Washington Trails Association
@washingtontrails.bsky.social
Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit organization that protects and maintains our hiking trails.
Check us out at wta.org
Check us out at wta.org
Fair-weather hiking? In your dreams. With the right layering system, you’ll be ready to experience trails all winter long.
Here are some tips for dialing in your layering system and staying warm during your cold weather outdoor adventures ❄️
#PNW #Gear #TrailSmarts #Hiking
Here are some tips for dialing in your layering system and staying warm during your cold weather outdoor adventures ❄️
#PNW #Gear #TrailSmarts #Hiking
Trail Smarts: Layering
YouTube video by Washington Trails Association
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Fair-weather hiking? In your dreams. With the right layering system, you’ll be ready to experience trails all winter long.
Here are some tips for dialing in your layering system and staying warm during your cold weather outdoor adventures ❄️
#PNW #Gear #TrailSmarts #Hiking
Here are some tips for dialing in your layering system and staying warm during your cold weather outdoor adventures ❄️
#PNW #Gear #TrailSmarts #Hiking
#GivingTuesday is around the corner, WTA is hiring, Christmas tree permits and more on this week's Hiker Headlines.
Hiker Headlines: GivingTuesday, WTA is hiring, stay overnight at Fort Worden State Park
GivingTuesday is coming up on Dec. 2! WTA is hiring for several 2026 seasonal positions — apply now. Gifford Pinchot National Forest has closed Forest Road 6808 due to a sinkhole, and its voicemail sy...
www.wta.org
November 21, 2025 at 12:02 AM
#GivingTuesday is around the corner, WTA is hiring, Christmas tree permits and more on this week's Hiker Headlines.
Washington Trails Association is #hiring professional trail crews for our 2026 season! These seasonal roles operate March-October statewide with various land management agencies.
Priority application date: December 8
Learn more and apply at wta.org/careers
Priority application date: December 8
Learn more and apply at wta.org/careers
November 19, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Washington Trails Association is #hiring professional trail crews for our 2026 season! These seasonal roles operate March-October statewide with various land management agencies.
Priority application date: December 8
Learn more and apply at wta.org/careers
Priority application date: December 8
Learn more and apply at wta.org/careers
POV: you're a rock about to get moved by WTA's professional trail crew 😵
It takes a variety of tools to keep #trails in shape. One of our favorites? Teamwork!
Trail stewards, what's your favorite tool? 👇️
📸 Photos by Joe Hall
It takes a variety of tools to keep #trails in shape. One of our favorites? Teamwork!
Trail stewards, what's your favorite tool? 👇️
📸 Photos by Joe Hall
November 17, 2025 at 3:38 PM
POV: you're a rock about to get moved by WTA's professional trail crew 😵
It takes a variety of tools to keep #trails in shape. One of our favorites? Teamwork!
Trail stewards, what's your favorite tool? 👇️
📸 Photos by Joe Hall
It takes a variety of tools to keep #trails in shape. One of our favorites? Teamwork!
Trail stewards, what's your favorite tool? 👇️
📸 Photos by Joe Hall
Didn't catch the #AuroraBorealis last week? No worries — trip reporter JWATERBOY12 has your back. They recently caught the northern lights on a visit to Castle Rock outside of Wenatchee.
📸 Photos by trip reporter JWATERBOY12
📸 Photos by trip reporter JWATERBOY12
November 17, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Didn't catch the #AuroraBorealis last week? No worries — trip reporter JWATERBOY12 has your back. They recently caught the northern lights on a visit to Castle Rock outside of Wenatchee.
📸 Photos by trip reporter JWATERBOY12
📸 Photos by trip reporter JWATERBOY12
It's dark, chilly and wet. Yep, late #fall is here.
But that doesn't mean you should hang up your hiking shoes. With the right research, planning and gear, hikers can stay safe and enjoy this unique season.
But that doesn't mean you should hang up your hiking shoes. With the right research, planning and gear, hikers can stay safe and enjoy this unique season.
Late Fall Hiking Safety Tips
How to stay safe while hiking in late fall. Check the weather. Choose your destinations wisely. Tell others where you will be hiking. Pack the right gear. Know when to turn back. File a trip report wh...
www.wta.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:21 PM
It's dark, chilly and wet. Yep, late #fall is here.
But that doesn't mean you should hang up your hiking shoes. With the right research, planning and gear, hikers can stay safe and enjoy this unique season.
But that doesn't mean you should hang up your hiking shoes. With the right research, planning and gear, hikers can stay safe and enjoy this unique season.
Learn about temporary road closures, parking fees and resumed government operations on this week's edition of Hiker Headlines.
