An increasing number of people are acknowledging the positive impact that trails have on their lives. Bikers, hikers, horseback riders, and all who use trails for pleasure, relaxation, and just about all other purposes benefit the most when trails are given attention for development. Moreover, trails promote inclusivity and equity. Hence, the birth of the Washington Trails Association.
The Washington Trails Association is an organized group of hikers standing up for trails and wildlands. This community has been at the cutting edge of wilderness protection, forest restoration, connecting hikers, and maintaining trails despite dwindling trail funds. Their role in Washington’s environmental community is constitutive in preserving the wild that people love to explore, protecting nature for everyone to enjoy, and making it sustainable to last for the succeeding generations.
The devotion to upholding social, racial, gender, and economic equity is mirrored in its mission statement. It is also a campaign to awaken the spirit of volunteerism and a call to reunite with nature.
Their values echo the need for mental and social well-being, to arouse altruism and recoup the fading compassion in humanity. The Washington Trails Association is a powerful voice that encourages those who have a genuine concern for nature and humankind to take part in bettering the world any way they can.
Washington Trails Association mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.
That exploring nature is good for people’s hearts, minds and bodies, and that hiking is a powerful way for everyone to connect with Washington’s natural wonders. That people will protect the places they love to hike, from local parks to remote wilderness. It is vitally important for everyone to have the opportunity to access the outdoors, and we are committed to reducing barriers to hiking trails and lands.
One of the best things about the WTA is their wholesome programs and activities for Families, Youth, Educators, and the Black Community. Truly, they endeavor to help build communities that harmonize, care and coexist with each other and with nature.
Embolden thousands of hikers to speak up for recreation at a governor-declared holiday
Caused the Department of Interior to back off of a plan for steep fee increases at Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks
Secured a partnership with Puget Sound Energy, which allowed them to build miles of new trail
Established a collaborative effort with the Friends of the Columbia Gorge and a grant from the National Park Service in building two new loops at Lyle Cherry Orchard
Helped preserve forests and habitat around Oyster Dome, Lily Lake, and Samish Overlook
Enacted Lost Trails Found campaign which is aimed at helping to reclaim our three signature lost trails and protect dozens of more backcountry trails across the state
Initiated in saving the Boundary Trail, instituted wildfire funding, and organized trail maintenance trips in Washington’s backcountry
Joined in the fundraising campaign of hiking and climbing communities launched by Forterra to purchase the land abutting the Lake Serene trail, guaranteeing the trail will remain protected and accessible forever
Supported the Teanaway Community Forest committee of their 15-year vision for trails
Reopened trail works despite COVID-19, adapting safety protocols and following guidelines
Created several networks (and the number is increasing) to build a sustainable future for trails
Advocated the legislation of vital funding for public lands -the Great American Outdoor Act - which has already passed the Congress and is now moved to the president’s desk for final approval
Helped Ridgefield staff on several trail-restoration work parties
Find more of their accomplishments here.
Get involved! The Washington Trails Association organizes events for their members, volunteers and outreaches. They have an annual photo contest, trail work parties, outdoor leadership training workshops, their signature fundraising event - the Hike-a-Thon, and many more.
Some of the lined-up activities were cancelled due to the pandemic. Connect with them to get updates on their movements.
In Person Events
Virtual Events
Ongoing Activities
Parents might feel their outdoor fun is over once they have kids, but it should not be the case. Hiking can be customized as kid-friendly, and it really is a perfect way to create memories together. Spending time on the trail is an excellent opportunity to grow closer as a family; it invests in children’s personal growth and experience enrichment.
So, what do you need to do?
Other tips and tricks
There are many ways to give for the causes of the WTA.
You can join the Fireside Circle honors WTA members who contribute $500 or more annually to Washington Trails Association. Thanks to the generous support of our Fireside Circle members, the association can keep working to build trails for everyone, forever.
They also offer a charitable plan if you wish to include Washington Trails Association in your will or estate plans. This will provide a long term benefit both to your family and WTA.
A fundraising campaign is another brilliant idea. Here are helpful tools to start your personalized fundraising page.
Or make a donation. Trails are crucial in building healthy communities and a healthy environment. By making a donation to WTA today, you're helping develop and maintain trails that will last forever.
Your generosity will reach far and wide in helping bring the benefits of trails and public lands to everyone!
Your donation goes a long way. Join and give today, and enjoy the perks of membership.
If you have questions, please contact their membership team at membership@wta.org.
WTA has really made a mark in Washington with its legacy of advocacy for hiking and wildlands. Undoubtedly, one of their most remarkable achievements is the volunteer trail maintenance program, spearheaded by the former executive director, Greg Ball. The program made an impressive growth. That first year, in 1993, volunteers completed 250 hours of trail work on National Parks and Forest trails; in 2017, volunteers logged more than 160,000 hours. It has become the most extensive program of its kind in the nation to date.
The association is always open for everyone willing to go down the line for their advocacies. Experienced and newbies are welcome! Sign up to find a work party and enjoy the perks of volunteering.
If you have more questions, reach them at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367.
The best time to help is NOW.