Washington Trails Association

Get to know your hiking gear with WTA resources 🥾

We offer a catalogue of gear-related resources to get you ready for your next trip, covering everything from the ten essentials and shoe selection to sleep systems and gear repair.

In need of a specific gear-related resource? Let us know in the comments, and if we have an article, we’ll share it with you!

The ADA-accessible Erinswood Trail at Heybrook Ridge County Park has officially reopened 🎉

WTA volunteers originally began roughing the Erinswood Trail in 2018, but as of last month, it’s up to ADA standards and is wheelchair-accessible. The loop has eight new benches, placed every 200 feet along the trail, as well as nine interpretive signs.

Thank you Snohomish County Parks & Recreation and Friends of Heybrook Ridge for their decade-long partnership and hard work to make this project possible.

“It’s felt like this perfect triad of WTA, Snohomish County Parks and the Friends of Heybrook Ridge. Together, we’ve created a public space for hikers of all types, wheelchairs, strollers, walkers — making it a unique park for both people in Sky Valley and farther away” — Ann Darlington, Friends of Heybrook Ridge board member.

🌲The Erinswood trail now built up to ADA standards by Snohomish County Parks. Photo by Emily Griffith
🌲 The Erinswood Trail was initially roughed in by WTA in 2018. Photo by Bob Adler

We're hiring multiple positions. Come work with us!

🥾 Volunteer and Training Coordinator
Helps oversee our volunteer program’s training content and administrative support.

- Full-time, non-exempt
- WTA Seattle Office with 60% hybrid remote work
- Priority application date: Oct. 14

🥾 Emerging Leaders Program - Summer Associates
Six individual roles designed as entry points for early professionals to build skills in outdoor recreation and non-profit work. Individual roles include communications, development, community engagement, gear library, volunteer programs and hiker education associate positions.

- Season dates: February through September 2027
- Base of operations: WTA Seattle Office*
- Priority application date: Oct. 16

PNW weather can change on a dime 🌧️

As the seasons change, now is the perfect time to make sure you know how to drive safely on public lands 👇️

🚗 go slow, and keep to the right
🚗 exercise passing courtesy
🚗 park thoughtfully
🚗 don’t count on cell service or roadside assistance

What tips would you suggest for driving on forest roads?

Although fall just began, winter is coming in the mountains. Here are some off-season updates from the high country:

🥾 Bear poles at Mount Rainier National Park backcountry camps are coming down. Starting Oct. 4, backpackers will need to carry bear canisters.

🥾 The Newhalem visitor center at North Cascades National Park Service Complex is closed for the season. The Marblemount Information Center is open daily through Oct. 10.

🥾 Olympic National Forest has closed five seasonal gates for wildlife protection. Gates will reopen on May 1.

📸 Photo by trip reporter Lisa Elliott

Thanks to those from Washington Trails Association, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and UW School of Environmental and Forest Sciences for joining me at an Environmental Roundtable in Seattle. I remain committed to backing our public lands and working across our state to restore forest fire damage. Thanks for taking the time.

Join us in welcoming our new cohort of Outdoor Leadership Training co-instructors ✨

Emma, Diana, Suzannah (pictured left to right), Wes and Sarah (not pictured) mark our first-ever co-instructor cohort to help support our Outdoor Leadership Training workshops in 2027. Each of them brings a unique background in education, leading youth and outdoor recreation.

Our co-instructors can’t wait to connect with outdoor enthusiasts to extend WTA’s focus on inspiring the next generation of leaders. Welcome!

Join our friends Outdoors for All Foundation on Oct. 12 for a special screening of "Forward", a 70-minute adaptive film celebrating the power of the outdoors.

Get your ticket today: pro.gofundme.com/event/adaptive-film-screening/e831915

Join Outdoors for All and Old Stove Brewing - Gardens for a special screening of “Forward”, a 70-minute adaptive film celebrating adventure, inclusion, and the power of the outdoors. Come together for an evening of film, connection, and celebration as we kick off the winter season ahead!

Follow this link to learn more and RSVP for your FREE admission today: https://pro.gofundme.com/event/adaptive-film-screening/e831915