Washington Trails Association

08/30/2026

Respect, protect, admire. The best way to appreciate wildlife.

We set out on the trail to enjoy nature, and it’s also important to remember that we are sharing that space with other animals and ecosystems! Here are some tips to do it safely:

🐻 Give wildlife space
🐻 Keep human food for humans ONLY
🐻 Leash your dog
🐻 Know and follow seasonal regulations

📸 Photos courtesy Natalie Crum, Chris Harkin and Ram Savan

08/28/2026

Two of Washington’s most iconic long trails have BIG fire closures 🔥

About ⅕ of the PCT in Washington is closed due to fire danger. The Northern Terminus is also closed, disrupting plans for NOBO thru-hikers and section-hikers alike.

Similarly, many trails are closed in Mount Rainier National Park from recent fires.

Here are a list of fires you might want to keep an eye on for trip planning:
- Miners fire and Sisi fire
- Three Queens and King fire
- Ptarmigan fire
- Little Giant fire
- Sinlahekin fire
- Grand Park 2 fire
- Thunder Creek fire

Be sure to check WTA’s Hiking Guide and park resources before you visit.

Finally, some good news: WTA’s Northwest Exposure photo contest is open until Oct. 12. Submit your images today 📸

08/27/2026

Look out, PNW: More Dambo trolls are coming to Washington!

Starting Oct. 15., hikers can visit a traveling exhibit of 12 Thomas Dambo trolls at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville.

These trolls, a part of the “TROLLS: A Field Study” exhibit, will be available to check out through Jan. 24, 2027.

🧌 Photo by trip reporter mmills

08/27/2026

Imagine: you've carefully crafted your hiking plans months in advance. You have food, gear, permits and transportation coordinated... only for the trail you're about to visit to catch fire 😭

Here are a few tips to help you pivot:

Plan multiple trips 🧠
Have a plan B (or C) just in case!

Think statewide 🗺️
Plan B won't help if it's also impacted by the fires that disrupted plan A. Consider a separate region entirely.

Have a bail-out option 🥾
Because you need to know how to safely exit an area if things go sideways.

Alert your contacts 💚
Make sure your loved ones know your plans before you go!

08/25/2026

“I’ve got this” — 4-year-old hiker.

Some kids come pre-installed with a double pack of batteries. That’s why we asked one parent for their tips to keep kids moving forward on trail 🚸

- Start early. Hiking speed will vary widely per kid.

- Tigers, crocodiles and dinosaurs, oh my! Because there’s nothing like somebody roaring behind you to motivate some forward motion (and giggles)

- Go with the flow. One second, your kiddo is running from an imaginary tiger. Next, they’re protecting a slug from passing hikers.

- Tally the switchbacks. A sense of completion can go a long way!

- Ask your kid for advice. There’s nothing like a bit of curiosity to stoke the whimsy on trail.

What tips would you offer for hiking with kids?

📸 Photo courtesy Lily Niland

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

Camping at Ancient Lakes a thing of the past?

The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife is planning to close the Ancient Lakes area (Babcock Bench) to camping starting next year due to sanitation issues and campfire impacts.

The public comment period is only open until Aug. 26. Let WDFW know that backpacking in this area is important to you (comment link in comments) ⛺️

08/22/2026

Happy National Park Week!

Now through Aug. 30, celebrate America’s incredible national parks, including some of our favorites: Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Huge shout-out to Washington's National Park Fund for helping to steward and preserve our beautiful national parks. Check them out for all things national parks-related in Washington!

📸 Photos courtesy Linnea Trevino, Scott Malagold and Arc Sims

08/22/2026

Submit photos and win prizes with WTA and Glazer's Camera 📸⁠

Glazer’s makes Northwest Exposure photo contest possible. This year, we’re running the same contest, but now with new ways to win with these fun subcategories.⁠
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Your photos help support our work to connect hikers to trails and advocate for public lands. Enter your photos by Oct. 12, we can't wait to see what you share 📸

08/21/2026

When Dru Bru and WTA unite, hydration happens!

Check out Dru Bru's latest offering, Trail Aid 🍋🍋‍🟩

🚨 COLLAB RELEASE! 🚨

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of Washington Trails Association , we created Trail Aid – a refreshing toast to our partnership and shared passion for supporting our local trails and outdoor spaces. Crafted with carbonated mountain water, bright lemon and lime, and highly bioavailable electrolytes, Trail Aid is a light, crisp, thirst-quenching non-alcoholic beverage made for every adventure! 🏔️

Over the past 4 years, Dru Bru has built a wonderful partnership with our friends Washington Trails Association . WTA is the nation’s leading state-based hiking and trail maintenance nonprofit, ensuring Washington’s trails are safe and accessible for generations to come. Through co-hosting fundraisers, pint nights, and sponsorships over the years, Dru Bru and its community have helped raise thousands of dollars to support WTA’s mission of protecting and maintaining our state’s trails. 💪

Pick up some Trail Aid for your next outing on the trails - now available in cans at both Dru Bru taproom locations for a limited time!🍋🍋‍🟩

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