Washington Trails Association
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washingtontrails.bsky.social
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
"Now that's what I call high-quality H2O" — Bobby Boucher

Well-designed and maintained trails promote water flow and prevent puddles. They also improve #water quality!

Here's how trails work with landscapes to act as natural water filters and why these lands need your protection 💧
How WTA and public lands keep water clean for wildlife and people
60 million Americans rely on national forests for their drinking water. With that in mind, WTA builds trails that minimize impacts to waterways and can function as part of the surrounding landscape. W...
www.wta.org
December 5, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Big thanks for all of your support during #GivingTuesday this week! Every gift makes an impact for trails and folks who love them 💚

Learn about your impact on trails, plus seasonal road closures statewide, on this week's edition of Hiker Headlines.

#Washington #NonProfit #Hiking
Hiker Headlines: Seasonal roads close in North Cascades, hiker hearts open across state
Thank you so much for all of your support during GivingTuesday this week! And, it’s December — things are starting to close for the winter, including the Mountain Loop Highway and Highway 20.
www.wta.org
December 4, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Them: Congrats, want a cookie?

Us: Yes plz 🍪

Happy #NationalCookieDay! We're suckers for a delicious baked good on trail. But if you join a WTA work party, you might discover more than a new chocolate chip recipe.

Let us know your favorite cookie to enjoy on trail in the thread below 👇️
December 4, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Not all heroes wear capes. Some wear hardhats!

That's why, as WTA crews wrap up big projects this fall, we want to share some exciting highlights statewide ⛏️
A whirlwind trail work tour — from Frog Pond to Turtleback, Big Rock to Three Corner Rock
Projects around the state are wrapping up! Check out these regional updates on the work we're most excited about.
www.wta.org
December 3, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Reposted by Washington Trails Association
Closer to the mountain, Mount St. Helens Institute connects people to the volcano through science education, guided trips and volunteer stewardship, sharing the story of 1980 and the landscape that’s grown back.

@washingtontrails.bsky.social maintains and advocates for the trails that get us there.
December 2, 2025 at 3:15 PM
When you join WTA, you’re helping protect the places where you make treasured memories. Members help fund our work — everyday people who care.

With more member support, we’ll continue to maintain trails and advocate for public lands: give.wta.org/campaign/739943/donate?c_src=gt25blue
December 2, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Washington Trails Association's professional trail crews usually spend their summers maintaining backcountry trails. But in 2025, one pro crew brought their expertise to Spokane's backyard for a BIG project: the creation of the Rocket Gulch Stairs 🚀
WTA professional crews build staircase in beloved Spokane park
Washington Trails Association’s professional trail crews recently built a staircase in Spokane’s High Drive Bluff Park. The new staircase provides safe and more sustainable access to one of Spokane's ...
www.wta.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Become a WTA member today and enjoy a beautiful calendar year round 📅

Donating $20 or more by Dec. 8 makes you a WTA member AND you'll receive a WTA calendar. Plus, you'll receive seasonal editions of Washington Trails Magazine and more: give.wta.org/campaign/734955/donate?c_src=treefree25video
December 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM
WTA work parties focus on safety, fun and work — a combination that encourages trail stewards to connect and share their love for trails. And for one volunteer, it's the community of people that have kept her coming back for close to 200 work parties.
I found my people on a WTA work party
I have been volunteering with WTA for almost 2 years and have participated in close to 200 work parties. Here's why the community of people at work parties keeps me coming back. By Anne Kang
www.wta.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:01 PM
We've got 19 hikes to add to your winter bucket list! You don’t have to go far to find beauty this season — these trails explore winter gardens, are family-friendly and typically snow-free.⁠

Which one are you checking out first? 🥾🌲
19 Gardens to Wander in this Winter
Arboretums and local gardens make great wintertime destinations. They're close to town and have relatively flat trail systems, so they're great for a casual stroll or practicing your macro photography...
www.wta.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 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
Trail Smarts: Layering
YouTube video by Washington Trails Association
youtu.be
November 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
#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
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
November 19, 2025 at 5:51 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
November 17, 2025 at 3:38 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
November 17, 2025 at 3:35 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.
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
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
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
Intro to WTA's Outdoor Leadership Training
www.tfaforms.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:13 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 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
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 🌲
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
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
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 🌲
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
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
Fall hiking = fun.

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
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 🥳
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