Washington Trails A Publication of Washington Trails Association • wta.org Hiking’s past, present and future Innovation & the outdoors Fall 22 Creativity: WTA’s solutions for the future of trails Sustainability: How gear companies are making changes Hydration: What you need to know about water filters
Photo by Tressa Mattioli Lewis
Trail: Park Butte Location: North Cascades — Mount Baker area Type of trip: Overnight Trail conditions: Trail in good condition You did it. Now relive it. File a trip report. wta.org/tripreports
Photo by Tressa Mattioli Lewis
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 3 Jaime Loucky | Interim chief executive officer | jaimel@wta.org Innovative Solutions Front Desk : Chief Executive Officer Washington Trails Association 705 Second Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104 206-625-1367 • wta.org General Information | wta@wta.org Membership & Donations | membership@wta.org Editorial Submissions | editor@wta.org Meet all our staff at wta.org/staff Board of Directors President | Jenny Faubion Secretary | Mike Dunning Treasurer | Charlie Lieu VP, Development | Matt Martinez VP, Governance | Susan Queary Directors at Large Trina Baker • Todd Dunfield • Ethan Evans Ashley Fontaine • Thomas Goldstein Joe Gregg • Ken Helm • Sully Moreno Ken Myer • Arun Sambataro Jennifer Surapisitchat WTA Leadership Interim Chief Executive Officer Jaime Loucky Washington Trails Staff Washington Trails Editor | Jessi Loerch Hiking Content | Tiffany Chou Graphic Designer | Jenica Nordström Copy Editor | Cassandra Overby Volunteers Contributors | Archana Bhat, Doug Diekema, Craig Romano, Sandra Saathoff Proofreaders | Jim Cavin, Rebecca Kettwig Trail Team | Kelsie Donleycott, Jim Kuresman, Rob Shurtleff, Holly Weiler Washington Trails A Publication of Washington Trails Association S ummer in the Pacific Northwest is such a joy. These days, I’ve been appreciating the new wheelchair accessibility feature on WTA’s Hiking Guide. It helps me find flat trails to take my 1-and-a-half-year-old daughter Sasha Luz for a dose of nature and to let her practice her walking. She loves being outside and now, thanks to this small innovation, I have dozens of options for appropriate local trails to explore with her. When you think about the outdoors you might not think about innovation, but it’s there. Going outdoors is a way to free up your mind for creative thinking. I know for myself the outdoors is the place I go to think through whatever is on my mind, and I often find myself coming back with new ideas or insights. And just as being outdoors gives many people space to think creatively, we also have to be creative about how we are helping to make nature more accessible and welcoming to Natureeveryone.isconstantly changing, and so too are the needs of the outdoor community. WTA is often at the forefront of identifying and building new solutions for trails. Whether we’re developing new ways to prepare for the elevated risk of wildfires, helping beloved trail systems adapt to ever-increasing numbers of visitors, or designing new programs to help youth and communities get outside safely, innovation helps us build a more sustainable outdoors for everyone.
Just as there is no one-size-fits-all trail, there is also no one-size-fits-all solution for trails. The trail work we do depends on the needs of the area, from scouting and cutting new trails to brushing and repairing well-used trails, all the way up to highly technical logouts and trail reroutes. Similarly, our Outdoor Leadership Training program and gear libraries are constantly evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve and to find new ways to spark a love of the outdoors in the next Whatevergeneration.plansor adventures you have in store, I hope you’re also able to join us in building a brighter future for trails by writing a trip report, joining our Trailhead Action Network or signing up for a trail work party. Maybe I’ll see you on trail with my daughter as she takes her first steps toward what I hope is a lifelong love and appreciation for the outdoors.
