Features from Magazine

WTA's guide to charging backcountry electronics

Phones and other electronics have become a key tool for modern hikers. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your electronics charged while on trail. By Joseph Gonzalez

Hey bear! Years of delightful bear encounters on trail

When you spend a lot of time on trail, you get a lot of chances to see bears. Here are some of my favorite stories from the thousands of miles I've hiked. By Craig Romano

How WTA is building trails for a changing world

Washington needs resilient trail systems — WTA is helping to build a trail system that can stand up to the test of climate change. | By Andrea Waite

How learning the ways of the crosscut saw helped one hiker foster joy outdoors

Crystal Hudelson is a climber, volunteer and BIPOC community leader. Here's how learning how to use and refurbish crosscut saws brought her closer to community. By Joseph Gonzalez

Sharing the weight and sharing the love: 14 things to share with your partner on trail

Romantic partner? Platonic hiking companion? We won’t define your relationship — that’s up to you. But whoever you’re hiking with, here are a few lovable nuggets to consider for your next outing. By Joseph Gonzalez

How to pick a pair of snowshoes

Snowshoes open up a whole new world in winter — here’s what to consider if you're looking for a pair. By Sandra Saathoff.

A cure for trail burnout

If you’re feeling a bit blah about hiking, these tips can help you find the spark again. By Craig Romano

Subtle signs: tips for winter wildlife tracking

Winter is the ideal time to slow down and look for the subtle signs of wildlife on trail. Here are some tips to get you started. By Jack Shaw

My year at Rainier: A goal to hike all of the mountain's trails

One hiker’s quest to see it all, and how WTA helped her get there. | By Catherine Vine

Celebrating 10 years of real hikers writing for WTA

If you've used our Hiking Guide to access Mount Si, Rattlesnake Ledge, Oyster Dome or Beacon Rock, you can thank a volunteer writer. Now, we're celebrating that team, and reflecting on 10 years of their generous contributions to the hiking community in Washington. | By Anna Roth

A celebration of Jim Langdon and 100 volunteer vacations

Nearly 20 years ago, Jim Langdon decided to try out a volunteer vacation, figuring he could leave if it wasn't fun. Over 100 trips later, he still hasn't left. By Erin McMillin

Community and generosity: WTA volunteers are amazing

Volunteers power WTA, and they do it all. Trail work. Hike research. Public education. Tool cache construction, trail advocacy, app development … the list goes on (and even includes unexpected things like pie delivery and 3-D printing). | By Anna Roth