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: More Camping, Snow Falling, Plan a Park, Waterfall Reservations

Oct 01, 2020

It's October! State parks are extending the reservation and camping season at some parks. Snow is starting to fall in the mountains. elp plan the Miller Peninsula State Park near Sequim. And if you want to visit Multnomah Falls, you'll want to plan ahead. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Caring for Each Other on Trail

The skills we teach our crew leaders and volunteers can help cultivate a more welcoming trail community — whether on a work party or just out on your own. By Janée Romesberg

Finding a Little Bit of Balance in the Outdoors

Sep 28, 2020

For long-time WTA member Archana Bhat and her family, there’s no such thing as an uneventful backpacking trip.

Hiker Headlines: Fall, Outdoor Learning, Road Closures

Sep 24, 2020

It's Sept. 24. We definitely recommend fall hiking. We're excited to be able to resume our Outdoor Leadership Training program. And some roads are closing soon in the Olympic National Forest. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Outdoor Leadership Training Workshops and Gear Library Restart with New Safety Protocols

Sep 22, 2020

Outdoor Leadership Training experiential workshops and gear library lending are starting back up with new safety protocols to support community groups and organizations with their outdoor learning plans.

Hiker Headlines: Refuge Outdoor Festival and Film Release, Mount Rainier Survey

Sep 17, 2020

It's Sept. 17. Many outdoor areas continue to be closed due to fires and smoke. Find your joy at (online) Refuge Outdoor Festival or with a film release about Washington's Dark Divide area. Also: the future of Paradise is in your hands.

Changes are Coming to Mount Rainier National Park

Sep 15, 2020

Mount Rainier National Park wants to hear from visitors about the most popular access point to the park. The park is focusing on Paradise Road, and the facilities along it, from the Nisqually entrance near Ashford, all the way up to Paradise. The public has until Oct. 5 to comment on the plan.

Reclaiming Joy in Unprecedented Times

Sep 14, 2020

By producing events that truly welcome everyone, Chevon Powell combines her love of nature and event planning to bring people together and create a powerful community.

Hiker Headlines: Wildfires, Burn Bans, Giving Back to Public Lands

Sep 10, 2020

It's Sept. 10. Many outdoor areas are closed due to fires and smoke. We were overjoyed and so grateful for the success of this year's Hike-a-Thon. And there are more chances to give back to trails coming up. Here's some news you might have missed while out on trail this week.

Creating More Open Space in Cities

Sep 03, 2020

Street closures have made it clear that we need room for people to move and enjoy green spaces in urban areas.