On this January's Washington Trails News Update, learn about the impact of staffing cuts to national forests, celebrate the winners of WTA’s 2025 photo contest and discover what’s at stake in this year’s state legislative session.
This trip over Labor Day Weekend 2025 was a bit too early for peak #chanterelle flushes, but nothing beats swimming in an alpine lake and enjoying sunset after a day on trail.
A rather solid weekend for #foraging and #hiking alike 🍄🥾
The #NorthCascades are home to jagged peaks, towering trees, and gourmet #mushrooms. Even in late summer, you're pretty much guaranteed to find some tasty views AND #fungi.
What sort of outdoors #YouTube content are you interested in these days?
Channel background is in #thruhiking, guiding, #foraging, and #adventuretravel.
Let me know: youtube.com/post/Ugkxes3...
Super proud of the work @washingtontrails.bsky.social has accomplished over the last 6 years to keep trails on the map.
Btw, this story map? Incredible 🥾
GivingTuesday is the perfect time to become a member. Join with a gift of $20 or more and you’ll receive our annual calendar, a print subscription to Washington Trails Magazine, special event invitations and more.
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
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? 🥾🌲
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
I don’t have time to #thru-hike around the clock. A long weekend outing fits my lifestyle better.
I suspect I'm not the only one. But that doesn't mean you can't still visit iconic long trails. This year alone, I logged miles on the #AZT, #PCT, #CDT, and #PNT with the help of FarOut guides.
The Trump administration intends to fire 272 staff who work for the National Park Service, as part of plans to lay off 2,050 workers at the U.S. Department of the Interior.
These firings must be prevented for the sake of the future of public lands and trails.
Challenging miles are a lot more tolerable when you're rewarded with wildlife and views. I'll gladly trade a tough incline for the opportunity to hang in the alpine at #GlacierNationalPark
#4k #hiking #vlog
youtu.be/DE_KG68xPxg
The bluest lakes. Banded cliffsides. A massive hunk of ice. One stunning hike at #GlacierNationalPark ⛰️
The federal #shutdown will have impacts on national #PublicLands and the people who care for them.
Here's what it means for #Washington trails and how you can help ⬇️
Going-to-the-Sun Road slices across #GlacierNationalPark and is one of the most scenic drives in the US. Today's visit to the park brought glacier views, a (brief) mountain goat sighting, a scenic boat tour on Lake McDonald, and more 🐐
#4k #hiking #vlog
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 🌲
The PCT in Washington is popular. Trail gets a lot quieter once you're off it. Luckily there are a ton of lakes to explore, like Chain and Doelle. Who doesn't love some huckleberries and a swim?
Alpine Lakes Wilderness is my local stomping ground for Washington hiking. Plans don't even need be for some spectacular goal to be fun -- unplanned overnights help me get a nature fix too! 🌲
#vlog #4k #hiking
Take action to protect the Roadless Rule. Our National Forests need your help.
A Rim 2 Rim at the #GrandCanyon is a must-do for any hiker hoping to experience one of nature's most awesome temples.
Here is my experience 🌵
#4k #vlog #hiking
Register for Hike the State to get the whole list of recommended fall trails.
An aspen grove in fall. A photo of Holly.
A volcano with a lenticular cloud in the fall. A photo of Joe
A mountain and barren blast zone are shrouded in clouds. A photo of Tiffany.
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
Gifford Pinchot National Forest recently released its sustainable trails systems strategic plan to guide the agency and partners as we face the challenges of decreased funding for #NationalForests across the state.
The WTA work party motto is “Be safe, have fun and get some work done.” And that’s exactly what we do statewide, all while getting our hands dirty improving public lands for future generations. What our work parties lack in luxury they make up for in fun projects, camaraderie and candy breaks.
Thanks for checking it out!
40 miles of crashing tides, overgrown forests, and incredible sea wildlife. Check out this #backpacking trip at #OlymlicNationalPark 🌲
It's a decision that can’t be reversed. Add your voice to WTA’s petition to let leaders of our national land management agencies know: Our #publiclands are not for sale.
The #Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources recently released the text of a spending bill that would mandate the sale of up to 3.2 million acres of national #publiclands. If this bill becomes law, national public lands would be sold in 11 western states, including #Washington.
Summer #backpacking season is just getting started, and a well packed backpack will feel much lighter and more comfortable than one that's packed poorly.
Give BIG to WTA May 6-7 to power reliable hiking resources. Donate today! A Hiker walks down a trail with Mount Rainier in the distance.
(1/2) Hiking season is about to kick into gear, but the future of #publiclands is uncertain. WTA’s trail maintenance work and hiking resources are now more critical than ever, and we need your help.
Early giving for #GiveBIG is now open! By donating to WTA now, you can help us start strong 👇🏽