4 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org Charles capturedWangthisimage of the sun rising above the peaks of the jagged peaks of the North Cascades, near Hidden Lake. 12 Tech for Good The right technology can make your next hiker safer and more fun, and help increase your connection to the outdoors. 24 Removing barriers Braided Seeds teamed up with WTA for a wilderness first aid course for people of color. It’s just one step to a more inclusive outdoors. 28 Working Outside How one member of WTA’s Lost Trails Found crew journeyed from WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training to a career working on trail and in the backcountry. Always Innovating On the cover 18 360-Degree Views Some fire lookouts allow you to spend the night — here’s what you need to know to visit one in the Pacific Northwest. 38 Advocating for Accessibility Syren Nagakyrie’s new book is designed to help disabled hikers get the information they need to find trails that work for them. Fall 2022: Contents Since WTA began, we have been finding creative solutions to the problems facing trails. Learn about the innovations that have helped making hiking here so great. Features PorterAndyEaster,AustinbyPhotos 40
O n my first big backpacking trip, I decided my pack was trying to kill me. It was an external frame pack I’d used a few times as a teenager. It was old and annoyingly squeaky, but I put up with it because it was free. That external frame was not my friend, however, as I descended from Lake Viviane in the Alpine Lakes. As I hiked down, sometimes having to squat to get down large rocks, the frame kept hitting the rocks behind me and trying to throw me onto my face. When I got home, I started shopping for a new pack. My next pack was a massive improvement — lighter, more comfortable and, best of all, never tried to throw me to the ground. With that, and so much of my other gear, I’m benefiting from years of innovation. Modern water filters or stoves fit in the palm of your hand. Tents are lighter, sleeping pads are smaller. With this issue of the magazine, I got to dig into the innovative spirit of the outdoor community. People who care about the outdoors can be creative in how they work to protect our public lands. That can be gear that uses recycled materials or it could be starting a volunteer trail maintenance program to assist land agencies. For decades, WTA has been innovating (page 18). From Signpost, our first newsletter, to Trailblazer, our app, we’ve been finding ways to connect and mobilize hikers. And the broader outdoor community is looking at new ways to do things. Shifting norms over the years have meant hikers are learning how to have a lighter impact on the land (page 8).
POWERED BY YOU WTA was founded by Louise B. Marshall (1915–2005). Ira Spring (1918–2003) was its primary supporter. Greg Ball (1944–2004) founded the volunteer trail maintenance program. Their spirit continues today through contributions from thousands of WTA members and volunteers.
Jessi Loerch | Washington Trails editor | jessi@wta.org
Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit supported by a community of hikers like you. By mobilizing hikers to be explorers, stewards and champions for trails and public lands, together, we will ensure that there are trails for everyone, forever.
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 5 3 Front Desk Greetings from our interim chief executive officer and Washington Trails editor 6 Community A library in North Bend is making it easy for visitors to get hiking information. 8 Trail Talk Over the years, best practices for hikers have shifted — and they’re evolving still. 40 Trail Mix Water filters and photography 52 Hike It Find inspiration for your next hike. 58 Ask WTA How is food freeze dried? 59 Snapshot The story behind our favorite photos
AREA CLEAR
Getting Creative
Fall 2022 | Volume 57, Issue 3 Washington Trails (ISSN 1534-6366) is published four times per year by Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104. Annual membership, which includes a subscription to Washington Trails magazine, is $20. Single copy price is $4.50. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, WA, and at additional mailing locations.
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Departments
And of course, gear companies are still innovating. Now, though, just as much as brands try to make the lightest or smallest new gizmo, they’re also thinking much bigger. Sustainability should matter to any company, but especially to outdoor-recreation brands who rely on the outdoors for their very existence (page 30).
You’re probably innovating when you’re out on trail, too. Creating a new, better snack combo. Finding a more efficient way to pack. Right now is a wonderful time to get out on trail. Many of the spectacular, high trails have melted out. Low elevation trails are especially lovely if they’re near water. And the days are still long enough for an after-dinner stroll through your neighborhood. I hope you find time to enjoy being outside. And that this magazine offers some inspiration. Thank you for all you do to help power WTA’s work. With your support, we’ll be able to keep innovating to support the trails we all love.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104.
