Stories & News

Get the latest news, how-to advice, and feature articles about the trail community, the current hiking season and issues impacting trails you love.

Get local news, how-to advice, and feature articles about our trail community, the current hiking season in Washington and issues impacting trails you love.

Learn more about: WTA member magazine | Signpost blog

Protect our national forests with thoughtful designation of roads, trails and areas for motorized vehicles

Sep 15, 2026

For decades, the U.S. Forest Service has worked to protect soil, water, wildlife and vegetation — and promote the safety of all visitors, including hikers — by designating certain areas in national forests as open to off-road vehicles and keeping other areas closed to motorized travel. Right now, the administration is proposing to throw out that system. Take 30 seconds to speak up for national forest trails.

Hike-a-Thon 2026: An incredible community effort to support trails

Sep 14, 2026

In August, Hike-a-Thoners hit the trail to have fun and help raise funds for WTA.

Hiker Headlines: PCT to northern terminus, White River Road at Rainier reopen; now hiring

Sep 10, 2026

Next Thursday, Sept. 17, is a fee-free day on federal lands! WTA is hiring for our Emerging Leaders Program. Exciting news — several trails and roads have reopened after fire closures. The Forest Service has released new details on the agency’s reorganization. And, here’s some news about closures that might affect your outdoor plans, including a long-term one at Larrabee State Park.

WTA statement on ICE arrest of family members camping on public lands

Sep 09, 2026

We are deeply disturbed by the recent report that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials arrested five people who were camping with their families in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. WTA believes that everyone should have opportunities to get outside and enjoy the benefits of time in nature.

Hiker Headlines: Last call for Hike-a-Thon donations; Hoh River Bridge closures; WTA in the news

Sep 03, 2026

Get your last donations in for Hike-a-Thon before Sept. 8. Our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is underway — submit your photos now! There are several closures that may affect hikers, including a couple of new fire closures, and some upcoming construction closures. And the great work WTA volunteers do on trail was highlighted in the Seattle Times this week!

Why hikers are worried about reorganizing the Forest Service

Sep 01, 2026

In March, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture announced a reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service that would move the agency’s headquarters and close 50 of the agency’s 70 research stations. This summer’s fires highlight what this change is risking — for landscapes and communities.

The Woods Project: Empowering youth, one outdoor adventure at a time

Aug 28, 2026

The Woods Project connects high school students to the outdoors — leading to unforgettable memories and powerful moments of growth and empowerment. By Mandy Kwan.

Hiker Headlines: More Dambo trolls, Thunder Creek Fire closures, last call for Hike the State

Aug 27, 2026

Join WTA online for Hike the State on Sept. 2! More trails have been closed by fires or construction work. And, more Dambo trolls are coming to Washington state!

Hiker Headlines: Comment now about Ancient Lakes backpacking; Glacier Peak Wilderness, PCT fire closures

Aug 20, 2026

More fire closures were announced this week, including a major closure on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. However, portions of Riverside State Park and Spokane River Centennial State Park Trail have reopened after recent fires. There's a proposal to ban backpacking in the Ancient Lakes area — you can share if backpacking there is important to you. And the Cowlitz Tribe celebrated the successful reintroduction of Chinook salmon to the North Fork Toutle River this summer!

Act now to protect Roadless Rule and 45 million acres — 10 stunning images show what's at risk

Aug 18, 2026

For the past generation, the Roadless Rule has kept more than a quarter of our national forests safe. Right now, those protections are at risk, but you can take 30 seconds to speak up.

Comment on the proposal to ban camping at Ancient Lakes

Aug 18, 2026

Due to concerns about sanitation and campfires, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) has proposed closing Central Washington’s Ancient Lakes area to camping starting on January 1, 2027.

Hiker Headlines: Fire responses close trails in Mount Rainier, Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Perseids peak, snap to win

Aug 12, 2026

It’s Aug. 12. Mount Rainier National Park has closed roads and trails in the Sunrise and White River area of the park to respond to a fire in Grand Park. The Forest Service has closed roads, trails and campgrounds near the Three Queens Fire, including a large portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. Spokane takes stock of fire damage, and large parts of the state suffer unhealthy air conditions and ongoing fire danger. The Perseid meteor shower will peak this week.

New ways to win during the Northwest Exposure Photo Contest

Aug 10, 2026

WTA's annual photo contest is now open! Show us your best photos from all across the state!

Hiker Headlines: More fire closures, photo contest opening soon, fee-free day

Aug 06, 2026

WTA’s annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest is opening soon! We’re also hiring for a multiday trip program coordinator. This Sunday is Smokey Bear’s birthday and a fee-free day on state-managed lands. And it’s been a fire-heavy week, with more closures across the state.

