Advancing Trail Smarts

Supporting trails is not just about the much-needed trail maintenance and additional investment. It’s also about hiker awareness, transportation access, trip-reported conditions and so much more. We need targeted education to improve on-trail experiences and help hikers discover brand-new adventures.

Supporting trails isn't just about doing trail maintenance and increased funding. It’s also about hiker awareness. Transportation, road access, trip-reported conditions and so much more all help make a healthy trail system.

All of this requires targeted education to improve your on-trail experiences and help you lessen your impact on the places you love. If you haven’t seen our Trail Smarts video series, now's a great time to check it out. These tools provide quick refreshers on some of the most important hiking best practices.

Fun fact: Trip reports aren't just good for planning your next hike. They are critical to land managers as they make decisions and plan for the future needs of hikers. Write one today!

EXPAND YOUR TRAIL SMARTS

How to Make a Perfect Hiking Plan in 5 Steps

No matter how modest or ambitious your hiking goals, a good plan is the key to helping you achieve them.

Trailhead Direct to Continue to Provide Trails-to-Transit Service Through October

Oct 08, 2018

Transit services to the Issaquah Alps, Mount Si, and Mailbox Peak will be available until October 28 through the Trailhead Direct.

3 Ways to Tackle Trash on Trail

Sep 19, 2018

Being an advocate for trails can mean many things — even picking up trash. That’s why WTA is asking hikers to make a pledge to pick it up and pack it out.

This Labor Day, Be a Leader -- Leave No Trash on Trail!

Aug 29, 2018

WTA teamed up with Deuter for a pledge to #LeaveNoTrashOnTrail campaign. By picking up even one piece of garbage on your hike, you are not only helping protect public lands and wildlife: you are modeling advocacy for everyone around you

Never too Late to Start

Galen Chamberlain was 61 years old when he started hiking. Now, at 81, he has hiked thousands of miles and is still going strong | by Holly Weiler

Only YOU: The Best Smokey Bear Videos Ever Made

Jul 18, 2018

Wildfire season is upon us. As a friendly reminder that wildfires season is just around the corner, we put together a collection of some of the best Smokey Bear video ad campaigns from decades past.

Will This Be On The Quiz?

Jul 11, 2018

Take this short quiz to see how well prepared you are for backcountry hiking this summer.

How to Hike Safely in Cougar Country

Although unlikely, cougar encounters are a possibility when hiking in Washington. Here's how to identify nearby cougar activity and be prepared for an encounter.

How To Hike in a Burned Forest

Trees do fall in the forest, especially when it's recently burned. You don't want to be standing too close when they fall. Here are some tips to help you safely enjoy the unexpected beauty of a burnt area.

When a Tree Falls in the Woods ... Reducing Your Risk from Falling Trees

Mar 05, 2018

Has it been raining a lot lately? Are there seriously strong gusts? Are you walking through an area with a lot of dead trees? These simple questions can help you stay aware of your risks from falling trees.

Plan Your Perfect Hike: Tips from the Hiking Guide Manager

Feb 28, 2018

There's lot of planning that goes into creating your perfect hike or backpacking trip. Get tips from WTA's hiking guide manager to be as prepared as a pro.

How to Write a Trip Report That Helps WTA and Land Managers

Jan 18, 2018

WTA trip reports can help land managers identify trails that need help. Here's how to write trip reports that can help trails get the work they need.

How to Navigate Winter Hazards

Jan 17, 2018

Hiking in winter requires a bit more care, but armed with the right skills and information, you can hike year-round in Washington. Here are a few of the common winter hazards you might encounter and how to navigate them.

7 Signs Your Trail is in Trouble & What to Do About it

Jan 12, 2018

Recognize the common ways healthy trails deteriorate and how you can help.

3 Ways to Keep Your Feet Happy this Year

Jan 25, 2018

Don't let yourself get cold feet this winter. Instead enjoy these helpful tips and tricks to keep your feet dancing down the trail.