hikes Don't Stink

Want to visit one of the most underrated destinations for year-round hiking? Check out your local wastewater-treatment plant. No, really.

Prescribing the Power of Parks

A new program in Whatcom County is helping doctors prescribe outdoor exercise to their patients | by Jessi Loerch

Escape to Nature Close to Home

Where to find solace in natural areas, even when the snow keeps you from the wilderness.

The Beauty and Power of Urban Forests

Apart from the pleasure of a green view, there are many tangible benefits associated with urban forests, including improved mental and physical health, economic advantages and community health | by Keiko Betcher

Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Spokane

No matter which part of Spokane you live in, there is sure to be a great hike nearby. Whether you're looking for a peak, a prairie or a ponderosa forest on the riverbank, they're all within reach.

Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Vancouver

From stunning views and the cascading waterfalls of the Columbia River Gorge to wide-open reaches of grasslands and marshes, Vancouver and Portland couldn't be more perfectly situated for reaching some incredible Washington trails in no time.

Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Bellingham

From the lofty heights of the Chuckanuts to beach-combing on Padilla Bay, Bellingham is just minutes from an incredible diversity of trails.

Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Seattle

Seattle has some wild refuges right in the city and plenty of nearby trails that can be hiked all year round. Waterfalls, views, old-growth forests thick with ferns — they're all right here.

Hikes Within 30 Minutes of Tacoma

From forested ravines, to ecological rarities, to pebble beaches, to views of the Sound — it's all within reach in Tacoma.

Beaver Lake Park

I went for a quick 30 min walk at lunch to stretch my legs. I passed two other hikers, one stopped at the little library near the pavilion. There were about 20 cars in the parking lot most of whom ...