Washington Trails Association

Happy National Trails Day! Outdoor enthusiasts nationwide are getting outside today to steward and celebrate trails and public lands.

We’re conducting over a dozen work parties across Washington today — how are you getting outside to celebrate?

Thanks to American Hiking Society for bringing the outdoor community together today!

Public lands are fee-free this weekend!

U.S. Forest Service parking fees will be waived June 6 in celebration of National Trails Day.

State-managed lands will also waive parking fees June 6-7 to commemorate Free Fishing Weekend.

Finally, the Teanaway Community Forest is celebrating its grand opening on June 6. WTA has been involved in the planning work since before the forest was even created!

📸 Join a webinar on June 9 about how winter storm damage might affect your summer. Photo by trip reporter RichP.

You’re invited to join Washington Trails Association for Hiker Happy Hour! Join us on June 25 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Gearhouse in Capitol Hill to connect with fellow hikers, get the inside scoop on trails in the Puget Sound region and find out how to get involved.

Tickets cost $30 and include a complimentary drink ticket, appetizers and a one year membership to WTA!

Your membership includes a subscription to Washington Trails magazine, a member decal, invitations to special events and the good feeling of doing your part to protect trails and public lands.

LGBTQ+ teens ages 14-18 are invited to join WTA's 6th annual LGBTQ+ youth trip 7/23-27!

We’ll have fun and do some trail work at Deception Pass State Park, all while recognizing and celebrating our identities.

🥾 No experience required
🥾 Food provided
🥾 Full scholarships available

Improvising your hikes is chopped. Baddies make a plan with WTA’s Trailblazer app 💅🏼

Here at WTA, we have the privilege of working with incredible outdoor leaders from across sectors. But how do these leaders get started on their outdoor journeys?

Meet Saira Shahid, event coordinator volunteer with Outdoor Asian Washington. Saira recently spoke with us about how to develop a sense of belonging in the outdoors, the power of volunteering and awesome Outdoor Asian programs.

📸 Photo by Patty Tang

Get ready for some big road openings near Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and surrounding areas 🌲

Rainier: Stevens Canyon Road, Sunrise Road to White River Campground, Cayuse Pass (SR 123) and Chinook Pass (SR 410) are all open for the summer season.

Olympic: Graves Creek Road is expected to open June 1. Backcountry camping permits for Enchanted Valley for the remainder of the summer season will be released starting at 9 a.m. on June 3.

📸 Photo courtesy of trip reporter Jim K

Washington's outdoors go BIG: Big trees, big forests and big views. But what about the little things? Macro photography can help.

Here are some tips to level-up your macro photography 👇️

📷️ Get super close to the subject. Less than a foot.
📷️ Focus on what's essential. Reduce clutter by directing the viewers' eye
📷️ Optimize lighting. Avoid harsh light and beware of your own shadow
📷️ Move your body. Don't be afraid to get in the dirt to capture new angles

What's a tip that helped your photography?

🌼 Photos courtesy of Doug Diekema