Plan your winter hikes with WTA and search and rescue volunteers at Central Washington University this Feb., learn about historic lodging accommodations at Fort Worden State Park and help protect funding for state public lands on this week's edition.

Here are a few of our favorite ideas for hot drinks on trail this winter 👇️ ☕️ go nuts and add almond butter to your hot cocoa ☕️ stir things up with your fav savory broth (noodles optional) ☕️ spike your favorite tea with cinnamon and ginger What are your favorite hot drinks on trail?

Due to a multi-billion dollar shortfall in our state’s budget, legislators will be looking at cuts during this legislative session, which runs now through March 12. Here’s how, with your support, we can help protect this funding.

It is with great pleasure that we share the winners of our 2025 Northwest Exposure #PhotoContest 📸 🎉 From mountaintops to pebbly beaches, we’re endlessly inspired by the beautiful memories you’ve shared with us. Check out the winners and their stories at go.wta.org/NWX25

Learn about fee-free lands on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, an update from the Washington State Department of Transportation on the Fairfax Bridge near #MountRainier, the Spokane Winterfest this weekend and more.

WTA began in 1966 as a humble newsletter called Signpost — marking the beginning of a remarkable journey to connect hikers to trails and to protect public lands. In 2026, we’re excited to commemorate 60 years of trails with you. Keep up with ways to celebrate and stay involved at wta.org

In November 2024, a bomb cyclone ripped through the PNW. Tiger Mountain — a hugely popular rec area near Seattle — was hit particularly hard. Thanks to skilled staff, volunteers and strong partnerships with land managers, WTA was able to act quickly to get these trails safe and hikeable again 🌀

Whether you're looking for some weekend hiking inspiration or just want a slice of joy in your life, check out these wonderful adventures trip reporters had on the first day of 2026 to ring in the new year on trail 🔔⁠ And if you head out this weekend, we'd love if you left a trip report yourself!

Washington Trails Association is an outdoor nonprofit with a big vision: Trails for Everyone, Forever. Get involved at wta.org 📸 Video produced by Sky Bear Media 🎶 Music by Gaëla Braun

Check out this week's edition of Hiker Headlines to get prepared for snow in the mountains, to learn the latest trail and road conditions and to check out a new bench at Poo Poo Point.

The U.S. Forest Service manages more miles of trail in Washington than any other land management agency. But according to a new Forest Service report, trail maintenance suffered dramatically in 2025 as a result of staffing cuts. Here’s what it means for public lands and how you can support trails 👇️

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