Success Stories

Learn about our impact for trails statewide, and check out some of the recent victories we've had in protecting trails.

Victory! Congress Approves Vital Funding for Public Lands

Jul 22, 2020

The Great American Outdoors Act has passed the Senate and the House. With full funding for the Land and Water Conversation Fund and $9.5 billon for the backlog of maintenance on federal lands, the Great American Outdoors Act is a historic piece of public lands legislation. Thank you for helping to make it happen!

The Wild Nearby: Hikers Benefit from Investments in Southwest Washington

Nov 11, 2019

Since 1993, we've been working towards a sustainable trail system in the Columbia River Gorge. Thanks to dedication, partnerships, member support and the hard work of volunteers, we can claim these successes in 2019.

Lost Trails Youth Crew Spends Five Weeks in the Pasayten Wilderness

Sep 23, 2019

Our Lost Trails Youth Crew made big impacts (and big memories) this summer as they improved trails in the remote Pasayten Wilderness.

Hike-a-Thon 2019: Hikers Cover 15,000 Miles, Give Back in a Big Way

Sep 17, 2019

From amazing moms to guidebook author Craig Romano to a crew from GeekWire, a record number of Hike-a-Thoners hiked over 15,000 miles in August and raised more than $155,000 for trails.

Recovering the Pasayten: A Coordinated Effort

Sep 10, 2019

There's a whole lot of work to be done in the great Pasayten Wilderness — which is why we couldn't be happier to tackle it together with these fellow nonprofits.

Young Stewards Explore and Lend a Hand on Washington Trails

Sep 09, 2019

The power of partnerships helps the Deaf T-Birds, a high school group, get out to explore and clean up Olympic beaches.

Blanca Lake: Just One Place WTA is Working to Save Iconic Trails

Sep 04, 2019

Our Trails Rebooted campaign is working to protect some of the most popular and iconic trails all across the state.

Hiker Headlines: Parks Funding, Getting Kids Outside, Public Lands Questions

Jul 18, 2019

Parks in King County need your help with vital funding. More kids are getting outside thanks to a boost from Washington grants. Trailhead Direct, a WTA partner project, is inspiring transit-to-trail systems in other states. New federal land policies are in flux. And Olympics bridges will close for inspection.

Hiker Headlines: Leave No Trace in the Enchantments, Outdoor Funding, Fighting Weeds

Jul 11, 2019

The Enchantments are getting some LNT Hot Spot love. Washington state awarded grants across the state to fund outdoor projects. And, toxic weeds in King County? There’s an app for that.

Making Trails and Mentoring Leaders at Little Mountain Park

Jun 11, 2019

Partnerships and mentoring are making this Mount Vernon trail system stronger.

Trails Rebooted Hits the Ground Running

Jun 11, 2019

While WTA’s Trails Rebooted campaign officially launched last month, we’ve been hard at work since early 2019. And we’re excited to share some of our early successes with you!

The Story of Saving Mount St. Helens Offers Lessons for Today's Trail Advocates

May 15, 2019

The eruption of Mount St. Helens was a remarkable natural disaster. But the story of Mount St. Helens is also the story of how, when communities come together and speak up for public lands, we can move mountains.

Rapid Response: WTA Crews Clear Popular Trails at Cougar Mountain

Apr 15, 2019

Winter storms took a toll on trails in Issaquah. WTA crews took a toll on the trees that came down in the winds.

Connecting Youth and Nature — for Learning and Fun

Mar 25, 2019

Since 2014, the Glacier Peak Institute has been creating paths for local youth to get outdoors. The institute is a strong example of a WTA Outdoor Leadership Training (OLT) program partner with a deep dedication to providing outdoor experiences to youth.

Major Gains for Lost Trails Around the State

Dec 26, 2018

This year, more than 500 volunteers devoted nearly 15,000 hours of work to saving lost trails across the state. Follow along for a look back at everything we've been up to in our Lost Trails Found campaign.

Rockstar Community Leaders Champion Outdoor Adventures

Dec 20, 2018

Meet three determined outdoor leaders who led memorable trips for their schools and programs this year.

3 Organizations That Go Outside to Train the Next Generation of Scientists

Nov 13, 2018

Three ways that graduates from WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training program are taking kids outside to learn about science and inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.

WTA's Top 5 Advocacy Wins in 2018

Nov 12, 2018

2018 was a year of exciting successes for trails across the state.

Grant Helps Improve Trail Experiences in Hood Canal Area

Oct 25, 2018

Before & after: take a look at how trails were transformed thanks to a grant and a lot of hard work from WTA volunteers.

A 15-Year Vision For Trails: Meet The Teanaway Community Forest

Oct 24, 2018

After one and a half years, the final draft of the Teanaway Community Forest is finally here!

You Did It! Lake Serene Is Protected Forever

Oct 17, 2018

Last Friday, our friends at Forterra announced they have officially completed the purchase of land abutting the Lake Serene trail, guaranteeing the trail will remain accessible forever.

Members: Making the Difference for Trails

Sep 24, 2018

Our members empower hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to explore, steward, and champion Washington’s trails and public lands. Here are three stories from this summer we are proud our members made possible.

Lost Trails Found: Summer Progress Report

Sep 19, 2018

2018 was an incredible summer for our Lost Trails Found campaign! Take a peek at some of the work we accomplished throughout the season.

Celebrate Blanchard Mountain!

Sep 11, 2018

Celebrate the protection of Blanchard Mountain with a day full of fun activities!

Two New Loops at Lyle Cherry Orchard

Sep 10, 2018

Thanks to the work of the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and a grant from the National Park Service, WTA will embark on the creation of two new loops and reroute on a section of the Lyle Cherry Orchard Trail in Southwest Washington.

WTA and PSE: A Powerful Partnership

Aug 30, 2018

WTA and Puget Sound Energy are powerful partners in 2018 as both are committed to the health of our environment and of our communities.

Thousands of Hikers Speak Up for Recreation on Washington Trails Day

Aug 14, 2018

On Washington Trails Day, WTA talked to a thousand hikers at trailheads across the state. Most of them were excited to speak up for prioritizing funding for recreation and trails on national forests.

National Park Service Backs Down from Major Fee Increases

Apr 12, 2018

Thanks to an overwhelming response from hikers and trail advocates, the Department of Interior has backed off from a plan for steep National Park fee increases.

Learning Skills, Building Strength on All-Girls Work Parties

Apr 04, 2018

For 10 years, WTA's all-girl trips have empowered young women on trail.

New Bill Is Great News for Federal Wildfire Funding and Trails

Mar 23, 2018

Hikers and trail advocates scored several big victories with the passage of a federal budget bill in Congress.