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

Studying Human Behavior at Big Four Ice Caves

Nov 15, 2017

The Forest Service and Baylor University have teamed up to see how they can improve visitor experience and safety on this popular trail.

Trail Soft Skills: Have You Got Them?

Nov 10, 2017

Because there are people in nature here are some tips to help you interact effectively and harmoniously with other hikers.

Avalanche Season Is Here

Nov 15, 2017

Northwest Avalanche Center talks about how to prepare for and spot the hazards of high country travel in winter. Brush up your basics and warm up your brain for cold season safety.

Hold Your Line to Help a Trail

Oct 31, 2017

Hiking may be as simple as putting one foot in front of the other, but how and where your shoe lands has a bigger impact than you may think. Whether you’re zigzagging toward a summit, bombing back down to the trailhead or sloshing ankle-deep through mud, there is no easier way to help trails than by simply staying on them.

Escape Routes and Smokey Skies: Tips for Hiking During Wildfire Season

Wildfire season in Washington typically peaks in July, August and September, just when hikers and campers head out to enjoy the outdoors. Burn bans, poor air quality, hazy views and a forecast of hot weather impact hikers and campers. Learn how to prevent wildfires and how to check the status on trails before you hike while fires are burning.

Safely Sharing the Trails During Hunting Season

Aug 10, 2018

Now that it's bear hunting season, take these extra precautions to stay safe while sharing the trail with hunters.

How to Watch the Eclipse (and Meteor Showers) Responsibly

Aug 15, 2017

Whether it's the total solar eclipse on Aug. 21 or a meteor shower, learn how to be a responsible star viewer by following these tips, provided by the Department of the Interior.

It's Wildfire Season: Closures, Conditions and Air Quality

Jul 24, 2017

Read the latest on wildfires in Washington and the health risks associated with them, as well as resources on how to stay safe during wildfire season.

How to Handle Medical Mishaps

How to avoid mishaps—and what to do if an accident happens | by Doug Diekema

Free Webinar: Understanding Mountain Weather and Staying Safe in the Backcountry

Jul 13, 2017

Learn how to read clouds, storms, and weather with a free webinar on July 19 at 7 p.m.

Leave No Trace Level 2.0

May 02, 2017

Some things you can do to reduce your impact on the outdoors may be less obvious than others. Here are some that WTA staffers came up with.

No Matter How Cute They Are, Don't Feed the Wildlife

Mar 21, 2017

Spring is a busy time for wildlife. Here are a few reasons why it's important to give animals plenty of space.

What Current Snow Conditions Can Tell Us About the Season Ahead

Apr 08, 2017

Spring in the Northwest is a tricky season for hikers and snowshoers, especially during a year with a high snow pack.

Two Ways to Prepare for a Snowy Outing This Winter

Dec 02, 2016

Snow is here! And on the steep slopes of mountains that Northwesterners love to play in, it can be as dangerous as it is enchanting. While snowshoeing is as easy as walking, there's more to it than simply stepping out on trail.

Every Kid in a Park Launches for 2017

Oct 20, 2016

Every Kid in a Park is launching for its second year -- get your fourth grader his or her free federal lands pass now!