Big thanks to RV Out West for sitting down with WTA's Policy and Planning Manager to discuss the importance of protecting and advocating for our national #PublicLands. Get perspective on public lands and how you can support them on this episode 🌲

#Washington has some of the best land-based #WhaleWatching locations in the world. If you're lucky over the next few weeks, you might even spot killer whale (orca) calf: www.wta.org/go-outside/s... 🐳 📸 Orca calf photos by Victoria Obermeyer

The cost of an annual Discover Pass will increase from $30 to $45 on Oct. 1. Learn about this change, fee-free lands this Saturday, wildfire updates and more on this week's Hiker Headlines.

Nosotros En Naturaleza is a nonprofit dedicated to connecting and empowering underserved youth in South King County to the majesty of Washington’s outdoors. In 2024 alone, they led 13 hiking trips with LatinX young adults. Learn how they're getting outside with some help from WTA 🌲

If you hike in Southwest WA, chances are you’ve hiked trails WTA has maintained. With a volunteer community hundreds strong, we’re hard at work building, improving & advocating for trails. Check out this good news for trails & find out how to suport this work by giving early for #GiveMore24! ⬇️

Happy autumnal equinox! With the changing of the season comes cooler temperatures and a brilliant fall colors 🍂 Also, the big dark is coming. But we still have a while to enjoy some of the best weeks of hiking Washington has to offer. Come prepared for the seasonal challenges fall presents:

Need some inspiration for this year’s Northwest Exposure bonus category, Random Acts of Kindness? Look no further! 👀⁠ ⁠ Get some inspiration for your entries and don't forget to submit your images before the contest ends on October 6!⁠

Stay informed on major closures this weekend (including Lake 22), actions you can take to help trails and upcoming community events all in this weeks Hiker Headlines.

We're just days away from our next Hiker Happy Hour in Washougal! We'll share about what's coming up for trails in the area and how you can get involved. Tickets are only $20 and will include a drink, appetizers AND an annual WTA membership! give.wta.org/event/hiker-...

Today is National #VoterRegistration Day! As people who love the outdoors, voting at the federal, state and local levels is one of the most effective ways we can speak up for trails 🏔️ ⁠ Register to vote or update your voter registration today:

WTA's Fireside Circle honors WTA members who contribute $500 or more annually. These members impact Washington’s trails by helping power essential trail work, youth programs and advocacy to support the future of trails. Find out how you can make an even bigger impact for the trails you love: ⁠

Since 2001, the Roadless Rule has protected trails in forest land across WA (and the country) from logging & mining. The rule protects 1/3 of our national forests, 58 million acres, including 43,826 miles of trail nationwide! 📸 by trip reporters Jaimeeee, mcblain, DaphneF, Eric Katanaboy & JKNapper

"May trails be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out." – Lady Galadriel ⁠ ⁠ Just because we’re past Labor Day doesn’t mean that hiking season is over. Find hikes, read trip reports and learn the latest about trails statewide at wta.org⁠

Join us for Hiker Happy Hour at 54-40 Brewing Co in Washougal on Sep 25. We can't wait to share about what's coming up for trails in the area and ways you can get involved. You can get your ticket (which includes a WTA membership) here today: give.wta.org/.../hiker-ha...

Get your hiking news! Help protect the #RoadlessRule, submit your photos to WTA's annual Northwest Exposure #PhotoContest, learn about the latest fires statewide and more on this week's Hiker Headlines.

📸 We're officially halfway through our Northwest Exposure Photo Contest 📸⁠ ⁠ Time sure does fly 🕒️ Enter your photo by October 6 to support your favorite trails! We can’t wait to see what you share with us.

