Below is a selection of articles from past issues of Washington Trails. To get Washington Trails delivered straight to your mailbox, click here.

Dec 24, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Snowshoeing St. Helens – Winter on the volcano offers solitude, but watch weather carefully Full story…

Dec 17, 2007 – Trail Maintenance
A Big Year for Youth – WTA’s young volunteers fixed trails and had a blast doing it Full story…

Dec 03, 2007 – Feature Story
Mountain Frogs – The Cascades are home to a variety of fascinating frogs Full story…

Nov 26, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Escape Gray Skies on the Klickitat – Hike or bike a rails-to-trails gem when the weather turns iffy Full story…

Nov 12, 2007 – Gear Review
WTA's 2007 Holiday Gift Guide – We pick the best gifts for hikers this season. Full story…

Nov 01, 2007 – Feature Story
The Kindness of Strangers – How generous hikers and search and rescue volunteers rescued me Full story…

Oct 29, 2007 – Trail Maintenance
Thanks for the Trail Memories – WTA’s most dedicated Red Sox fan moves on Full story…

Oct 22, 2007 – Gear Review
Multi-tools for the Trail – We test four knife-gadgets for your pack Full story…

Oct 15, 2007 – Feature Story
Exploring Wild Sky – Where to hike in Washington’s next wilderness Full story…

Oct 08, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Serene Garibaldi Lake – Hiking one of the most beautiful trails in British Columbia Full story…

Oct 03, 2007 – Feature Story
Hiking During Hunting Season – Tips to help hiker stay safe on trails this autumn Full story…

Oct 01, 2007 – Feature Story
In the Line of Fire – A disturbing encounter raises issues of hiker safety on public lands Full story…

Sep 06, 2007 – Feature Story
Bright and Shiny Gear at OR – Gear companies unveil their latest at the Outdoor Retailer show Full story…

Sep 01, 2007 – Feature Story
Vanishing Glaciers – A scientist observes the disappearing glaciers of the Cascades Full story…

Aug 27, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Meandering the Meadows – A trek to Dishpan Gap, Meander Meadow, and beyond. Full story…

Aug 20, 2007 – Trail Maintenance
Big Fun in Little Pend Oreille – WTA Volunteer Vacation builds new trail in Northeast Washington Full story…

Aug 13, 2007 – Feature Story
Trees on the Trail – A color guide to trees of the Cascades and Olympics. Full story…

Aug 06, 2007 – Gear Review
Summertime Sleeping Bags – Three bags to keep you warm, but not sweltering, this summer. Full story…

Aug 01, 2007 – Feature Story
When Lightning Strikes – Staying safe during a storm in the backcountry Full story…

Jul 30, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Swimming with Bears – A nine-day trip to Image Lake in the Glacier Peak Wilderness Full story…

Jul 23, 2007 – Gear Review
Tents for a Party of One – Three tents and one bivy offer lightweight shelter for solo trekkers. Full story…

Jul 17, 2007 – Feature Story
Backpacking 101 – All you need to know to take your first overnight backpacking trip Full story…

Jun 29, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Heaven in Hell's Canyon – Hiking two wilderness areas near Washington’s southeast corner Full story…

Jun 26, 2007 – Trail Maintenance
Rebuilding at Mount Rainier – WTA plans a full schedule of work at Mount Rainier through Labor Day Full story…

Jun 19, 2007 – Gear Review
Boots for a Day or a Night – Midweight boots designed for day hikes and brief overnights Full story…

Jun 12, 2007 – Feature Story
Mind Your Manners – A few simple rules to preserve that special wilderness experience Full story…

Jun 11, 2007 – Feature Story
After the Storm – WTA has created four printable maps of storm-damaged roads and trails across the Cascades and Olympics. Full story…

May 18, 2007 – Gear Review
Women's Lightweight Packs – Three new overnight packs designed specifically for women Full story…

May 04, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Gals' Overnight Out – Backpacking the Hoh rainforest with eleven of my best friends Full story…

May 01, 2007 – Feature Story
Answers to Women's Hiking Questions – WTA's Lauren Braden answers commonly asked questions Full story…

Apr 29, 2007 – Trail Maintenance
New Trails on the Peninsula – WTA weekday crews forge new trails at Miller Peninsula and beyond Full story…