Lindsay Ellsworth shows off the kiosk for hikers at the North Bend Library.
The Check Out Washington program allows library-goers to check out adventure packs that include a Discover Pass, binoculars, maps and guides on flora and fauna. KCLS Executive Director Lisa Rosenblum said, “With the Check Out Washington program, a KCLS library card becomes your ticket to outdoor adventures.” Today, every public library branch in Washington is part of the program; Check-Out-Washingtondiscoverpass.wa.gov/148/
However, Lindsay says she doesn’t know of any library branches that have a display like the North Bend Library — yet. She hopes getting the word out about theirs will inspire other branches to create something similar. The materials at the North Bend Library outdoors kiosk are popular. Lindsay says she sees hiking books getting checked out quickly, pamphlets being cleared out and the computer being occupied by curious hikers. The kiosk has received positive feedback; the feedback also helps the library discover more of what the public wants. “For folks that wouldn’t normally be able to afford it, we definitely want (to provide) all of those resources,” Lindsay said. “Getting information out there, that’s what we do.”
Other KCLS libraries, particularly near outdoor recreation areas, serve hikers too. Skykomish Library, for instance, carries WTA’s Washington Trails magazine, books on the Pacific
Community By Tiffany Chou When you think about outdoor innovation, you’re probably not thinking about libraries. But maybe you should be! North Bend is a well-known hot spot for hikers and outdoor activities. The King County Library System (KCLS) knows this and has aimed to support the community in their outdoor endeavors by providing hiking- and outdoor-specific resources for many Lindsayyears.Ellsworth, teen and adult librarian at the North Bend Library, works hard to make resources available for everyone. Among those resources is a section of the library devoted to outdoor recreation education and information — including a computer that lets visitors check trail info at wta.org. In the early 2010s, the library had many unused paper maps so KCLS designed and built a kiosk to display them. Initially, it was equipped with a computer, printer and newly laminated maps. Today, users can zero in on a topographical area and print detailed sections using the library print station. Visitors can also grab pamphlets from organizations like King County Parks for maps and outdoor tips. And the library still has paper maps. Lindsay says many libraries don’t have hard copy documents anymore; she often sees people stop to take a look. The North Bend Library is always looking for ways to add to its collection of useful outdoor resources because North Bend attracts so many outdoor enthusiasts. “Here, especially, we keep a lot of hiking books, camping and wildlife stuff,” Lindsay said. “Our community here is just so outdoorsy and interested in them.”
OutdoorstoALibraries:Paththe
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Crest Trail, which runs through nearby Stevens Pass, local hike information and topographical maps.
Share a story Show us the water you’ve seen hiking
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I took this photo on a trip to San Juan Island in December, right after the snow storm hit Western Washington. It was the warmest day we’d had in a while, and it was so nice to see the sun, even in the dead of winter. I like how this image shows the Lime Kiln lighthouse, which I’ve had an image of hanging in my house for years. It’s so nice to finally have captured my own picture of a place I’ve loved since I was little. My favorite thing about spending time on the trail is how meditative it is. Some of my biggest personal growth has been sparked out in wilderness. This photo was taken on a trip to Mashel Falls. It was my first time hiking with a few friends, and my second visit to the falls, so I was acting like a tour guide showing them my favorite spots there. I like that this image showcases a pretty popular location in a unique composition, which is something I pride myself on in my photography. I enjoy spending time on the trail to break out of the stresses of city living and connect with nature on a deeper level. I love finding beautiful little scenes that other people may overlook. That’s my Memorable moments from WTA’s Instagram community
, @Brizzard27 —
I took this photo at then end of September 2020 near Washington Pass. I was trying to get a reflection shot of Liberty Bell that wasn’t turning out how I’d hoped. I started looking around at how beautiful the area was in all directions and switched up my photo plans. I love the sounds and sights of nature along with the quality time spent with friends/family on the trail. Katherine Grove Sullivan Fletcher Crone, @fletchercphotography Trails
, @kateegrove — Bri
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The hiking community shifted our behavior and began packing out everything we hiked in. Nowadays, many hikers go the extra mile and carry out additional trash they find on trails too.
