Hiker Headlines: Now hiring, WTA in D.C., free day, wet weekend weather

It’s March 5. WTA is in Washington, D.C. this week for Hike the Hill, advocating for more funding and protections for our public lands. We're also hiring! Next Monday is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday, and parking fees will be waived on state-managed lands. And prepare for a rainy and snowy weekend. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Expect some gray weather this weekend. Photo by crystal907.

Hike the Hill: WTA is in Washington, D.C., this week, advocating for more funding and protections for our public lands. We're working to get the National Parks and Public Lands Legacy Restoration Fund reauthorized — which would provide up to $1.9 billion annually to care for our national parks and forests — so it can keep improving trails, roads, campgrounds and bathrooms on your national public lands. Stay in the loop on how to champion public lands in 2026 by joining our Trail Action Network. 

WTA is hiring! We’re seeking a full-time development coordinator to support the development team with donor communications, record keeping, administrative tasks and workplace giving support. This position is based in WTA’s downtown Seattle headquarters, with a hybrid work model with 2 days per week in-person. Some tasks may require occasional evening or weekend work for special events. The priority application deadline is March 25. 

Fee-free day: Monday, March 9, is Billy Frank Jr.’s birthday! Billy Frank Jr. was a Nisqually Tribal member who advocated for Native American fishing rights. The Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is named after him for his advocacy and work to help preserve the area as a refuge. State lands managed by Washington State Parks, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife will have their parking fees waived on his birthday. 

Rainy and snowy weekend: Snow — and rain at lower elevations — are hitting the mountains this weekend, so be prepared when you hit the trail! Make sure to pack warm and waterproof layers, your Ten Essentials and maybe a warm beverage or two. If you’re hoping to avoid snow, use our Hiking Guide to look for lower-elevation hikes by filtering by high point, and don’t forget to read trip reports before you head out. 

BE IN THE KNOW

• Keep up to date with Trail News, our monthly email newsletter.
• Search our Hiking Guide to find your next adventure.
• Check trip reports for latest conditions on trails. And if you go for a hike, file your own trip report.
• Sign up for Trail Action Network to stay up to date on issues impacting trails and ways to get involved.