Hiker Headlines: Highway 20 closed this weekend, Summit at Snoqualmie parking fees
It’s Nov. 13. Highway 20 will be temporarily closed starting 5 p.m. today, Nov. 13, due to weather conditions. The Summit at Snoqualmie has announced its 2025-26 parking fees. And the government has r...
www.wta.org
November 14, 2025 at 12:04 AM
Learn about temporary road closures, parking fees and resumed government operations on this week's edition of Hiker Headlines.
Our Intro to WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training webinar is just around the corner! Join us on Nov 20 to learn about our workshop curriculum, free gear libraries and more.
Have you shared this event with the educator in your life yet?
Sign up today 🍎
#Leadership #YouthPrograms
Have you shared this event with the educator in your life yet?
Sign up today 🍎
#Leadership #YouthPrograms
Intro to WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training
www.tfaforms.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Our Intro to WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training webinar is just around the corner! Join us on Nov 20 to learn about our workshop curriculum, free gear libraries and more.
Have you shared this event with the educator in your life yet?
Sign up today 🍎
#Leadership #YouthPrograms
Have you shared this event with the educator in your life yet?
Sign up today 🍎
#Leadership #YouthPrograms
All last week, we celebrated the volunteers and members who make our work possible. From community events to a statewide map of our 2025 trail work, join us in appreciating the people who give back 👏
#Volunteer #NonProfit #Appreciation
#Volunteer #NonProfit #Appreciation
Volunteer appreciation 2025: Celebrating the people who give back
Our gratitude for our volunteers happens every day. Once a year though, we dedicate one week to celebrate volunteers and members who fuel our work — Volunteer Appreciation Week. Here's a roundup of ho...
www.wta.org
November 12, 2025 at 6:06 PM
All last week, we celebrated the volunteers and members who make our work possible. From community events to a statewide map of our 2025 trail work, join us in appreciating the people who give back 👏
#Volunteer #NonProfit #Appreciation
#Volunteer #NonProfit #Appreciation
One year ago, WTA asked you to protect climate progress by defending the #ClimateCommitmentAct. Ninety-five percent of funds have already been put to work on projects, touching every county in our state.
Learn about some of the big projects funded by this act statewide 🌲
Learn about some of the big projects funded by this act statewide 🌲
See how your vote is creating healthy forests and new trails thanks to the Climate Commitment Act
One year ago, Washington residents voted to defend the Climate Commitment Act. Now, we’d like to celebrate how this act is benefiting lands in Washington state and the people who enjoy them.
www.wta.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:55 PM
One year ago, WTA asked you to protect climate progress by defending the #ClimateCommitmentAct. Ninety-five percent of funds have already been put to work on projects, touching every county in our state.
Learn about some of the big projects funded by this act statewide 🌲
Learn about some of the big projects funded by this act statewide 🌲
Volunteer trail crew leaders play a vital role in WTA's work on trails statewide. Meet a few of the crew leaders behind the helmets and learn what makes their experiences so enriching ⛏️
6 volunteer crew leaders who build trails and community
Our amazing volunteer leaders ensure our work parties are safe, fun and even get a little work done. Their deep love for the outdoors and appreciation for our community make them a priceless part of W...
www.wta.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:54 PM
Volunteer trail crew leaders play a vital role in WTA's work on trails statewide. Meet a few of the crew leaders behind the helmets and learn what makes their experiences so enriching ⛏️
This summer, WTA worked with our nonprofit partners in Outdoor Alliance Washington to plan hikes with three congressional offices.
Learn how connecting with legislators on trail helps WTA and our partners build strong relationships to advocate for trails 🌲
Learn how connecting with legislators on trail helps WTA and our partners build strong relationships to advocate for trails 🌲
Hiking with members of Congress to advocate for trails and national public lands
This summer, WTA worked with our nonprofit partners in Outdoor Alliance Washington to plan hikes with three congressional offices. Hiking with legislators gives everyone the opportunity to slow down, ...
www.wta.org
November 7, 2025 at 4:42 PM
This summer, WTA worked with our nonprofit partners in Outdoor Alliance Washington to plan hikes with three congressional offices.
Learn how connecting with legislators on trail helps WTA and our partners build strong relationships to advocate for trails 🌲
Learn how connecting with legislators on trail helps WTA and our partners build strong relationships to advocate for trails 🌲
We’ve got updates on closures at Mount Rainier. Plus information on an upcoming fee-free day, sno-park passes and events this weekend with WTA. Here’s the news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
Hiker Headlines: It's sno-park season, Carter Falls trail closed, fee-free day
Veterans Day is a fee-free day. WTA and other organizations will be at Summon the Snow at the Seattle REI this Saturday! Cayuse Pass is closed at Mount Rainier National Park boundary for the winter an...
www.wta.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:17 PM
We’ve got updates on closures at Mount Rainier. Plus information on an upcoming fee-free day, sno-park passes and events this weekend with WTA. Here’s the news you may have missed while out on trail this week.
