Features from Magazine

Gary Paull: A Champion for Public Lands

From the office to the outdoors, Gary Paull worked hard for trails throughout his long career with the U.S. Forest Service | by Anna Roth

Help a Hiker: Write a Trip Report

Three prolific trip reporters explain why they love writing up their hikes—and why you should too | by Cassandra Overby

Resolve to Go Outside More

Over the years, I’ve made many New Year’s resolutions. I almost never kept them. Then I resolved to hike more. | by Jessi Loerch

A Day in the Life of a Winter Crew Leader

Between building new trails and repairing damaged ones in preparation for the coming spring and summer, WTA crew leaders have multiple projects to balance when the weather turns cold and rainy. | Story and photos by Erika Haugen-Goodman

Building Bridges

All over the state, WTA is fostering stronger connections between people and places | by Anna Roth

When You Give a Stranger a Canoe

Three stories of exceptional generosity on trail | by Cassandra Overby

Pacific Northwest Trail and the Recreation Economy

Forty years ago, the Pacific Northwest Trail was created. Today, the trail helps support dozens of gateway communities, and brings together hikers from across the country. A section of this historic trail is at risk of becoming lost, threatening the local economies that it supports | by Rachel Wendling

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

The Science of Larches

Why they grow here, why they lose their needles and why they they turn such a glowing gold | by Melissa Ozbek

Determined to Hike

Tales of four outdoor enthusiasts who are redefining what's possible.

Youth Go Alone

When is your teenager ready to hike or explore the outdoors alone? Here are five steps to ensure your teen is prepared to safely venture out on trails without you | by Cassandra Overby

Saving Mount St. Helens

Most stories of Mount St. Helens tell the tale of the volatile volcano and the death and destruction it caused. There’s another volatile story to tell about Mount St. Helens, however. The fight to save the land around the volcano, both before and after the 1980 explosion, is a fascinating case study of the preservation of public land.