Apr 22, 2007 – Book Review
Quality Time – A book review of Robert Michael Pyle's Sky Time in Gray's River. Plus, an interview with the author. Full story…

Apr 15, 2007 – Gear Review
We Survey Hiking Poles – Two brands of poles that will save your knees Full story…

Apr 08, 2007 – Feature Story
The Hiker Quiz – Test your wilderness trivia knowledge! Full story…

Mar 31, 2007 – Feature Story
Boots, Balsamroot and a Bottle of Syrah – Pairing fine hikes and fine wine in Yakima’s vineyard country Full story…

Mar 30, 2007 – Feature Story
A Field Guide to the WTA Office – Staff grows as WTA expands its work for hikers and trails Full story…

Mar 23, 2007 – Book Review
Getting to the Top is Optional – A Review of No Shortcuts to the Top, by Ed Viesturs Full story…

Mar 15, 2007 – Gear Review
Finding the Perfect Underwear – Three brands of “technical” undies for hiking and winter recreation Full story…

Mar 05, 2007 – Feature Story
Urban Hiking – Snow keeping you from the montains? Try a hike in the city. Full story…

Mar 01, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
A Truly Grand Canyon – Hiking into the eighth wonder of the world requires careful planning Full story…

Jan 24, 2007 – Gear Review
Gear the Experts Use – Two gearheads trade notes on the stuff they can’t live without Full story…

Jan 12, 2007 – Northwest Explorer
Seeking Sun – The wonders of winter hiking in Arizona’s Superstition Wilderness Full story…

Jan 09, 2007 – Trail Maintenance
A Record Year! – WTA volunteers gave more than 74,000 hours of trail work in 2006 Full story…

Nov 07, 2006 – Gear Review
Washington Trails 2006 Holiday Gift Guide – What to give your favorite hikers for the holidays Full story…

Oct 30, 2006 – Feature Story
After Pinnacle Lake – A special investigation four months after the murders at Pinnacle Lake looks at the issue of law enforcement on the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, the crime scene investigation and also talks with David Stodden. Full story…

Oct 30, 2006 – Feature Story
After Pinnacle Lake – A special investigation four months after the murders at Pinnacle Lake looks at the issue of law enforcement on the Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, the crime scene investigation and also talks with David Stodden. Full story…

Oct 29, 2006 – Northwest Explorer
Stairway to Heaven – Clear lakes, huckleberries and easy trails make Indian Heaven a delight Full story…

Oct 23, 2006 – Trail Maintenance
Choosing Trails to Work On – How WTA creates its work party schedule for the year Full story…

Oct 13, 2006 – Feature Story
Hiking Fiascos – Our readers share their stories of mishaps in the backcountry Full story…

Oct 09, 2006 – Gear Review
Grab Bag of Gear – An assortment of packs, clothing and other gear for fall. Full story…

Oct 01, 2006 – Feature Story
Mount St. Helens in Autumn – An overnight trip, day hike suggestions, and an account of a climb to the summit of St. Helens Full story…

Sep 25, 2006 – Trail Maintenance
Lowland Trails – Maintaining suburban trails just as important as the backcountry Full story…

Sep 18, 2006 – Book Review
Last Child in the Woods – A review of Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv Full story…

Sep 11, 2006 – Feature Story
Alpine Fly Fishing – How and where to catch trout in the backcountry Full story…

Sep 01, 2006 – Northwest Explorer
The William O. Douglas Trail – A new 75-mile route celebrates the life of the justice and conservationist Full story…

Aug 28, 2006 – Book Review
Hiking with Caribou – A review of "Being Caribou" by Karsten Heuer Full story…

Aug 21, 2006 – Trail Maintenance
Greg Ball Trail Completed! – WTA youth crews build a fantastic new trail to Wallace Lake Full story…

Aug 14, 2006 – Northwest Explorer
Hiking "Round the Mountain" – Exploring the slopes of the forgotten volcano: Mount Adams Full story…

Aug 07, 2006 – Feature Story
Mountain Butterflies – Spotting butterflies on the wing in the Cascades and Olympics Full story…

Aug 02, 2006 – Gear Review
Better Sleep On It – Four new sleeping pads offer different strategies for comfort Full story…

Jul 31, 2006 – Book Review
Where to Hike with Kids – A review of Joan Burton's "Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington and Cascades" Full story…