Fall hiking = fun.
Soggy, wet fall hiking = a little less fun.
Get some perspective on #rain gear to stay dry this autumn 🍂
Soggy, wet fall hiking = a little less fun.
Get some perspective on #rain gear to stay dry this autumn 🍂
How to Find the Right Rain Gear for Year Round Hiking
If you hike in the Pacific Northwest, you’re eventually going to be hiking in the rain. If you’re lucky, it’s just a few drops or a short shower; sometimes, it’s a torrential downpour that lasts for h...
www.wta.org
November 4, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Fall hiking = fun.
Soggy, wet fall hiking = a little less fun.
Get some perspective on #rain gear to stay dry this autumn 🍂
Soggy, wet fall hiking = a little less fun.
Get some perspective on #rain gear to stay dry this autumn 🍂
It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week! Across the state, we’re celebrating our volunteers and the remarkable difference they make for trails and hikers statewide. Volunteers: THANK YOU 🎉
Volunteers, check out our events calendar this week so we can celebrate you 🥳
Volunteers, check out our events calendar this week so we can celebrate you 🥳
Time to celebrate you with 2025 volunteer appreciation!
We're back for another week-long celebration of all of WTA's volunteers!
www.wta.org
November 3, 2025 at 3:33 PM
It’s Volunteer Appreciation Week! Across the state, we’re celebrating our volunteers and the remarkable difference they make for trails and hikers statewide. Volunteers: THANK YOU 🎉
Volunteers, check out our events calendar this week so we can celebrate you 🥳
Volunteers, check out our events calendar this week so we can celebrate you 🥳
Looking to get spooked this #Halloween? Whatever your phobia is, we've got a Washington hike for you to face your fears — if you dare 🎃
13 hikes to get your fright on 👻
13 hikes to get your fright on 👻
Face Your Fears: 13 Fun Washington Hikes for 13 Phobias
Looking to get spooked this season? Whether it's claustrophobia, arachnophobia, acrophobia or another terror, we've got a Washington hike for you to face your fears head on — if you dare.
www.wta.org
October 31, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Looking to get spooked this #Halloween? Whatever your phobia is, we've got a Washington hike for you to face your fears — if you dare 🎃
13 hikes to get your fright on 👻
13 hikes to get your fright on 👻
Nightly closures of the Longmire to Paradise Road begin, the Knothead Valley Trailhead has reopened and more on this week's Hiker Headlines.
Hiker Headlines: Mount Pilchuck road, nightly Longmire gate winter closures, Little Spokane's fresh new trailhead
It’s Oct. 30. Winter continues in the mountains: The road to Mount Pilchuck and Westside Road at Mount Rainier is closed and the nightly Longmire gate closures will begin on Oct. 31. The Knothead Loop...
www.wta.org
October 30, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Nightly closures of the Longmire to Paradise Road begin, the Knothead Valley Trailhead has reopened and more on this week's Hiker Headlines.
Since 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act has helped to fund projects to address deferred trail maintenance on federal #PublicLands. But the future of this funding is in jeopardy.
Learn from @seattletimes.com & WTA staff & partners how this bill has supported your favorite areas.
Learn from @seattletimes.com & WTA staff & partners how this bill has supported your favorite areas.
This bill made WA hikes more clean and safe. Now it's stalled in Congress
A look back at five years of National Forest and National Park projects funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.
www.seattletimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Since 2020, the Great American Outdoors Act has helped to fund projects to address deferred trail maintenance on federal #PublicLands. But the future of this funding is in jeopardy.
Learn from @seattletimes.com & WTA staff & partners how this bill has supported your favorite areas.
Learn from @seattletimes.com & WTA staff & partners how this bill has supported your favorite areas.
The cost of the annual #DiscoverPass has increased from $30 to $45 to help provide revenue to keep state lands maintained and operational.
The pass provides parking access for unlimited entry to all state managed lands in Washington. Learn which pass or permit you need for your next adventure 👇🏼
The pass provides parking access for unlimited entry to all state managed lands in Washington. Learn which pass or permit you need for your next adventure 👇🏼
Passes and Permits for Hiking
www.wta.org
October 29, 2025 at 4:14 PM
The cost of the annual #DiscoverPass has increased from $30 to $45 to help provide revenue to keep state lands maintained and operational.
The pass provides parking access for unlimited entry to all state managed lands in Washington. Learn which pass or permit you need for your next adventure 👇🏼
The pass provides parking access for unlimited entry to all state managed lands in Washington. Learn which pass or permit you need for your next adventure 👇🏼
WTA volunteers and members made our work possible all year. That’s why we’re hosting a series of events this fall to show our appreciation.