🏔️🌲 PROTECT THE ROADLESS RULE 🏔️🌲 ⁠ ⁠ The #RoadlessRule has protected one-third of our #NationalForests for a generation. It provides sanctuary to our old-growth forests, waterways, and some of our most beloved outdoor destinations from road construction, logging and mining.⁠ #NonProfit #Advocacy

Do you hike with a first aid kit? And if you do, have you taken inventory of it lately? #FirstAid is essential, and each person's kit should be bespoke to their party and hiking plans. What items would you recommend in addition to the linked checklist? ⚕️

Air quality is down across much of #Washington due to ongoing and new #wildfires. In other words: 🔥🔥🔥 Learn about the latest fires, plus more info about campaigns against the #RoadlessRule repeal, on this week's Hiker Headlines.

From stunning views of the #ColumbiaRiverGorge, to wide-open grasslands and marshes, #Vancouver and #Portland couldn’t be more perfectly placed for reaching some incredible #Washington trails. The best part: all of these trails are (roughly) a 30-minute drive from Vancouver 🥾

Love to #hike, but can’t stand driving on forest roads? Here are a few tips to help you navigate these potentially tricky roads 🚗

Educators and youth group facilitators: Want to create outdoor experiences for youth this year? = Get trip planning tips, resources and opportunities for the 2025 to 2026 school year with WTA's Outdoor Leadership Program 📚️

Which pika do you identify with after a fun Labor Day Weekend? Drop an emoji in the thread to let us know 👇🏼 😴 Sleepy pika 🥗 Munchy pika 🥔 Potato pika Whether your weekend was full of rest of full of hiking, we hope it was a good one! 📸 Photos by Dylan Hsu, Mary Campbell and Elston Hill

Learn about the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture's plans to rescind the Roadless Rule, an upcoming Hiker Happy Hour at Gearhouse in Seattle, road closures and more on this week's edition of Hiker Headlines.

Don't miss out on Hiker Happy Hour at Gearhouse in Seattle on Sep 4. We'll share about what's coming up for trails in the area and ways you can get involved. Tickets are only $25 and include a drink, appetizers AND an annual WTA membership: give.wta.org/event/hiker-happy-hour-seattle-9-2025/e703341

Gotta hike 'em all!⁠ The world of #Pokémon and Washington trails have something in common: they’re both incredibly diverse. But, which trails would be home to which Pokémon? Find out: www.wta.org/go-outside/seasonal-hikes/summer-destinations/washington-hikes-or-pokemon-types ⁠

Build your fall hiking wish list with local experts from WTA tomorrow, 8/27, at Hike the State 🍂 We'll go over autumn trail recommendations, tips and tricks at this free online event. Register: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

Son of a #bee sting — that hurt! Expect to encounter wasps, bees and other venomous flying insects this time of year. But before you make a buzz, it's important to know which insects are friend or foe and how to remedy their stings 🐝

Join WTA staff and volunteers at 54°40′ Brewing Co in Washougal for a night of talking trails with fellow hikers and people who love the outdoors. We'll share updates about what’s coming up for trails in the area and ways you can get involved with trails and public lands this year.

Sometimes, trails are GOod. Other times, they're Very Rock. ⁠ ⁠ Every trip report helps, even if they're #ShortAndSweet. Share how your weekend outings went at wta.org/tripreports ⁠ 📸 Trip reports by hikers decan, Sara Dutenhoefer, sozero and Franzilla

#Seattle hikers! Join #Washington Trails Association at Gearhouse in Seattle for a night of talking trails with fellow #hikers. WTA will share updates about what’s coming up for trails in the area and ways you can get involved with trails and public lands this year: give.wta.org/event/hiker-...