8 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org
Making Strides in Trail Stewardship
W e often look to gear and gadgets when we think of outdoor innovation. Satellite messengers have opened up a new channel of backcountry communication, technical fabrics have helped us shave pounds off of our pack weights, pocket-sized stoves give us boiling water in just a few minutes. But it’s not just the gear that’s changing — the way we care for trails has also been evolving over time. Let’s look at trash, for example. Decades ago, it was common practice to bury or burn trash in the backcountry — but hikers soon realized this wasn’t a sustainable option in the long run.
These innovations are not just in the past, either. As hiking rises in popularity, we’re constantly looking for innovative solutions to support a growing number of hikers on trail. Management of human waste continues to be a tricky situation on public lands. Whether hikers are digging a cathole or using an established privy, poop adds up fast — much faster than it breaks down. Land managers have been trying new ways to minimize the problem, like installing urine-diverting toilets that speed up waste decomposition in high-use areas or providing WAG bags for hikers to carry out waste when traveling above the snow line.
WTA has also been looking at changes we can make to lessen our collective impact. One way we do that is by working to build connector trails and directional loops in high-traffic areas. Encouraging the use of loops and traverses — rather than out-and-back trips — can reduce each hiker’s physical impact on the trail. Rather than hiking the same section of trail twice, your feet only go over each section of trail once. And as a bonus, it can help get you a bit of solitude on a busy trail by decreasing the number of times you pass other hikers or need to stand aside to let others pass.
The way we care for trails is continually improving as we learn how to be better stewards of the land and our fellow hikers. Today’s hiking norms may look different in a few years, and we — and our trails — will be better for it.
Trail Talk
By Rachel Wendling TRAIL SMARTS
As hikers, it’s important to be adaptable. More than just being ready for changing weather or an unexpected obstacles, it also means adjusting our thoughts about what’s a best practice on trail.
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Hiking with dogs off-leash and under voice control was once the default on many public lands. Now, leashes are advised by many land managers as a tool to reduce conflict with wildlife, protect nearby vegetation and be courteous to other trail users.
A quick look at what WTA is accomplishing on trails around the state NOTEWORTHY Jamie Loucky, Washington Trails Association interim CEO, joined Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Jewel Bronaugh at an event at Franklin Falls in June. At the event, the deputy secretary unveiled $503 million in new funding for outdoor recreation infrastructure as part of the Great American Outdoors Act. WTA worked to help secure GAOA funding and has partnered with land managers to help put the money to work restoring trails in Washington. More money for recreationoutdoor
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 9
Hikers speak up
WTA volunteers were at five trailheads across the state on July 30 to celebrate Washington Trails Day. Washington Trails Day is our state’s official holiday to recognize the vital role hikers play in protecting our public lands, and it is a day of action to support trails. This year, hundreds of people from all walks of life joined us in sharing a message to the governor’s office to protect the future of Washington trails. wta.org/WTD2022.
WTA on the Radio You can hear WTA staff talk to KUOW about what goes into maintaining and improving trails. Learn about some of the recent work our Lost Trails Found crews tackled in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and why that work is so critical; https://bit.ly/3OLj8yj
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Persistence and Partnership In a project years in the making, WTA recently worked on Crowell Ridge, in the Selkirk Ridge. Since about 2015, WTA and partners, in particular the Back Country Horsemen of Washington and the Pacific Northwest Trail Association, have put in a puncheon, rerouted trails and cut many logs to provide access to Crowell Ridge. Now, Crowell Ridge, which is on the PNT congressionally designated route, has been logged out first time in years and will be easier for hikers to navigate.
