Read this WTA trip report even if you are not a hiker. Trust me. @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

Here at WTA, we have the privilege of working with incredible outdoor leaders from across sectors. But how do these leaders get started on their outdoor journeys? Meet Saira Shahid, event coordinator volunteer with Outdoor Asian.

(1/4) Get ready for some big road openings near Mount Rainier, Olympic National Park and surrounding areas 🌲 📸 Photo by trip reporter Jim K

Here is a WTA trip report for what might be my next hike. I have done this one and it is nice. @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

Hikers take to the outdoors every Memorial Day weekend to reconnect with nature and to honor the military personnel who are no longer with us. Green spaces are the perfect place to reflect and heal.

Last winter’s storm damage will affect your summer hiking plans ⛈️⁠ ⁠ Join WTA for a webinar on June 9 to learn about the damage and how you can help restore our public lands: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi... 📸 Photo by Ann Marshall⁠

Here is a very short and to-the-point WTA trip report. This is why hikers are advised to check out the latest trip report, even if you think there is no point. This hike is always fine, right? @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

Here is a WTA trip report for a challenging - but not TOO challenging - hike almost 40 miles east of Seattle. It features terrific views of the surrounding mountains and forests. @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

“Do the chickens have large talons?” 🐔⁠ ⁠ Not quite, Napoleon. You’re unlikely to run into a chicken on trail, but you MIGHT run into a grouse. ⁠⁠ 📸 Photo by Brian Walsh⁠ ⁠ #Washington #Birding #Grouse

Learn the latest trail closures, road openings and hiking news before you head outside for Memorial Day weekend 👇️

Unlimited resources for trail stewardship would be the dream. But we'd also settle for a magic pony!

Here is another WTA trip report with great pics for a very difficult climb. Respect! @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

Long hair on trail expectation: fun, freeing and photogenic Long hair on trail IRL: tangled and gets caught in everything But managing your hair on trail doesn’t have to be a mess 👇️

Mount St. Helens famously erupted in 46 years ago and reshaped the South Cascades. ⁠ 46 years is a long time for humans, but geologically it’s only a moment. Do you have a favorite Mount St. Helens fact or memory?⁠ ⁠ 📸 Photo by Lauren Dawkins⁠

WTA crews are making progress after a rough winter. Spring trails are feeling the effects of last winter’s storms. Have you seen WTA crews on trail recently? 📸 Photos courtesy Kesia Lee, Scott Gustin and Tien Vo #Nonprofit #Washington #Volunteer

They finally got to camp. Send in a cloud of mosquitoes.

Here is a WTA trip report for a gentle, family-friendly hike on Tiger Mountain, about 20 miles east of Seattle. Even moderate hikes like this can be a great experience. @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

Fun news: the U.S. Forest Service has added National Trails Day, June 6, as a fee-free day. Parking fees will be waved on Forest Service lands. More good news: The Mountain Loop Highway is expected to open in full on May 15. #NationalTrailsDay #Washington #Hiking

Here is one of those WTA trip reports that features gorgeous photos. This hike is awesome. @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

10+ hike suggestions from WTA staff, only at Hike the State this May. Whether you’re new to hiking in Washington or a seasoned hiker, we’ll have a trail for you. Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5717755983417/WN_7FSPackuQtm9Uxg2NnrORg#/ #Nonprofit #Washington

Join WTA’s #Outdoor Leadership Training for a camping workshop on June 6, 2026. This 7 hour entry-level course is focused on leading a safe and fun group #camping trip. Register today: give.wta.org/event/olt-camping-workshop-6-06-2026/e743238 Location: Dash Point State Park 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

From the press room to the trailhead, #Washington Trails Magazine has brought you outdoors stories since 1966. Join WTA as a member today to be part of a #hiking tradition that goes back 60 years. Donate $20 or more by May 27 to get our #summer edition this June: give.wta.org/magazine

Here is a WTA trip report for a trail I have never hiked. It looks amazing! @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

(1/2) Join BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) WTA crews across #Washington to learn about trails and develop your trail stewardship skills — all in a safe, shared-identity space outside! 🌿 Be in community and discover new trails 🌿 Learn from BIPOC outdoor professionals 🌿 Win giveaway prizes

A new sign commemorating longtime WTA leader Greg Ball has been installed at Wallace Falls State Park. Greg Ball served as WTA’s executive director and helped develop our seedling volunteer trail maintenance program in the 90s. The sign highlights Greg's incredible contributions to trails.

WTA staff share hand-picked trail recommendations at Hike the State, Olympic National Forest plans to apply herbicide, road condition updates and more.