Jul 24, 2006 – Gear Review
Backpacking Tents for a Crowd – Roomy, lightweight tents for families, friends and pets Full story…

Jul 14, 2006 – Feature Story
British Columbia Hiking – So many reasons for hiking north of the border. Full story…

Jul 10, 2006 – Northwest Explorer
Mad River Memories – Finding sanity in the Entiat Mountains; plus, how to find soft beds for day hiking adventures. Full story…

Jul 01, 2006 – Feature Story
Alpine Lakes Reflections – Thoughts on the past, present and future of the popular wilderness Full story…

Jun 26, 2006 – Book Review
Why Y2Y? – A book review of "Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam" by Florian Schulz Full story…

Jun 19, 2006 – Feature Story
Getting to Know the Mountain – A journal from the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier Full story…

Jun 12, 2006 – Trail Maintenance
Calling all Bellingham Volunteers – WTA works to improve turnout on crews in Northwest Washington Full story…

Jun 05, 2006 – Gear Review
High-Tech Sandals – New technical sandals morph hiking boots with sandals Full story…

Jun 02, 2006 – Feature Story
Hiking (Almost) Forever – Hiking beyond age 50: Take your time and pick your hikes carefully Full story…

May 29, 2006 – Feature Story
Trailhead Break-ins – Though not common, crime at trailheads does occur Full story…

May 22, 2006 – Book Review
The Mythical Ranger – A review of "The Last Season" by Eric Blehm Full story…

May 15, 2006 – Feature Story
Immersion Hiking – How to Spend 20 Summer Weekends on the Trail Full story…

May 08, 2006 – Trail Maintenance
Taking Stock – Horses, mules and llamas are essential to WTA’s backcountry trail crews Full story…

May 01, 2006 – Feature Story
Backcountry Food – From gorp to gourmet, Washington Trails dishes up a special issue of recipes, taste tests, tips and after-hike grub to fuel your next hike. Full story…

Apr 17, 2006 – Book Review
Alone in the Wilderness – A book review of Rogue River Journal by John Daniel Full story…

Apr 10, 2006 – Northwest Explorer
Desert Bloom – Umtanum Ridge is at its best mid-April to mid-May Full story…

Apr 05, 2006 – Feature Story
Waterfalls – Searching for sublime waterfalls of the Cascades Full story…

Mar 31, 2006 – Trail Maintenance
Breaking Trail at Beacon Rock – WTA volunteers start work on a new route in Southwest Washington Full story…

Mar 25, 2006 – Feature Story
Hiking Place Names – The stories behind names in the backcountry. Full story…

Mar 24, 2006 – Gear Review
Light as the Wind – Five wind shirts offer decent rain protection and weigh very little Full story…

Mar 20, 2006 – Northwest Explorer
Toleak by Moonlight – The sights and sounds of the Olympic wilderness coast in winter Full story…

Mar 06, 2006 – Feature Story
How to Store Your Gear – A few hours of maintenance can extend the life of your hiking stuff Full story…

Mar 03, 2006 – Gear Review
New Trends in Gear this Spring – We profile the hottest new gear arriving stores this spring Full story…

Mar 03, 2006 – Feature Story
Where Your Pass Dollars Go – Northwest Forest Pass money returns locally, but new restrictions prove troublesome for land managers Full story…

Mar 03, 2006 – Feature Story
Waterfalls – In search of sublime waters of the Cascades. Full story…

Jan 23, 2006 – Trail Maintenance
Another Fantastic Year – WTA's volunteers worked on more than 125 trails across the state Full story…

Jan 16, 2006 – Book Review
The Douglas Legacy – A review of The Footpaths of Justice William O. Douglas: A Legacy of Place Full story…

Jan 09, 2006 – Gear Review
The Underwear to Wear – We test four sets of mid-weigh base layers Full story…

Jan 02, 2006 – Northwest Explorer
Ancient Trails – Hiking to Machu Picchu on Peru's Inca Trail Full story…

Dec 26, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
Refuge – Discovering the landscape of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Full story…

Nov 28, 2005 – Book Review
Wolf Music – A Review of "Living with Wolves" by Jim and Jamie Dutcher. Full story…

Nov 21, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
There Was Gold in Them There Hills – Trekking in the footsteps of the Klondike Gold Rush Full story…

