Trails for Everyone, Forever
Washington's trails, including those in the Southwest corner of the state, are facing many challenges. Decades of underinvestment have already resulted in a trail system that is not adequate for today or for the future. Now, with increasing federal staffing and budget cuts, our trails are facing even more uncertainty. WTA is helping protect public lands and get hikers outside by repairing existing trails, building new ones and providing hikers with the reliable resources they need to get outside safely and responsibly.
With over half of WTA's funding coming from individual donors, we need your support during GiveMore24! to power this essential work. Together we can support a sustainable trail system that connects us to the emotional and physical benefits of time in nature.
An early morning hiker takes in the magical mountain sunrise from Goat Rocks Trail in the Gifford Pinchot Forest. Photo by Karla Clark.
Our Mission
Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit supported by a community of hikers, like you. Our mission is to mobilize everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, protect and champion Washington’s trails and public lands.
Years of underinvestment have left many of Southwest Washington's trails in disrepair. Thanks to WTA's many trail work events throughout the region, many of these trails are receiving the maintenance needed to create enjoyable and rewarding hiking experiences. Photo by Carole Bianquis.
Your donation will help hikers across the state. Here’s a few examples of the type of work member dollars support in Southwest Washington:
- Building awareness around the need to improve roads to increase access to popular trails — like Forest Road 4109 up to Silver Star Trailhead.
- Reducing hazards on trails by removing overgrown foliage and improving drainage – like those on Independence Pass Trail to the Independence Ridge Junction near Mount St. Helens through our volunteer work parties.
- Planning new trail connections between major points at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, allowing more options for trips, safer street crossing and enhanced experiences for visitors.
- Prioritizing accessibility and lowering barriers to nature through projects like Behrens Woods in Vancouver, where trails were built to be more accessible not only to people in wheelchairs, but also to families with strollers and folks of all ages and abilities.
- Fielding volunteer crews to restore trails in the Trapper Creek area impacted by the Big Hollow fire.
- Conducting annual maintenance on many of the region’s most popular trails including Bird Creek Meadows, Dog Mountain, Cape Horn, Lyle Cherry Orchard, Beacon Rock and more!
Support trails for everyone, forever by donating through GiveMore24! today.
Cover photo by Ryan Ojerio.