Washington Trails Magazine

2 weeks ago | wta.org | Jessi Loerch

Last August, my backpacking plans — which had been carefully crafted for months — fell apart 2 days before I was set to leave. I had the food, the gear, the permit and a willing volunteer to help me with a car shuttle. The was only one problem — the trail I wanted to hike had just caught on fire. Several of my friends and coworkers encountered the same problem that month. Many carefully planned trips had to be scrapped at the last minute.

Feb 14, 2025 | wta.org | Holly Weiler

By Holly WeilerSpokane-area assistant crew leaders Mary Beth and Jim Fitzgerald celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary on-trail last fall by joining a day work party. While they met through their shared workplace, it was a shared love of the outdoors that has shaped their relationship and shines through in their commitment to both each other and to trails. From the beginning, their relationship has had an outdoor component.

Feb 7, 2024 | wta.org | Craig Romano

As hikers and runners, we need to get outside year round. Luckily we have plenty of options to make that easy, even in the chilly, damp season — namely our region’s hundreds of urban trails. They’re nearby and easily accessible and they’re often quiet in the winter, offering opportunities for solitude and quiet contemplation. In the western, more temperate regions of Washington, Oregon and Southwest British Columbia, urban trails are usually snow-free all winter long.

Nov 27, 2023 | wta.org | Jessi Loerch

Washington Trails Association believes that trails are for everyone, forever. We seek to create a community of avid outdoor enthusiasts who love natural spaces. This year for GivingTuesday, we are highlighting five community partners that are making waves, rewriting narratives in the outdoors and making sure everyone has access to connect with nature and experience joy in the outdoors. Please consider sharing your generosity with these community partner organizations.

Oct 24, 2023 | wta.org | Jessi Loerch

One September morning last year, Gabi Randall and her grandmother took a trip to Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge at — according to Gabi — “dark o’clock” to see if they could catch a glimpse of a moose. Gabi had previously captured some great moose photos in the area, and her grandmother was hoping for a sighting after having not seen one in a while. Although their mission to find a moose wasn’t successful, the pair was delighted by Gabi’s very first porcupine sighting.