How to hit more trails with help from WTA

Is “hike more” one of your goals this year? If so, we’re here to help. We know, however, that many folks can’t get out as much as they like. Over the years, WTA has gathered feedback from community members about what keeps them from hiking as much as they want to. We recognize those challenges — we have many of them, too — and we have tips and tricks to help make your hiking dreams a reality.

If you’re ready to break out of your hiking routines and find a new trail, our Hiking Guide has more than 4,040 hikes to browse. While that number can look overwhelming, our filters make it easy to find what you’re looking for (waterfalls, hikes appropriate for dogs or kids, wildflowers and so much more). If you’re looking for some custom recommendations, save hikes you already like to your My Backpack account on wta.org and our recommender will share additional hikes similar to the ones you like for you to explore.

Use WTA's Hiking Guide to filter hikes based on preferences, like waterfalls and wildflowers. Photo by Paul Raymaker

We have two approaches to handle this challenge, best used in combination.

• The Trail Next Door
• For 3 years, WTA has been increasing our work on trails that are in or near urban areas through the Trail Next Door campaign.
  
  
• Learn more about this work at wta.org/trailnextdoor

First, look for close-to-home hikes. Especially in winter, nearby trails offer all the benefits of time in nature, with less travel time. Washington has an incredible variety of “trails next door.” It can also help to remember that walks in your local neighborhood or nearby parks count as hikes. Challenge yourself to look for new signs of nature on routes you visit often; the changing seasons can completely alter what plants and animals you see. 

Our second bit of advice is to look for ways to minimize the preparation time for your adventures. Keep your pack stocked with the Ten Essentials (plus extra layers in winter). Pack your lunch or snacks the night before so you can get out the door quickly.

A proper first aid kit should be in every gear list. Photo by Erika Haugen-Goodman.

You’re not alone in this sentiment, which means there are lots of groups dedicated to getting people outside together. WTA maintains a robust list of community hiking groups that are a great place to start when looking for people to hike with, wta.org/hikinggroups. Might we also suggest checking out a WTA volunteer work party as a place to look for your next hiking buddy? You’ll meet other folks who certainly have the interest in common. And, while you’re potentially finding a new hiking companion, you’ll also gain a better appreciation for how the trails you hike on get maintained. 

That’s great you want to get outside with youth, and WTA is here to help. Our Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program has 10 years of experience helping leaders take groups of youth outdoors. Whether you’re looking to take a Scouting troop snowshoeing for the first time or lead a science class of fifth graders on a camping trip, we can help. WTA offers workshops to help you and your fellow leaders feel ready to host a safe and fun outdoor experience for young people. After you’ve attended an OLT workshop, wta.org/olt, you can borrow gear for your group (for free!) so that everyone is well-equipped for your adventure.

OLT programming can help equip you and your youth group with the skills you need to get outside. Photo by Charlie Wakenshaw

Suggestions from WTA staff

“Reframing how you think about hiking or simply going outside can help you find more motivation to plan ahead. Reframe the walk as your ‘reset time’ or your hike as your ‘exploration-and-think-less space.’ Never forget that taking the time to hike or go outside is beneficial to your mental and physical health. Allow yourself to just do it the way you want to!” — MJ Sampang

“Whenever I have a day where my first meeting isn’t until 9 a.m. or later (especially in the summer, but this time of the year too), I reach out to my hiking buddies who have a similar start-work time to meet for a pre-work hike. I will almost always hit the snooze button if I’m planning a solo sunrise hike, but my accountability buddies make me drag myself out of bed every time.” — Holly Weiler

“I have a standing calendar appointment for a daily walk outside, no matter the weather.”
— rza allen

“Staging your gear — including extra layers — the night before is key! Getting dressed and loading up the car is half the battle. If you’ve made it that far, you’re definitely gonna hike.” — Joe Gonzalez