Nov 14, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
Building On Badger – Flocks of volunteers build a 1.2-mile trail in a new reserve outside Richland Full story…

Nov 07, 2005 – Gear Review
WTA's 2005 Holiday Gift Guide – Gift ideas for hikers and outdoor gear nuts. Full story…

Nov 01, 2005 – Feature Story
Wild in Washington – WTA profiles all 30 Wilderness areas in the state, from a tiny island refuge to the vast expanse of Olympic National Park. Full story…

Oct 31, 2005 – Gear Review
Warm Up This Fall – Lightweight insulation that will keep you dry and toasty Full story…

Oct 24, 2005 – Book Review
Showering Without a Permit – A Review of The Roof-Rack Chronicles By Ron C. Judd Full story…

Oct 19, 2005 – Feature Story
Global Warming and Hiking Part 3 – Driving Force: Let's admit it: hikers contribute to air pollution. Full story…

Oct 19, 2005 – Feature Story
Global Warming and Hiking Part 2 – Shrinking Glaciers, Dying Lichens: Pollution is destroyinh what we love about wilderness. Full story…

Oct 19, 2005 – Feature Story
Global Warming and Hiking Part 1 – Ozone Polluting the Cascades: Alarming levels of ozone at Mount Rainier may making hiking there bad for you. Full story…

Oct 17, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
A Tough Trip Over Easy Pass – Scenery, solitude and challenges in North Cascades National Park Full story…

Oct 10, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
Youth Report Card – Youth volunteers pass the trail maintenance test with flying colors Full story…

Oct 03, 2005 – Feature Story
Hiking Legends – WTA honors twelve elders who’ve made a huge difference for hiking and wilderness Full story…

Sep 22, 2005 – Feature Story
A Sharp Lookout – Dodger Point Lookout provided eyes on the sky during World War II Full story…

Sep 22, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
Natural High – Exploring the Pacific Crest Trail north of Rainy Pass Full story…

Sep 15, 2005 – Book Review
Exploring the Urban Wilderness – A review of The Street-Smart Naturalist by David B. Williams Full story…

Sep 08, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
A Tough Job – Mount Baker-Snoqualmie trails coordinator faces many challenges Full story…

Sep 01, 2005 – Gear Review
Packing It All In – We review two full-featured, lightweight overnight packs Full story…

Aug 29, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
Slowing Down in Holden Village – The remote hamlet of Holden offers an escape to new experiences Full story…

Aug 22, 2005 – Feature Story
A Brush with the North Cascades – A painter’s approach to picturing Washington’s wilderness Full story…

Aug 15, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
The Bear Went Up the Mountain – Our ursine correspondent’s report from a WTA Volunteer Vacation Full story…

Aug 08, 2005 – Feature Story
Wasting Time in the North Cascades – North Cascades National Park offers a wealth of challenging and rewarding overnight trips Full story…

Aug 01, 2005 – Gear Review
Going Light – Slimming down your gear to go faster and farther Full story…

Jul 25, 2005 – Gear Review
Home Away from Home – WTA tests four 3-season tents, from heavy to lightweight Full story…

Jul 18, 2005 – Book Review
The Roadless Traveled – A Review of A People's History of Wilderness, edited by Matt Jenkins Full story…

Jul 11, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
Way Out West – Rugged coast, trail ladders and fresh crab on B.C.’s West Coast Trail Full story…

Jul 04, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
Addicted to Trail Work – WTA’s (almost) 12-step program to combat trail work addiction Full story…

Jul 02, 2005 – Feature Story
Traversing the Bailey Range – Solitude and scenery on Olympic National Park's premier high route Full story…

Jun 20, 2005 – Book Review
After the Flood – The Battle Over Hetch Hetchy: America’s Most Controversial Dam and the Birth of Modern Environmentalism Full story…

Jun 13, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
Improving the State of Trails – WTA's trail maintenance program builds a relationship with Washington State Parks Full story…

Jun 06, 2005 – Gear Review
Sleeping with Synthetics – We review four synthetic-fill sleeping bags with a range of prices Full story…

Jun 01, 2005 – Feature Story
Hiking the Inland Northwest – Day hikes and overnight trips in Spokane’s backyard Full story…

