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

Poop Week: Proper Etiquette for Backcountry Potties

Jul 31, 2014

Welcome to Poop Week, the week where we get real about No. 2. From diapers to dogs, the conservation science of scat to the best backcountry privies in Washington, we're digging into the subject of poop on trail all week long.

Poop Week: Puppies, Poo and Plastic Bags

Jul 31, 2014

If you hike with a dog, removing your dog's waste from the trail is your responsibility. Besides reducing the impact on Washington's most beautiful places, when you do the right thing, you are helping to create a more welcoming trail culture for your dog in the future.

Poop Week: Real Talk on a Backcountry Basic

Jul 29, 2014

Washington Wildfires: Tips for Hikers, Campers

Jul 11, 2014

Several wildfires are burning in Central and Eastern Washington, the largest of which is the Mills Canyon fire burning on about 20K acres near Wenatchee and the Entiat Mountains. The fire has prompted evacuations and closed roads that lead to trails in the area.

Drones Banned (for Now) in Washington's National Parks

Jul 02, 2014

The National Park Service has banned drones on National Park lands, including Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park. Do you think drones have a place on Washington's hiking trails?

Hike Safely on Snow

May 26, 2017

Springtime and early summer can be a tempting time for hikers. The mountains may be calling, but high temperatures and sunny skies at the trailhead are no promise for perfect conditions higher up. Snow sticks around at high elevations, sometimes all year round.

First on the Scene: A Young Hiker's Death, How to Help in Trail Emergencies

Jun 12, 2014

A tragic death at Lake 22 has prompted a conversation about how hikers can help when they encounter an emergency in the backcountry.

IslandWood CEO: Your Couch Is Far More Dangerous Than You Think

Jun 03, 2014

Do parents really need to fear animal attacks, abduction and accidents? After looking more deeply into the facts and figures of these perceived threats, IslandWood's president and CEO Ben Klasky raises the question of whether we do children more harm than good in trying to keep kids "safely" indoors.

Hike, Backpack and Camp: Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

May 22, 2014

With Memorial Day weekend coming early this year, you might still be nailing down your hiking, camping and backpacking plans. Read out tips for exploring snow-free destinations and scoring last-minute camping spots.

Print-Your-Own: New Northwest Forest Pass Option

Apr 16, 2014

Beginning this month, hikers can purchase and print a day pass for trailheads where you need a Northwest Forest Pass. It's a convenient option for spur-of-the-moment adventures on trails in Washington's National Forests, from Mount Baker to Mount Adams.

Hiker + Scrambler: Stronger Skills Over Rock and Snow

Jan 28, 2014

Any hiker who wants a structured, safe environment to dip their toes into beginner technical skills -- like navigating over ice and snow -- might find a scrambling class a good place to start. Registration closes on some upcoming classes starting Feb. 2.

Ice Caves Are Dangerous, So Keep Your Distance

Dec 29, 2014

Ice caves, like those at Big Four Ice Caves, pose a very real threat to anyone venturing in or near them. No matter how well-compacted or safe the snow may seem, always err on the side of caution and stay out of ice caves.

Trail Talk: Improve Your Avalanche Awareness

Dec 03, 2013

Do you know how to spot and assess avalanche danger? We talked to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center for some tips for staying safe in you plan to hike or snowshoe in avalanche terrain this season.

Gifts to Inspire a Trail Runner

Nov 26, 2013

Three great gifts to inspire and equip a trail runner.

Practical Gifts to Keep Hikers Safe

Nov 22, 2013

Like the idea of holiday gifts that really matter? Make sure your outdoor friends and family are going out well-equipped by wrapping up a few of the ten essentials in a bow this holiday season.