Q&A with Washington Trails Association

Samie recently connected with Jessi Loerch from Washington Trails Association (WTA) for a Q&A all about the organization, hiking, and shifts that have occurred during the current times of COVID-19.  Check out the informative responses and helpful links below! 

1.  Washington Trail Association is such an amazing resource for hikers in the PNW, and is often one of the top website suggestions after a quick online search for anything hiking related in the area. For individuals who may not already know, can you highlight some of the key things that WTA does?

Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands. We do that in a number of ways. Through our website, we help hikers find the information they need to have safe and fun hiking experiences. We empower hikers to be strong advocates for public lands and the trails we love. We mobilize volunteers year round to get out on trail and give back to the places they love. We also publish a quarterly magazine for our members — in fact, WTA actually started more than 50 years ago as a newsletter. 

2.  Hiking has been an increasingly common way for people to get outside and stay active while trying to safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Has WTA’s work been impacted by COVID-19? Are there any recommendations or resources you have for people hiking during these times?

COVID-19 has forced us to be creative with how we do our work. Early in the pandemic, as people were looking for guidance on how to get outside safely, we offered webinars to help folks learn what they need to know. And we've continued that work, including as part of the #RecreateResponsibly Coalition. That effort started in Washington state, and was soon adopted across the country. Most of our staff are now working remotely. For a time, we had to cancel our trail work parties, but using guidance from the state and experts, we've began to get volunteers back out on trail to safely do some work. 
For folks looking to hike right now, I'd encourage them to do some careful planning in advance. When you select a trail, make sure you have a couple backups in case you show up and find it's too busy for safety. Bring a mask, and wear it if you're going to be close to people not in your own group. I'd really encourage folks to check out some tips on getting out right now, too. 
Finally, I'd ask folks to think about what makes a hike. Maybe it's a 10 mile trip in the mountains. Or maybe it's a walk around your block or to your local park. Any bit of time outside right now I think is good for our mental and physical health.

3.  Are there any other specific tips, tricks or resources you recommend for individuals planning a hiking trip in the area?

I recommend folks start with our Hiking Guide, which will help folks find a hike that they're interested in. Under each hike, there are trip reports from folks who have done that hike and reported back on what it was like. We also have a great map that can make it easier to find hikes near. For anyone who is new to hiking, I'd recommend starting by reading over our hiking basics.  And for anyone, I'd encourage them to follow Leave No Trace principles and carry the Ten Essentials. 

4.  Are there training classes or groups available for individuals who are new to hiking?

We don't offer training or classes, however we do have plenty of resources under those hiking basics that will give folks a good start. We also have some resources for finding a local hiking group, although that should be done with caution, of course, during the time of COVID.

5.  Can you offer some suggestions of ways people can get involved in the local hiking and backpacking communities, outside of just hiking the trails?

I'd really encourage people to write trip reports after they return from a hike. They're fun, and they help other hikers, land managers and WTA know what the conditions are like. I'd also encourage folks to sign up for our Trail Action Network, it's a great way to keep up to date on issues that affect our public lands — and to use your voice. 

6.  What types of volunteer opportunities are available through WTA? Is there a large demand for volunteers right now or at other times throughout the year?

There are few main ways folks can help out WTA. First, is by supporting our work by joining as a member. We're a nonprofit, and hikers help make all of our work possible. Another is by joining us for a day of trail work. While our work parties are limited right now to ensure safety, we are still working all over the state. Folks can check out what work parties are available on our website. Finally, like I said up above, join our Trail Action Network and use your voice to speak up for trails!