(1/3) Today we commemorate the birthday of the late Louise Marshall. She was a hiker, trails advocate and the founder of WTA. In 1966, she created Signpost, a #grassroots newsletter to share trail conditions. Her legacy is still going strong: WTA is the nation’s largest statewide trails #nonprofit.

Here is a WTA trip report for a nice, moderate hike to a couple of sub-alpine lakes about 45 miles east of Seattle. This is a great hike, particularly if you can get there on a week day. @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

Want summer trail recommendations from WTA staff? Join us at Hike the State on May 21: go.wta.org/summerhts26

Calling all WTA Outdoor Leadership Training program graduates and 2026 attendees: Join Washington Trails Association as a Co-Instructor in 2026! You’ll apply leadership skills training with other outdoor leaders, build community and help get youth outdoors. Register: wta.org/olt-coinstructor

Keeping the items in WTA’s gear library in top shape takes a ton of work. That’s why since fall, students with Seattle Public Schools' BRIDGES program have been helping weekly with general maintenance at WTA’s #Seattle Gear Library.

#MayTheFourth be with you! We’ve hidden four beloved Star Wars characters within these beautiful images. Use the force — how many can you spot? Let us know who you see and where you see them in the comments below! 📸 Photos courtesy of Quinn Aebi, Max Mcdonald, Darryl Lloyd and Rich Zywiak

Learn about the power of volunteer trail maintenance, as shared by @seattletimes.com ⛏️ Big thanks to our partners at Snohomish County Parks for making this project possible!

Snowy conditions and blowdowns along the i-90 corridor via WTA trip reports!

Get hiking tips, tricks and trail recommendations from WTA staff this May at Hike the State! Our staff will share resources and inspire you to plan your next great adventure on #Washington trails. Sign up today: www.wta.org/get-involved/events/hike-the-state

#GiveBIG is just one day this year! Join hundreds of hikers supporting trails and public lands on May 5. Early giving is open now: go.wta.org/givebig26_May5 #ItsUpToUs #NonProfit

Join WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training for a camping workshop on June 6, 2026. This 7 hour entry-level course is focused on leading a safe and fun group camping trip. Register at: give.wta.org/event/olt-camping-workshop-6-06-2026/e743238 Location: Dash Point State Park 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The #PacificCrestTrail crosses a whopping 50 #wilderness areas between Mexico and Canada. That’s nine wilderness areas in Washington alone! But between degrading trail access, recreation impacts and attempts to eliminate wilderness protections, these wilderness areas need our help.

Lots of transit news on this week's hiker headlines: the eastern portion of Highway 20 is opening, Trailhead direct transit starts again soon, roads in the Methow are closed and more.

**CORRECTION** he transportation budget passed by lawmakers this session did not include $12 million for the Fairfax project. WSDOT plans to use $7 million from their existing budget to start design and environmental review this summer.

(1/2) Due to budget cuts, @wadnr.bsky.social will be closing some campgrounds and reducing services at other outdoor sites this year. In total, their budget was cut by $8 million in less than 2 years. 📸 Photos by Jane Cui and trip reporter Lucy #Washington

Imagine what WTA and our community can accomplish together for trails, public lands and hikers in an entire year — with your support. This year, GiveBIG is only one day: May 5. Will you be part of this important day for WTA by making a donation: go.wta.org/givebig26_inoneday #GiveBIG

Here is a perfect WTA trip report. Note the organization and the precise info for land managers. Bravo! @washingtontrails.bsky.social www.wta.org/go-hiking/tr...

Fairfax Bridge update: During the 2026 state legislative session, lawmakers passed a transportation budget including $12 million for the Fairfax project for planning. @wsdot.wa.gov plans to do environmental analysis starting this summer. #MountRainier #Washington

It feels like spring at lower elevations, but winter conditions will persist in the mountains for weeks to come. And for many hikers, high gear expectations and unclear trail access can make hiking in winter conditions feel inaccessible.

Excellent safety tip: know when to turn around to hike another day!

WTA crews recently did what thousands of years of glaciers could not: Build a trail up Big Rock 🪨 Over 48 days and 14 months, WTA crews etched a quarter mile of trail leading from the base to the top of Big Rock. It took jack hammers, rock drills and a LOT of stairs to complete the project.

Harts Pass Road is closed to vehicles until further notice due to storm damage. The 10-mile road is a key access point to the northern section of the #PacificCrestTrail. An extended closure could add extra pain for trail maintenance crews and Pacific Crest Trail hikers.

Check out the blowdowns in this trip report!

Happy #EarthDay 🌎️ Take today to connect with our planet and revel in its beauty. And what better way than to hit a hike? 📸 Photos by Inge Johnsson, Claire Nitsche and Kory Wallen #WashingtonTrails #Nonprofit #WTA