Highlights
Thrive Outside Community: The Outdoor Foundation’s Thrive Outside Initiative awards multi-year, capacity-building grants to diverse communities. It’s directed at building and strengthening networks that provide children and families with experiences in the outdoors.
We connected with Bookie Gates, leadership team chair, and Adrienne Moore, staff member, at King County Play Equity Coalition to learn more about the coalition’s work and how this funding will support its goals. Talk
Let’s Play! Coming
By Krista Dooley
Trail
young people play and be active. Those connections allow for more work that benefits everyone.
Earlier this year, Seattle—King County was selected as a new Thrive Outside Community by The Outdoor Foundation. This means that community-led organizations like King County Play Equity Coalition will get funding for 3 years to help kids — especially those in diverse communities who often have less access to safe outdoor spaces — to enjoy positive time outside.
R esearch shows outdoor experiences in childhood can have positive impacts on kids’ health and wellness later in life. WTA believes it is vitally important for everyone to have the opportunity to access the outdoors, and we are committed to reducing barriers to time outside. We also know this work cannot be done alone. This is one reason WTA joined the King County Play Equity Coalition in 2020. King County Play Equity Coalition is a network of organizations dedicated to making changes that make it easier for young people in all communities to move their bodies outside — and to get all of the together get youth outside
to
10 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org benefits that come with play. Because physical activity comes in many different forms, it needs to be a groupsamongconnectionscoalitionresponsibility.collectiveTheisbuildingandtrustawidevarietyofwhoallaimtohelp
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King County Play Equity supported this hike to Poo Poo Point, which was a collaboration between The Nature Project and Congolese Integration Network.
Play Equity Coalition at kcplayequity.org. THANK YOU TO OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS CASCADE | $5,000–$9,999 RAINIER | $25,000+ OLYMPIC | $10,000–$24,999 CASCADE | HIKE-A-THON$2,500–$4,999 Warmth Wherever You Are
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A: One program focused on (creating) partnerships that addressed play equity gaps and centered the work of member organizations serving BIPOC and other disenfranchised youth. Up to $10,000 was available per collaboration. Three different partnerships came out of this effort, which encouraged creative solutions to COVID-related physical activity losses. For example, The Nature Project and Rainier Athletes partnered on a project to connect 30 BIPOC youth with outdoor programming through curriculum creation, transportation access and mentorship.
Q: Why is this work important?
Q: What does it mean to receive this multi-year grant?
Q: Why is the coalition’s approach innovative?
Q: What have been some examples of impact since the coalition launched in 2020?
Learn more about King
A: The simple fact is that kids in King County aren’t getting enough movement. And youth of color, girls, immigrant youth and youth with disabilities move even less. It’s a massive equity issue that has significant effects for public health and education but isn’t always included in the larger health, wellness and education conversation. We think movement has a huge role to play in addressing some of the most pressing issues young people are facing in King County. We also see that the young people who could benefit the most from being active, being on a team, and building positive relationships with peers and caring adults are the most likely to be left out when creating solutions.
A: Outdoor education programs in King County are amazing. Often they’re leaders, even nationally, when it comes to innovation and thinking about getting more kids outside. This grant will enable us to bring those folks together and harness that collective wisdom to focus on what we can do together, here, to make King County an even more equitable place for young people to access nature and recreate outside safely. We also think there’s a cool opportunity to engage more traditional sports and urban-based organizations in this effort at some point and really create a pathway from the backyard to the backcountry. We know that if kids go play outside at nearby parks, they are more likely to be comfortable going farther afield into non-urban-based nature. We’re hoping to focus on this pathway, working on parks access and then opportunities for greater outdoor experiences from there. County
A: Typically, youth sports, play and outdoor programs operate completely separately, despite working in the same area, facing the same systemic issues and often serving the same kids. The Coalition is innovative in that we include all groups working on physical activity and equity. We aren’t focused on a single sport. We’re focused on being the connective tissue between grassroots programs, public agencies, companies and professional sports teams in King County to address systemic issues that can’t be solved by any single organization.