Join a virtual event on Nov 3 to get involved, enter a raffle giveaway and more: www.wta.org/volunteer/schedule/workparty/a2mPB0000033Ppm
Join a virtual event on Nov 3 to get involved, enter a raffle giveaway and more: www.wta.org/volunteer/schedule/workparty/a2mPB0000033Ppm
October 28, 2025 at 3:01 PM
WTA volunteers and members made our work possible all year. That’s why we’re hosting a series of events this fall to show our appreciation.
Join a virtual event on Nov 3 to get involved, enter a raffle giveaway and more: www.wta.org/volunteer/schedule/workparty/a2mPB0000033Ppm
Join a virtual event on Nov 3 to get involved, enter a raffle giveaway and more: www.wta.org/volunteer/schedule/workparty/a2mPB0000033Ppm
In 2024, one WTA staffer made it a goal to file 100 trip reports in a year. And over time, she discovered how other hikers got useful information from her outings.
One thing she didn't expect? How trip reports changed her perspective on hiking and her environment 🌲
One thing she didn't expect? How trip reports changed her perspective on hiking and her environment 🌲
Trip reports for the soul: How writing trip reports shifted my entire perspective
I made a goal to write 100 trip reports in a year. I didn’t expect it to change the way I thought about hiking. | By Tiffany Chou
www.wta.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:45 PM
In 2024, one WTA staffer made it a goal to file 100 trip reports in a year. And over time, she discovered how other hikers got useful information from her outings.
One thing she didn't expect? How trip reports changed her perspective on hiking and her environment 🌲
One thing she didn't expect? How trip reports changed her perspective on hiking and her environment 🌲
Last April, the 103-year-old Fairfax Bridge closed permanently. The closure cuts off access to the northwest side of #MountRainierNationalPark and nearby U.S. Forest service lands, including some of the region's most iconic hikes.
Learn what's next for the future of this area.
Learn what's next for the future of this area.
What’s the future for the bridge to the Northwest side of Mount Rainier?
In April, the 103-year-old Fairfax Bridge over the Carbon River closed permanently to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic, effectively cutting off access to the northwest side of Mount Rainier National...
www.wta.org
October 27, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Last April, the 103-year-old Fairfax Bridge closed permanently. The closure cuts off access to the northwest side of #MountRainierNationalPark and nearby U.S. Forest service lands, including some of the region's most iconic hikes.
Learn what's next for the future of this area.
Learn what's next for the future of this area.
Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass close for the winter on Friday, but the White River Bridge on SR 410 has opened ahead of schedule!
Learn all about road status, snow and more on this week's edition of #Hiker Headlines.
Learn all about road status, snow and more on this week's edition of #Hiker Headlines.
Hiker Headlines: White River Bridge reopens early; Chinook, Cayuse passes closing for winter
Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass are closing for the winter on Friday. North Shore Road along Lake Quinault has also closed and I-90 near Cle Elum is closed due to overpass damage. But here’s some good ne...
www.wta.org
October 23, 2025 at 9:52 PM
Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass close for the winter on Friday, but the White River Bridge on SR 410 has opened ahead of schedule!
Learn all about road status, snow and more on this week's edition of #Hiker Headlines.
Learn all about road status, snow and more on this week's edition of #Hiker Headlines.
Join WTA for a free webinar to learn about the Outdoor Leadership Training Program: www.tfaforms.com/5199803
Th program empowers educators with skills lead outdoor trips for their communities. The program covers workshops around hiking, camping, snowshoeing and backpacking.
Th program empowers educators with skills lead outdoor trips for their communities. The program covers workshops around hiking, camping, snowshoeing and backpacking.
October 23, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Join WTA for a free webinar to learn about the Outdoor Leadership Training Program: www.tfaforms.com/5199803
Th program empowers educators with skills lead outdoor trips for their communities. The program covers workshops around hiking, camping, snowshoeing and backpacking.
Th program empowers educators with skills lead outdoor trips for their communities. The program covers workshops around hiking, camping, snowshoeing and backpacking.
#Hunting is permitted in fall and winter, both on state managed and federal managed public lands.
And while we encourage trail users to visit state, county and city managed lands during the federal government shutdown, it's important to be safe during hiking season wherever you recreate 👇🏼
And while we encourage trail users to visit state, county and city managed lands during the federal government shutdown, it's important to be safe during hiking season wherever you recreate 👇🏼
Staying Safe During Hunting Season
Tips for staying safe around hunters in the backcountry.
www.wta.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:24 PM
#Hunting is permitted in fall and winter, both on state managed and federal managed public lands.
And while we encourage trail users to visit state, county and city managed lands during the federal government shutdown, it's important to be safe during hiking season wherever you recreate 👇🏼
And while we encourage trail users to visit state, county and city managed lands during the federal government shutdown, it's important to be safe during hiking season wherever you recreate 👇🏼