News for Families

Get the latest advice for hiking with kids, opportunities for getting out with your family, and hear from family experts in the WTA community.

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Rockstar Community Leaders Champion Outdoor Adventures

Dec 20, 2018

Meet three determined outdoor leaders who led memorable trips for their schools and programs this year.

Celebrate a New Year with Free Hikes at Washington State Parks

Dec 06, 2018

Free, guided hikes and snowshoe trips will be offered all across the state on January 1. Additionally, New Year's Day is a fee-free day. No Discover Pass is required.

Wrap Up: A Working Mom's Year of Backpacking Once a Month

Dec 03, 2018

In January, Washington Trails editor Jessi Loerch set a goal to go backpacking once a month. She reflects on the year's adventures, and what she learned.

3 Organizations That Go Outside to Train the Next Generation of Scientists

Nov 13, 2018

Three ways that graduates from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program are taking kids outside to learn about science and inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.

Starting a Washington Trail Journey Using Trailhead Direct

Oct 24, 2018

With no car and no way to reach trails, Trailhead Direct is a great option for new hikers to start their journey and for seasoned hikers to enjoy as well.

Trailhead Direct to Continue to Provide Trails-to-Transit Service Through October

Oct 08, 2018

Transit services to the Issaquah Alps, Mount Si, and Mailbox Peak will be available until October 28 through the Trailhead Direct.

Interactive Recreation Map Offers More Options for Accessible Hikes

Oct 04, 2018

An interactive map of ADA-compliant trails and features is now available on the Washington State Parks website.

Enhance Your Hikes with 5 Hints From a (Sorta) Famous Person

Nov 30, 2018

How to beat the winter blues and embrace a sense of play? Grab your sequins or a stuffed chicken, recommends guidebook author David Williams.

Teaming Up with Northwest Youth Corps Up in the Pasayten

Jul 23, 2018

Thanks to WTA supporters and new partnerships, a Lost Trails Youth Corps crew will spend five weeks fixing hard-to-reach sections of trail in the Pasayten Wilderness.

Youth Ambassadors Do it Again!

Aug 08, 2018

Hard hat's off to another successful year of WTA's Youth Ambassador Program. This year’s Youth Ambassadors went above and beyond the expectations, setting an even higher bar for the class of 2018-19.

Being a New Mom Was Hard. Hiking Helped.

Jul 24, 2018

Shanti Hodges is the creator of Hike It Baby, and the author of a new book featuring hikes you can enjoy with your whole family.

Scavenger Hunts: Finding Fun on Trail

Jul 18, 2018

When you go hiking with your kids, add a scavenger hunt for a new level of fun. | By Wendy Gorton

How Hiking With My Father Shaped My Life

Jun 04, 2018

Kate Galambos has been exploring the outdoors with her father from the time she was young.

Like a Boss -- One Youth Volunteer Learns to Lead on Trail

May 22, 2018

Learn how Haylee Darby went from volunteer to youth ambassador to assistant crew leader.

The Three Cs: Raising a Child Who Loves Nature

Apr 04, 2018

Krista Dooley, parent and the youth and volunteer programs director at WTA, on how a simple walk in the woods with her young daughter builds curiosity, courage and confidence.

Progress Report: Backpacking All Year

Apr 05, 2018

Washington Trails editor and mom Jessi Loerch set a goal for herself to backpack once a month this year. She's on track, and finding the sweet spot between spending alone time in the wilderness and sharing nature with some close friends.

Learning Skills, Building Strength on All-Girls Work Parties

Apr 04, 2018

For 10 years, WTA's all-girl trips have empowered young women on trail.

Earth Day Hikes for Your Family

Apr 03, 2018

Celebrate Earth Day with the whole family this year. Here are several tree-hugger hikes that will allow hikers of all ages to appreciate Washington's beauty.

Advice from a Park Ranger: Plan Your Best Vacation at Olympic National Park

Dec 11, 2018

Find a quiet corner of one of America's most popular national parks with this advice from a ranger who works there.

Go Camping with your Family this Winter

Feb 02, 2018

Winter and early spring are a great time to go camping with your family. Here's why, and some tips on how to do it.

Prepare Yourself: Backcountry Trip Signups Are Coming

Jan 23, 2018

WTA's backcountry trips are some of the most popular volunteer events we host. Learn how you can be the best prepared for when registration opens.

Where are They Now? Simon van Tulder, Youth Ambassador

Feb 15, 2018

Learn how a past Youth Ambassador is using his leadership development to further his passion for engineering.

How a Teacher Is Opening Up a Whole New World for Seattle Teens

Dec 27, 2017

We sit down with Center School teacher Alex Scilletta to find out how a simple snowshoe adventure can make a difference in the lives of students.

Youth Volunteers Restore Years of Neglect on Ingalls Creek Trail

Feb 23, 2018

This past summer, a group of 10 dedicated teens spent sixteen days camped beside Ingalls Creek, improving one of the key access routes to the Stuart Range and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Think You Can't Go Camping Every Month? This Mom Did.

Nov 30, 2017

Find out what worked for mom and Washington Trails editor Jessi Loerch.

Help Save the Every Kid in a Park Program

Oct 10, 2017

Now in its second year, the Every Kid in a Park program has allowed hundreds of thousands of fourth graders from around the country to gain free entry to over 400 National Parks and Monuments. Although the successful program has already been approved for a third year, Congress has recently delayed action on a bill that would have made the program permanent.

Youth Ambassador Program Reaches New Heights

Jun 20, 2017

Over the past nine months, WTA's youth ambassadors have blown us away with their creativity, hard-work and dedication to the hiking community. Whether they hail from Darrington, Olympia, Yakima or Stanwood, our ambassadors have been giving back in more ways than we could have ever imagined.

With WTA Support, Community Partners Get Youth Outside

Jun 23, 2017

This spring, our youth program worked with more than 15 organizations to bring hundreds of kids, tweens and teens out for at least one day of service. Over the past few months, WTA has been honored to partner with such a diverse range of schools and youth groups across the state.

Youth Involvement Leads to Improved Trail Resources

Jul 24, 2017

Ingrid Phillips, an avid hiker, backpacker, and sea kayaker, is a sophomore at Stanwood high school, and member of WTA’s 2016-2017 Youth Ambassador cohort. This winter, she worked with an elementary school class to improve trail visibility on Camano Island.

Father's Day: Life Lessons from Time on the Trail with Dad

Jun 16, 2017

From how to start a fire to developing a sense of wonder, outdoor fathers have a lot to give.