1. WTA’s Hike Recommender
12 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org Trail Talk
One of the things I like best about WTA’s Hike Recommender is that it conjures this exact feeling. When I log in to wta.org, I get three new suggestions for hikes, often for places that have been off my radar (even after 10 years of working at WTA). When the rest of my news feed is “Top 10” and “Best of” lists, it’s a refreshing dose of serendipity wrapped up in a thoughtful hike planning tool. Check it out at wta.org/recommender
2. Trailhead weather forecasts
Tech That Makes Hiking Better
In summer, I also use the wildfire overlay on wta.org’s Hike Finder Map to see if I need to dig deeper into wildfire or smoke research. The data, updated daily from the federal InciWeb site, overlays the trail network, so it’s easy to get a good picture of what’s going on in different regions around the state or at the exact trailhead I’m headed to.
4. Mapping apps We are living in a golden age of digital maps. Mapping tools like Gaia and CalTopo offer the chance to create your own routes and follow other people’s GPX tracks. Both of these tools are robust and offer free versions, though Gaia’s app is more While many folks go outside to unplug, some technology, like the camera on a cell phone, can enhance your experience and help you make memories.
By Loren Drummond T he best outdoor technology gets out of the way and lets you enjoy your time outside. When I decide to add a piece of outdoor technology to my planning or hiking gear list, it has to do one of three things: help me get outside, help me unplug or help me deepen my connection to wild places. Ideally, it does all three. Here are a few of my essentials and why I think they’re worth using:
One of the great joys of hiking is the feeling of exploring someplace entirely new. The anticipation of not knowing exactly what’s around the bend, how it will look or feel or smell.
There are so many great weather apps. (Too many, perhaps?) For weather and wildfire apps, I like to keep it simple and use the hyper-local weather forecast linked on every WTA trail entry. It’s solid, detailed data from the National Weather Service, without fees or ads.
3. Hike Finder Map wildfire overlay
One of the best things about interpretive visitor centers is the signs that help you identify everything from mountain peaks to local flora. New knowledge helps you see, smell and hear more of the wild place you’re visiting. There are some phenomenal apps to make this happen anywhere. I love Peakfinder for peak identification. It’s a little pricey, but it does exactly what you want it to. Skyview is my pick for stargazing, Merlin for birds and Seek for wildflowers, but honestly, there are lots of great options, many of them free. Try a few out and see which ones get you the information you want without distracting you from your hiking experience.
6. Satellite messenger Going fully offline is one of the things I value most about my outdoor adventures. That said, I still carry (and use) a satellite communicator. It’s nice to have the emergency response capabilities at hand, as well as the two-way messaging. The first time my wife and I left our son overnight, we were in remote wilderness for a week. Knowing we could get word if something came up made going on that trip feel possible. It’s also handy for adjusting pick-up or drop-off logistics. Most of the time, my InReach exists as a small brick in my pack, ignored and unused. But it’s always along for the ride on backpacking trips.
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5. Natural history apps
7. Phone camera If you carry a modern cell phone, you probably have an incredible camera in your pocket. It’s almost always worth carrying, especially to capture photos of the people you hike with. Great shots of your trail family can trigger a cascade of memories for years to come. Bonus: You can enter your favorite shots in WTA’s annual photo contest at wta.org/photocontest
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 13 user-friendly for mobile use and navigation. On trail, I still like to go old school and battery-free by consulting a paper map (Green Trails is the best in Washington) rather than my screen, but having a great digital mapping tool is well worth it.
8. Trailblazer Technology is personal. It takes time to figure out what adds to the experience of your hike and what keeps you from enjoying the day. But whatever you choose, consider one last piece of technology: WTA’s mobile app, Trailblazer. Trip reports are an unbroken tradition dating back to 1966. It’s part of what makes WTA and hiking in Washington so special — hikers giving each other a heads-up about trail conditions and helping to make the next trail adventure even better than the last. Take 3–5 minutes when you get home from a hike to file a trip report using the app.