May 30, 2005 – Book Review
Adventures for the Whole Family – A review of Introducing Your Kids to the Outdoors, by Christopher Van Tillburg Full story…

May 23, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
Back to the Mines – Old mining trails of the North Cascades are packed with history Full story…

May 16, 2005 – Gear Review
Hydration Solutions – We review five small packs designed to keep you well-hydrated Full story…

May 09, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
A Week Away From Home – WTA's Volunteer Vacations for Youth offer fun, work and learning Full story…

May 02, 2005 – Feature Story
Families Go Hiking – A guide to taking children of all ages on the trail, including a list of kid-friendly hikes, an interview about kids doing trail maintenance, and essays on backpacking as kids. Full story…

Apr 25, 2005 – Book Review
Hiking to the Yukon – A review of Walking the Big Wild: From Yellowstone to the Yukon on the Grizzly Bear’s Trail by Karsten Heuer Full story…

Apr 18, 2005 – Gear Review
Shoes for the Approach – Four hybrid shoes offer extra grip for hikers who like to scramble Full story…

Apr 11, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
Fixing Tiger Mountain – WTA volunteers repair trails in a very popular foothills park Full story…

Apr 04, 2005 – Feature Story
Washington's Wildflowers – Searching for early bloomers in the lowlands Full story…

Mar 28, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
Lost in Acadia – White pines, carriage roads and cliff-hanging on the Maine coast Full story…

Mar 21, 2005 – Book Review
All in a Day's Work – Two books on the life of park rangers: Nature Noir by Jordan Fisher Smith and Park Ranger: True Stories from a Ranger's Career in America's National Parks by Nancy Eileen Mulady-Mecham Full story…

Mar 14, 2005 – Feature Story
The Map Makers – More than a century of topographic maps Full story…

Mar 08, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
WTA's 2005 Volunteer Vacations – This year's weeklong trips will be packed with fun Full story…

Mar 08, 2005 – Gear Review
Super Jackets – Six extremely lightweight jackets that keep the wet off Full story…

Jan 31, 2005 – Northwest Explorer
Exploring the Garden Isle and the Arctic Circle – Hiking and adventure in Kauai and Norway Full story…

Jan 24, 2005 – Book Review
Caught in a Tight Spot – A review of Between a Rock and a Hard Place By Aron Ralston Full story…

Jan 10, 2005 – Gear Review
Get Out This Winter! – Three snowshoe models offer a variety of prices and quality Full story…

Jan 10, 2005 – Trail Maintenance
A Bittersweet Year for Trails – Greg Ball is terribly missed, but WTA’s volunteers trooped on with 65,000 hours of trail work throughout the state Full story…

Jan 01, 2005 – Feature Story
Remembering Greg – We remember the man who made WTA what it is today Full story…

Dec 06, 2004 – Northwest Explorer
Autumn in the Sierra – Three easy, rewarding backpack trips in California’s Sierra Nevada Full story…

Nov 29, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
What is WTA Doing Here? – Three projects answer a perpetual question on the trail Full story…

Nov 22, 2004 – Book Review
Poet of the Mountains – Danger on Peaks by Gary Snyder Full story…

Nov 15, 2004 – Northwest Explorer
St. Helens by Moonlight – Night hikers are careful not to wake a sleeping giant Full story…

Nov 08, 2004 – Feature Story
Mount St. Helens Awakes – Earthquakes, steam emissions and a growing lava dome necessitate closure of the mountain and surrounding areas Full story…

Nov 01, 2004 – Gear Review
Washington Trails 2004 Holiday Gift Guide – The best in outdoor gear for giving and receiving Full story…

Oct 25, 2004 – Northwest Explorer
Olympic Event – The Skyline Trail is a test of endurance worthy of the other Olympics Full story…

Oct 18, 2004 – Book Review
Public Defenders (Of the Wild) – Defending Wild Washington: A Citizen’s Action Guide By Edward Whitesell Full story…

Oct 11, 2004 – Gear Review
Outfitting Fido – We review hiking gear for your canine companions Full story…

Oct 04, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
Respecting Bird Creek Meadows – WTA helps repair trail on Yakama Indian Nation Land Full story…

Sep 27, 2004 – Feature Story
Into the Deserts – The deserts of Central and Eastern Washington offer three seasons of explorations Full story…