From trails to trains: WTA on Sound Transit

Jul 31, 2026

At WTA, we love taking transit to trails. This summer, we're bringing trails to transit with our first partnership with Sound Transit! Here's to the photographers that made it possible.

Hiker Headlines: Little Giant Pass, PCT Northern Terminus, Rachel Lake and more fire closures

Jul 30, 2026

Tomorrow is World Ranger Day! WTA is hiring for an Outdoor Leadership Training Gear Library Assistant. Maintenance projects will temporarily close some trailheads on Highway 20 in August, including Rainy Pass. And fires are burning across the state, resulting in dozens of trail closures.

A Pathway to Outdoor Leadership: Connecting communities to nature

Jul 28, 2026

Jane Tesner Kleiner shares her path to the outdoors and experience building community with Nature+Play Designs and the Lower Columbia Nature Network.

10 things I’ve learned about hiking with a kid

Jul 27, 2026

My 4-year-old and I have done a lot of hiking. When we’re nearing the top of whatever we’re climbing, we’re often asked, “Wow! How did you get up here?” Every kid is wired differently, but here are 10 things that have worked for us. By Lily Niland.

Hiker Headlines: More fires; road, trail closures; last call for Hike-a-Thon

Jul 23, 2026

It’s the final call for Hike-a-Thon! There’s been a lot of fire activity this week, and there are multiple fire closures in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and North Cascades National Park, as well as new fire restrictions. And be aware of some other road and trail closures, too.

Tell us how you enjoy the North Hood Canal area — and help shape its future

Jul 22, 2026

The Olympic Peninsula Outdoor Recreation Collaborative is considering how recreation in the North Hood Canal can be improved for the future, including management of the Dosewallips River Road. WTA is part of the collaborative’s core team. Take a survey to contribute your thoughts on this special place.

Hiker Headlines: Trail and road closures, a new trail bypass, burn bans, plan your fall hiking

Jul 16, 2026

It's July 16. The Palouse to Cascades Trail has a new bypass for a section of trail that washed out at Olallie State Park. The Pratt River Trail will be closed for a few day for trail work. DNR is adding a burn ban for campfires and other burning in Eastern Washington. If you're going to be on U.S. 2 near Leavenworth, be prepared for some delays. And we hope you'll join us for Hike the State in September to get free hiking recommendations! Here's some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

1 year, 1 trail, 12 hikes

Visiting the same trail every month helped me find calm and stability in a particularly challenging year | By McKenna Princing

Alpine Lakes Wilderness: 1 landscape, 50 years, lasting inspiration

Jul 10, 2026

This year marks a major milestone. Alpine Lakes Wilderness celebrates 50 years on July 12, the day that it was designated as wilderness five decades ago.

Hiker Headlines: Forest Service funding, Staircase area reopens, closure at High Rock and Hidden Lake Lookout, upcoming fun

Jul 09, 2026

WTA joined Sen. Patty Murray to discuss concerns about cuts to Forest Service funding and staffing. The developed area at Staircase on the Olympic Peninsula has reopened after a yearlong closure! However, be aware of some other closures, like the High Rock trail and the road to Hidden Lake. Hike-a-Thon registration has begun and check other fun events are coming up.

Hike-a-Thon is back! Be ready to hit the trail in any weather with this year’s prizes.

Jul 07, 2026

Bottles, backpack covers and more! This year’s Hike-a-Thon prizes are here.

Congress works to fund trails in 2027 and beyond — you can help

Jul 06, 2026

Funding is critical to protect our national public lands and keep them open for people to enjoy. WTA is heartened to see Congress’s recent progress to fund trails in 2027 and beyond. Take 60 seconds to ask Congress to provide the vital funding that our outdoor places need.

What's your why? Statewide party celebrates Washington Trails Day

Jul 02, 2026

Hikers and volunteers shared their love for trails in Washington's statewide celebration of trails -- Washington Trails Day.

Outdoors for All's Favorite Trails (Accessible Trails Near Seattle)

Get tips on what information trip reporters can share to help trail users of all abilities and organizations like Outdoors for All find the right trail for them.

Hiker Headlines: Sunrise Road opening, fee-free weekend, be careful with fire

Jul 02, 2026

We’ve got a big weekend coming up: Sunrise Road opens on July 4, and there are some fee-free days on federal lands. More fires have broken out, including at Lyle Cherry Orchard trail and in North Cascades National Park. And construction is closing roads for several weeks, including the road to Rialto Beach.

Building community and trails: WTA work parties for veterans

Jul 01, 2026

Veterans are finding belonging while supporting trails at volunteer work parties. By Joseph Gonzalez