Did record rainfall end Washington’s drought? Unfortunately, no. We got rain when we really needed snow, leaving snowpack at about 31% of normal. We'll need winter weather ahead to build up our "snow bank". Read more about what this means for our water supply in WA: ecology.wa.gov/blog/january...

Did you wait on your trail family to make hiking plans in 2025? Sometimes, you've gotta do it yourself. Good thing we have everything you need for successful winter outings at wta.org. Find trails, read trip reports and more with us in 2026! #WashingtonTrails #NonProfit #HappyNewYear

Ambassadors are often the face of WTA, representing our work at trailheads and convention statewide. And in 2025, ambassadors attended 100 events and talked to over 8,000 people!

For the last 6 years, we've met the needs of trail users by providing support to popular outdoor recreation areas. Learn where WTA crews have made big impacts statewide, plus a look forward to sustainable trails near Mount Rainier 🏔️

We accomplished some incredible work in 2025 — on trail, in the Capitol and in our communities — with your help. Join us for a quick look back at 2025 with the year's final edition of Hiker Headlines. #Washington #NonProfit #Hiking #News

When you make a tax-deductible donation before midnight on 12/31, you’ll help WTA start 2026 strong. It takes real people to make trails happen — and that includes you. This month’s flooding has hit our public lands hard. Please lend your support to rebuild the places we cherish. #NonProfit

When lifelong hiker Bill Meyer was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he found a way to keep getting outside. In 2016, he created Pass to Pass to help others do the same.

Join WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training for a #snowshoeing workshop on Feb. 21, 2026. This 6-hour entry-level course is focused on everything you need to know to lead a successful outing with a group of youth or families. Register today!

Happy first day of #Winter!⁠ ⁠ Did you commemorate the solstice yesterday with a hike? File a trip report and let us know at wta.org/tripreports ⁠ REMINDER to check trail conditions for updates and closures from recent floods. Obey park hours and always plan ahead. ⁠ 📸 Photo courtesy of Robert Bryll

In 2024, a brave all-women's trail crew helped maintain the White River trail for the first time in over a decade. In 2025, our crews returned — this time supported by Forest Service pack mules. Learn how the revival of one trail can open up access to the PCT and Glacier Peak Wilderness 🥾

#Washington communities feel the impacts from recent #flooding, #OlympicNationalPark is taking public comments to help plan for rebuilding the Hurricane Ridge day lodge, the Washington Post reports on the impacts of staff losses at the #ForestService and more. Get your hiking news!

Youth ages 10+ and their families are invited to join WTA for a special trail work party at Gold Creek Park in Woodinville on Jan. 24! No experience necessary, just be prepared to have fun. Visit the link to learn more and register today ⛏️

Catastrophic flooding has hit Western Washington communities hard, washing out major access routes to trails and public lands. Here’s what it means for hikers, affected communities and the trails you love. #Washington #PublicLands #Flooding #NonProfit

We’re #hiring! Are you a trails steward looking for seasonal employment in some of Washington’s most beautiful and iconic #outdoor places? These roles were lead single and multiday volunteer trail work parties and focus on a broad range of trail projects. Learn more and apply at wta.org/careers

WTA's Trail Action Network — 60,000 hikers strong — showed up for trails in 2025. Here's how, together, we protected trails funding and prevented the sales of national public lands. #NonProfit #PublicLands #Advocacy #Washington

Join Washington State Parks on #NewYear'sDay to kick off 2026! They're hosting fun activities at state parks statewide. Plus, it's a Discover Pass fee-free day ☃️ Be sure to leave a trip report on WTA with the tag #FirstDayHikes so we can hear what you've been up to!

Historic #flooding continues to impact communities across Western #Washington. Many trails and roads, including Hwy 2 and Blewett Pass, are closed due to landslides and downed trees. Landslide risk remains high. Trail users should consider delaying or shifting hiking plans in the meantime.

Who wants to go #snowshoeing this winter? ✋️ The Summit at #Snoqualmie and Gold Creek Pond are historically popular snowshoe areas. But between limited parking and parking fees, some hikers are looking for new areas to snowshoe.⁠ No problem: WTA has your back ❄️

Tools help us maintain trails — but who maintains the tools that maintain the trails? Learn how dedicated and skilled volunteers are keeping WTA (and its tools) sharp 🪓 #NonProfit #Washington #TrailMaintenance #Volunteer

Over the last 6 years of our strategic plan, our 4 campaigns — Lost Trails Found, Trails Rebooted, The Trail Next Door and Trails for Everyone — have accomplished so much: go.wta.org/4phG8bd 🏔️ We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish in the years to come! #Washington #NonProfit #Outdoors

"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 💧

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

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 👇️

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 ⛏️

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.

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

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 🚀

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

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.

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? 🥾🌲

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

#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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 🌲

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 🌲

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 🍂

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 🥳

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 👻

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.

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 👇🏼

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