Sep 20, 2004 – Book Review
Vegetarian Chow for the Trail – Lipsmackin’ Vegetarian Backpackin’ by Christine and Tim Connors Full story…

Sep 13, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
Olympic Feats – Thanks to local volunteers, WTA’s trail maintenance program on the Olympic Peninsula continues to grow Full story…

Sep 06, 2004 – Gear Review
Fire 'Em Up – Our test of four backpacking stoves that use a variety of fuels Full story…

Sep 01, 2004 – Feature Story
Exploring the Dark Divide – Despite its intimidating name, the Dark Divide is a place of sunny ridges and tremendous wildflower meadows. Full story…

Aug 30, 2004 – Northwest Explorer
On the Summit of Sahale/Night Hiking – A rewarding climb above historic Cascade Pass, and the unique pleasures of trails by moonlight and headlamp Full story…

Aug 23, 2004 – Gear Review
A Good Night's Sleeping Bag – Three pricey but high-quality bags offer the peak of comfort Full story…

Aug 16, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
Inspirational Vacation – Crosscut saws, gourmet mushrooms and bonding with llamas on a WTA week-long work party to Domke Lake Full story…

Aug 09, 2004 – Book Review
It Was a Dark and Eerie Night... – A review of Campfire Ghost Stories by Jo-Anne Christensen Full story…

Aug 02, 2004 – Feature Story
Getting to the Top – Trails to Washington Summits Full story…

Jul 26, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
Fixing North Cascade Trails – Help repair spectacular trails on WTA’s free, one-night work crews Full story…

Jul 19, 2004 – Gear Review
Testing the Tents – Four new backpacking tents won't add much weight to your pack Full story…

Jul 12, 2004 – Feature Story
Teanaway Magic – Lofty peaks, geologic wonders and great summertime hikes beckon in the Alpine Lakes Full story…

Jul 05, 2004 – Book Review
Where the Wildflowers Are – Best Wildflower Hikes: Washington, by Art Kruckeberg. Full story…

Jun 28, 2004 – Northwest Explorer
A Lucky Find – Taking a spectacular trip to Horseshoe Basin Full story…

Jun 14, 2004 – Gear Review
Hanging Out – Hennesey and other hammocks offer an alternative to tents Full story…

Jun 07, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
Darrington's Saw Goddess – Bridget Wisniewski preserves the art of crosscut sawing Full story…

May 31, 2004 – Feature Story
Going Solo – Women hikers confront concerns about being alone in the backcountry Full story…

May 24, 2004 – Book Review
Getting in Shape – Two books help you prepare for the rigors of the backcountry. Full story…

May 17, 2004 – Gear Review
Gear for Your Feet – Boots and other products to pamper your piggies on the trail. Full story…

May 10, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
The Crews of Summer – WTA's seasonal employees make trail maintenance run smoothly. Full story…

May 03, 2004 – Feature Story
Healthy Hiking – Getting fit on the trail is easy, fun, and good for you. Full story…

Apr 26, 2004 – Book Review
Going the Distance – Review of Backpacker: Trekking Washington by Mike Woodmansee Full story…

Apr 19, 2004 – Feature Story
In for the Long Haul – Five long-distance routes offer challenges for the resilient hiker Full story…

Apr 12, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
Kids Are Volunteers Too – The Cohns make WTA volunteering a family-friendly activity Full story…

Apr 05, 2004 – Gear Review
All in a Day's Pack – Three packs that can hold the ten essentials and much more. Full story…

Mar 29, 2004 – Book Review
When the Backcountry Bites Back – Panic Rising: True-life Survival from the Great Outdoors by Brett Nunn Full story…

Mar 22, 2004 – Gear Review
More Than Just Gear – Avalanche safety courses are essential for exploring winter and spring backcountry safely. Full story…

Mar 15, 2004 – Feature Story
Washington's Forgotten Mountains – The Kettle Range overflows with beauty and solitude Full story…

Mar 08, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
Take a Vacation with WTA! – 2004 week-long trips offer the chance to give back to trails while enjoying good food, good company and great backcountry. Full story…

Mar 01, 2004 – Book Review
A Voice in the Wilderness – Forty Years of Fighting Forewards by Harvey Manning Full story…

Feb 16, 2004 – Gear Review
Softshells Sell – New materials invade the gear world Full story…

