Hiker Headlines: Register for WTA backcountry trips, Hiker Happy Hours, WTA is hiring

It’s Feb. 19. In WTA’s world: Registration for backcountry trail work parties opens this Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m., we’re hiring for a Central Puget Sound trail crew leader and we hope you’ll join us for a youth spring break camp and some of our Hiker Happy Hours coming up soon! Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Ready to sign up for a backcountry volunteer trip with WTA this year? Registration opens this Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m.! Photo by Joe Gonzalez.

Backcountry work party launch: WTA’s backcountry volunteer work party trip schedule is now available to preview!⁠ Check out the schedule online, read up on what to do to prepare for a backcountry trip and consider completing a few steps before registration so it goes as smoothly as possible (including creating a My Backpack account and filling out your medical history and backcountry experience forms). Registration for our backcountry volunteer trips opens this Saturday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. 

WTA is hiring: We are currently hiring for a full-time trail crew leader in the Central Puget Sound area. This position will lead volunteers on single and multiday work parties in the region, primarily in King County, and will be based at WTA’s North Bend tool cache. The priority application deadline is March 5.

In defense of the Roadless Rule: Since 2001, the Roadless Area Conservation Rule has protected 58 million acres of our national forests. Four former Forest Service chiefs explain why they see this as "one of the boldest conservation measures in American history" and how it benefits all Americans. The short answer: clean drinking water, access to the outdoors and boosting the economy.

Hiker Happy Hour: Join WTA staff and other folks who love the outdoors at a Hiker Happy Hour near you! These events give you a chance to connect with fellow hikers, learn what’s next for trails in your area and how to get involved. Your tickets include a complimentary drink ticket, appetizers and a 1-year membership to WTA; register in advance online. We’ll be in Portland on March 12 from 5–7 p.m., Spokane on March 26 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and Ellensburg on April 2 from 5–7 p.m. 

Spring break trail work for teens: Local youth aged 14–18 are invited to join WTA for a fun spring break camp from April 7–9 at Larrabee State Park in Bellingham. Over the course of 3 days, the crew will travel from high in the timber all the way down to the intertidal zone, improving trails in the morning and exploring different mysteries of nature in the afternoon. Participants can earn up to 6 service hours for each day of camp. Register online today!

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.