Washington Trails Association

Our Mission

Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit supported by a community of hikers, like you. Our mission is to mobilize hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion Washington’s trails and public lands.  

WTA is a community of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Your support during GiveBIG powers essential projects for trails and gets more people out in nature. Photo by Abby Valiant.Trails for Everyone, Forever

A healthy, sustainable trail system is a must-have for Washington. Trails connect us to nature, improve our emotional and physical well-being and support our state’s outdoor recreation economy. But Washington’s trails face many challenges. Decades of underinvestment have resulted in a trail system that is not adequate for today or for the future. WTA is helping hikers and all who use trails to recreate to get outside by repairing existing trails and building new ones. With over half of our funding coming from individual donors, we need your support during GiveBIG to power this essential work.

Years of underinvestment have left many of Washington's backcountry trails in disrepair. Thanks to WTA's Lost Trails Found crews, many of these trails are once again receiving the maintenance needed to create enjoyable and rewarding hiking experiences. Photo by WTA staff.Washington Trails Association will put your dollars to work by:

• Hosting volunteer trail work parties in all corners of the state to tackle maintenance needs and keep backcountry trails from disappearing
• Working with land agencies and partners to build new trail systems that support the growing and enthusiastic hiking community 
• Maintaining online resources like our Hiking Guide and recently updated Trailblazer app so that hikers can find new trails at home and on the go
• Reducing barriers to accessing the outdoors for youth and community groups by lending boots, backpacks and more through our two gear libraries
• Mobilizing hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to advocate and speak up for the trails and public lands they love

Support trails for everyone, forever by donating through GiveBIG today.

Cover photo by Eric Nagle.