Stories & News

Get the latest news, how-to advice, and feature articles about the trail community, the current hiking season and issues impacting trails you love.

Get local news, how-to advice, and feature articles about our trail community, the current hiking season in Washington and issues impacting trails you love.

Learn more about: WTA member magazine | Signpost blog

Hiker Headlines: Volunteers Rock, Winter Trails, Merging Planets, Boost for Everest

Dec 10, 2020

It’s December 10. Thank you to all the volunteers who supported WTA through an especially challenging year. Summer trails don’t always translate into safe winter trails. Jupiter and Saturn will appear closer than they have since 1226. And, Mount Everest just got a little taller. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Small But Mighty: Backcountry Crews Make Big Strides on Lost Trails

Dec 09, 2020

Our pint-size backcountry crews were able to get a lot of work done — donating over 6,000 hours of work to lost trails across the state! We want to share a few highlights from our 2020 season to give you a peek at everything these crews accomplished.

Trail Volunteers: Thank You from a Blue Hat

Dec 07, 2020

2020 was hard, but volunteers have shown up for trails in a big way.

Be Kind to Your Feet: Our Favorite Socks

Dec 04, 2020

For hikers, there is no more important tool than your feet. You want to take care of them so they can carry you for endless miles. Here are a variety of socks that our staff and gear testing team recommend.

Hiker Headlines: Spruce Railroad Trail, Winter Recreation, Christmas Tree Permits, Land Transfers

Dec 03, 2020

It’s December 3. The Spruce Railroad Trail has reopened. A permit is required to park at the many Sno-Parks around the state. We explain the rules and regulations around Christmas tree permits. The Department of Natural Resources announced two land transfers. And, Baker Lake Dam Road will be closed for two full days. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Mica Peak Traverse: Completing A New Trail Near Spokane

Nov 25, 2020

This fall, WTA volunteers and partners celebrated another win for trails in the Spokane-area, this time in the form of a trail connecting two of the region’s largest swaths of public land. The California Creek Trail, completed in mid-October, now officially connects Liberty Lake Regional Park and Mica Peak Conservation Area.

Hiker Headlines: Thankful for the Outdoors, Funding for Projects, Virtual Events

Nov 25, 2020

It’s November 25. Consider 6 outdoor activities to celebrate the season in addition to #OptOutside, which is this Friday. The Forest Service is accepting public comment on which projects should be funded. In-person events put on by the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest will go virtual this winter. And, a turkey visits a national park. Here’s some news you may have missed while out on trail this week.

Hiker Headlines: Highway Closures, Avalanche Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning

Nov 19, 2020

It’s November 19. Three mountain passes are now closed for the season. The Northwest Avalanche Center updated their website. A new report shows the size of the outdoor recreation economy in Washington State. DNR is hiring wildland firefighters for the 2021 season. And, you can submit your comments to help with planning for the Wanapum Recreation Area in Central Washington. Here’s some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Grateful for the Wins: Some Good in a Tough Year

Nov 18, 2020

A moment of gratitude to our community for continuing to make so much possible. Together, helped hikers get outside, helped keep each other safe and even advanced some critical work for our mission.

How to Stay Healthy for a Lifetime on Trail

By Craig Romano