Hike-a-Thon 2024: A thank you from Miles the Marmot

By Miles the Marmot

Miles the Marmot here, the official spokesmarmot for Hike-a-Thon — WTA’s annual community fundraiser. Throughout August, hikers came together to build community, support trails and most importantly — have fun! I’ve loved hearing about everyone’s adventures, and I’m so grateful to all who participated or supported a Hike-a-Thoner this year.

Just soaking up the late-afternoon warmth of a rock in Boston Basin, reflecting on how amazing Hike-a-Thoners are. Photo by Jonathan House

WTA depends on the funds raised during Hike-a-Thon to power our work, whether it's trail maintenance, online resources or or other programs that help people get outside.

So far this year:

• Our professional Lost Trails Found crews have cleared more than 62 miles of trail and have removed over 1,836 trees.
• Our two gear libraries in Seattle and Puyallup have helped more than 3,600 youth and families get outside through the Outdoor Leadership Program.
• 2,600 volunteers have dedicated over 94,000 hours working on trails across the state.
• 4 million people have visited the website to connect with expert resources and up-to-date information in our Hiking Guide, hiker educational resources and much more!
• Hikers have written 12,441 trip reports to help share information about trail conditions.

Thank you for helping to make this work possible!

Before I nom some huckleberries and head into my burrow for my long winter nap, I wanted to take a moment to share all of the amazing things you accomplished this year. Thank you!

WTA’s 21st Annual Hike-a-Thon by the numbers:

• Hike-a-Thoners registered: 486
• Teams registered: 80
• Miles hiked: 11,606 — that’s like walking across Washington over 32 times!
• Elevation gained: 1,948,117 feet — the same as more than 135 trips up Mount Rainier from sea level!
• Dollars raised for trails: $189,411.73
• Miles the Marmot sightings: Priceless

Take a look at our Hike-a-Thon Hall of Fame to see the 2024 prize winners. We are so grateful for every hiker who participated!

Sponsors

Hike-a-Thon wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. A big thank you to the following partners that helped make Hike-a-Thon 2024 happen!

Thank you for being part of Hike-a-Thon 2024! We're already looking forward to Hike-a-Thon 2025 for more hiking, fun and memories on trail.