WTA’s #Hiking Guide contains over 4,000 hikes to choose from in #Washington. With so many options, you don’t need to hike the same trail as everyone else. Here’s how you can use WTA to find a less-hiked trail and get some solitude 🌲

Get trail recommendations from WTA at Hike the State, learn about recent road closures, prepare for hot weather and more on this week's edition of Hiker Headlines 🏔️

Images submitted to this year's Northwest Exposure Photo Contest could help trails in Washington by:⁠ ⁠ ⭐️ inspiring others to get on trail⁠ ⚒️ sharing WTA's mission of trails for everyone⁠ 🌲empowering our work to protect outdoor places⁠

Join WTA staff and volunteers at Gearhouse in #Seattle for a night of talking trails with fellow hikers and people who love the #outdoors. WTA will share updates about what’s coming up for trails in the area and ways you can get involved with trails and public lands this year: 🍺

Want handpicked fall trail recommendations directly from Washington Trails Association staff? Whether you’re new to hiking in Washington or an experienced trekker, we’ll have a trail to suggest for you 🍂⁠ us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/3517522510632/WN_SnDK2_49TOaZo6Fk-Tu75Q

It's sweet to be the nation's largest statewide trails nonprofit 🍪 That's why we offer our #Hiking Guide, Trail Smarts and other information to help you hit trails at no cost at wta.org Just don't drink the glacial milk 🥛 — rock flour and proper hydration don't mix.

We want to know about your experience on Highway 410 trails! Your responses are anonymous. Washington Trails Association will share the aggregated data with our partners to inform recommendations about trail improvements: www.surveymonkey.com/r/VBXHW59

You found an abandoned fire in the backcountry... now what? Follow these steps to safely put it out 🔥

We're entering the thick of berry-picking season in #Washington. Here's how to use WTA trip reports to learn where others are finding them: 🍓 go to www.wta.org/tripreports 🍓 tick the "ripe berries" filter 🍓 hike, eat and file a trip report of your own!

Get this week's Hiker Headlines! Learn about upcoming parking lot closures on Highway 20, an update on WTA's annual Hike-a-Thon fundraiser, WTA's feature on the latest ‪Dirtbag Diaries episode and more.

Did you know you can check the status of #wildfires and air quality statewide using WTA’s Hike Finder Map and Trailblazer mobile app? Visit our Hike Finder Map at wta.org/hikefinder and toggle on the map layer filters to learn where to find smoke-free skies 🔥

#Hitchhiking is practiced by travelers worldwide. It's one of the cheapest, most convenient ways for hikers to get into town or back to trail. But first, you should know the rules. Here's what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law (road) 👍🏼🚗

The Perseids meteor shower is peaking RIGHT NOW. Here’s your reminder to treat our public lands with care while stargazing 🌌 Learn how to stargaze without leaving a trace 🌠 #PerseidMeteorShower

Our 2025 Northwest Exposure #PhotoContest is now open! 📸 Your photos help WTA tell stories of Washington’s spectacular trails, inspiring people to speak up for public lands and to get outside. To learn more and enter the contest, visit the link provided. wta.org/photocontest

Get the latest news from this week's Hiker Headlines! WTA is hiring, our annual Northwest Exposure Photo Contest starts Aug. 11, fee-free lands on Smokey Bear's birthday and more on this edition 🐻

Get hiking tips, tricks and trail recommendations from WTA staff this August at Hike the State! Our staff will share resources and inspire you to plan your next great adventure on Washington trails: us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2117522506667/WN_SnDK2_49TOaZo6Fk-Tu75Q 📸 Photo by William Chambers

Look up 💫! The #Perseids meteor shower is ongoing right now, and will peak Aug. 12-13. Use our Dark Places Digest to plan ahead and find the perfect place to escape light pollution and enjoy the night sky.

If #Congress renews the Legacy Restoration Fund, it'll provide up to $1.9 billion annually to fix & improve trails, bathrooms, trail bridges, roads and recreation sites. If restored, where would you most like Legacy Restoration Funding resources to contribute to the future of national public lands?

“3-2-1 HIKE-A-THON!” It’s August 1, which means that Hike-a-Thon has officially begun! And as part of our annual fundraiser, hikers will be logging miles to raise money for trails ALL MONTH LONG! There’s still time to sign up: give.wta.org/campaign/hike-a-thon-2025/c694069?c_src=hat25social8125