Jan 26, 2004 – Trail Maintenance
2003 Trail Crews Hit New Highs – 67,000 volunteer hours, wider regional scope, and top-quality work among the year's successes Full story…

Jan 16, 2004 – Feature Story
Trails Ravaged – October rains and December winds wreak havoc on the state's trails, bridges and forest roads. And it's still only January ... Full story…

Jan 05, 2004 – Gear Review
MSR's Evo Snowshoes – Improved design offers more gripping, less tripping Full story…

Dec 26, 2003 – Book Review
Climbers in Skirts and Bloomers – Women on High: Pioneers of Mountaineering Full story…

Dec 01, 2003 – Gear Review
Washington Trail 2003 Gift Guide – Full story…

Nov 17, 2003 – Feature Story
What's in a Name? – The geography of Washington's backcountry is loaded with history Full story…

Nov 04, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
Group Power – Businesses, schools and associations crucial to WTA's trail work. Full story…

Oct 27, 2003 – Gear Review
Water Filters – Our test of products designed to give you clean, safe water in the backcountry Full story…

Oct 20, 2003 – Book Review
The Politics of Roads – No Place Distant: Roads and Motorized Recreation on America's Public Lands Full story…

Oct 13, 2003 – Feature Story
Spotting Grizzlies – The excitement of looking for bears in British Columbia's Selkirk Mountains Full story…

Oct 06, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
The Pulaski Generation – WTA's high school volunteer programs continue to grow Full story…

Sep 29, 2003 – Feature Story
Freeze-Dried – WTA tests the good, the bad and the ugly in backpacking meals Full story…

Sep 22, 2003 – Book Review
Weird Hikes – A collection of bizzare, funny and absolutely true hiking stories Full story…

Sep 15, 2003 – Gear Review
Baby on Board – Hiking with little ones can be challenging but fun Full story…

Sep 01, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
Tool Time – Trail maintenance volunteers get their pick of all sorts of cool tools Full story…

Aug 25, 2003 – Book Review
Seeking the Spirits of WIlderness – Soul of Nowhere: Traversing Grace in a Rugged Land Full story…

Aug 18, 2003 – Gear Review
Drying Out – Dehydrating your own food can be a cheap and tasty alternative to prepackaged backpacking meals Full story…

Aug 11, 2003 – Feature Story
WTA's 2003 Hungry Hikers Award – WTA picks an informal list of the best after-trail burger joints, pubs and restaurants in the foothills of the Cascades and Olympics Full story…

Aug 04, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
AmeriCorps to the Rescue – WTA teams up with national service program Full story…

Jul 21, 2003 – Book Review
There's History in Them There Hills – Range of Glaciers: The Exploration and Survey of the Northern Cascade Range Full story…

Jul 14, 2003 – Northwest Explorer
Night Vision – Fun and folly at Monte Cristo's ghostly town Full story…

Jul 07, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
Maintaining the Methow – WTA's trail maintenance program extends across the mountains into the Okanogan National Forest Full story…

Jun 24, 2003 – Feature Story
Memories of Ira – A Tribute to Hiking Pioneer Ira Spring Full story…

Jun 21, 2003 – Book Review
Long Distance Relationship – A Blistered Kind of Love: One Couple’s Trial by Trail Full story…

Jun 16, 2003 – Book Review
In Search of the Real William O. Douglas – Wild Bill: The Legend and Life of William O. Douglas Full story…

Jun 09, 2003 – Gear Review
Packing it Up for the Weekend – WTA's "experts" test four new lightweight packs Full story…

Jun 02, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
WTA Volunteer John Miller Named AHS Washington Volunteer of the Year – The American Hiking Society, a national hiker organization headquartered in Maryland, just announced its “Volunteer of the Year” for the State of Washington. It is none other than John Miller, a long time Washington Trails Association trail worker. John will be receiving an award from AHS on National Trails Day, which is June 7. Full story…

May 26, 2003 – Feature Story
Just Say Howdy – A horsepacker shares advice on what to do when you meet four-legged hikers on the trail Full story…

May 19, 2003 – Book Review
What to Do When Things Go Wrong – Wilderness 911: A Step-by-step Guide for Medical Emergencies Full story…

May 12, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
A Field Guide to Hard Hats – Why do volunteers wear green, orange or blue hats? The answer can be found at WTA's annual Crew Leader College. Full story…

May 05, 2003 – Feature Story
Building a Backcountry First Aid Kit – There's more to a hiker's kit than moleskin and a few Band Aids Full story…

Apr 28, 2003 – Gear Review
Soft Shells: The Do-it-all Jackets – For his last story with Washington Trails magazine, Dan A. Nelson reviews the insides and outsides of soft shell jackets. Full story…

Apr 21, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
Zeus, Where Were You When I Needed You – WTA volunteers near completion of the new Rattlesnake Ledges trail with out the help of a single Greek god. Full story…

Apr 14, 2003 – Northwest Explorer
Coasting Along – A hike along the Olympic coast reveals a landscape of glorious falure Full story…

Apr 07, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
Something to Squak About – After four years' work, Squak Mountain's Equestrian Loop trail reopens. Full story…

Mar 31, 2003 – Feature Story
Outdoor Websites – www.wta.org is, of course, the best hiker website, but here are a few alternatives to include in your adventure research Full story…

Mar 24, 2003 – Northwest Explorer
Moose, Wolves, Swimming Holes and Other Splendid Goals – Two brothers explore Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior Full story…

Mar 17, 2003 – Gear Review
A Neophyte at O.R. – An intrepid Washington Trails reporter discovers the good the bad and the ugly at the Outdoor Retail show Full story…

Mar 10, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
WTA Gears up for 2003 Week Long Work Parties – WTA has 22 week-long work parties this year. The first one starts in April and the last one ends in October. Learn more about our week-long work parties and sign up now. Full story…

Mar 03, 2003 – Feature Story
Olympic Feats: Exploring the Queets Trail – Our group had originally intended to do an eight-day trip with three layover days at a base camp 5 miles beyond Pelton Shelter, where the river canyon forms at Service Falls. We were looking to explore a route to the Upper Queets Basin, which would have necessitated getting above the impassable canyon. Full story…

Feb 24, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
Volunteers Already Gearing-up for 2003 – It is that time of year when Greg Ball, Director of Operations, starts scheduling trail maintenance projects for the upcoming year. The process is difficult. Greg wants work that is interesting and fun for the volunteers, and which will have a long-term impact on hiking trails. Full story…

Feb 17, 2003 – Gear Review
Getting into a Soft Shell: The MEC Ferrata Jacket – Softshell outdoor clothing has been popular in Europe for some time now, but just hit the US market in force last year. These garments are waterproof and breathable, but are also stretchy and can be worn closer to the skin than traditional shell jackets. Full story…

Feb 10, 2003 – Northwest Explorer
Scenic Splendor on the PCT; Rainy to Harts Pass – As is our annual custom for a dozen years now, my brother Keith flew out from Iowa for his annual fix of Seattle seafood, microbrews, and mountain backpacking. Our “to do” list had for some time included the stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Rainy to Harts Pass, but the relatively easy distance of 31 miles had previously caused us to divert to more challenging trips elsewhere. Full story…

Feb 03, 2003 – Feature Story
Living and Hiking with Grizzly Bears – Grizzlies were nearly extirpated in the Cascades in the last century. Today, only a few places in the lower 48 states harbor grizzlies in any numbers. The areas in which the grizzlies survive are also some of the most desirable places in America in which to hike. Full story…

Jan 27, 2003 – Trail Maintenance
WTA Volunteers Break yet Another Record: 60,000 Hours! – Volunteers on Washington Trails work parties spent more than 60,000 volunteer hours building, improving and maintaining trails in Washington for the year 2002!! An impressive figure. In fact a first, and the maintenance program is soon to celebrate its Tenth year of existence. Full story…

Jan 20, 2003 – Northwest Explorer
Siblings, age 17 and 21, share Mount Rainier Adventure – On August 18, we got up way too early and piled into the car with Mom and Sarah to drive to Mount Rainier. Our first stop was the White River Ranger Station, where we picked up our climbing and backcountry permits. Full story…

Jan 06, 2003 – Feature Story
A Decade of Devotion: Greg Ball’s 10 years of trail service – Ask Greg Ball about the low point in WTA’s history, and he’ll likely bring up that one day nearly a decade ago when there was just $0.32 in the bank. Ask him about the high point, and he’ll say “today.” Full story…