We’re hoping to bring that same spirit to the Mountain Loop Highway this summer. The pilot program kicked off July 4th weekend and will conclude after Labor Day weekend.
Volunteer ambassador coordinator Steven Colson (left) and two volunteers staffing a table at Barlow Pass. Ambassadors have been at locations on the Mountain Loop, including Lake 22 (top) to answer hikers’ questions and talk about best practices on trail.
Volunteers have been present — in pairs — at Barlow Pass and Lake 22 on weekends, when the area sees the most visitor Volunteerstraffic. have engaged with the public to answer hikingrelated questions, promote responsible stewardship ethics, communicate about trail conditions, offer alternate hike information if needed, and refer visitors to wta.org, land
14 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org I n a 2020 survey of residents and recreators on the Mountain Loop, we heard a top concern for the area is increased human impact on the landscape. One way to counter that impact is by spreading awareness of how to hike responsibly, leaving trails as good or better than you find them. That means investing in outreach programs to spread awareness of responsible recreation and Leave No Trace practices. So, this summer, Glacier Peak Institute (GPI), in collaboration with the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and Washington Trails Association (WTA) are leading a pilot volunteer trailhead ambassador program at Barlow Pass as part of WTA’s Trails Rebooted efforts on the Mountain Loop LastHighway.summer WTA had on-the-ground volunteer ambassadors doing outreach and surveys in Gothic Basin. This year, thanks to a grant from the National Forest Foundation, Glacier Peak Institute (an environmental nonprofit based in Darrington) was able to hire a volunteer coordinator to build out a pilot volunteer trailhead ambassador program with help from WTA. Outreach at trailheads can be highly effective. Chatting with hikers before their hike helps remind folks about the role they play on-trail, and how they can make a difference on the landscape and in other hikers’ days. In-person, onthe-ground ambassador programs exist in other parts of Washington, including the Columbia River Gorge thanks to Trailkeepers of Oregon. “Trail Ambassadors is an amazing program. These passionate volunteers are experts in a variety of topics, from hiking, to flora and fauna, and are also a wealth of local knowledge,” said Natalie Ferraro, engagement manager at Trailkeepers of Oregon. “Their presence helps to create a safe and welcoming culture of trail and environmental stewardship that all visitors are invited to be a part of.”
Volunteer ambassador coordinator Steven Colson noted that the people they engaged at Barlow Pass were largely seasoned hikers who really care for the environment and supported this goal. “We heard a lot of enthusiasm from people at Barlow Pass, he said. “And at Lake 22 we’re reaching a crowd that is newer to hiking. There’s a lot of support for this program overall.”
Helping Hikers Hike Responsibly
By Anna Roth
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Trail Talk manager and partner websites’0 for ongoing access to trail info.
Photo by Jessi Loerch Join WTA for a day, a weekend or longer, to do some much-needed trail work. We have day trips, extended weekends and weeklong trips all across the state. Meet some new friends and explore our beautiful public lands. GIVE BACK TO THE TRAILS YOU LOVE Sign up at wta.org/volunteer TRAILSINPITCHFOR
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How I worked with WTA to understand more about connections between natural areas in neighborhoods, public health and nearby schools
By Anna Caudill
Connecting Classrooms to Nearby Green Spaces
WTA’s Kaci Darsow (above) and Leina Seeley (facing page) met with students from Rainier Prep to talk about soil ecology and trail building. They also gave students a tour of the trails WTA has built so far in the area.
WTA’s Krista Dooley and Allie Tripp agreed to work with staff at Rainier Prep. Together, we decided to work toward three goals:
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I first learned about Glendale Forest Park in my graduate program at the University of Washington. One of my goals for graduate school was to merge my interests in public health and outdoor recreation into a career focused on outdoor equity.
When I learned more about Glendale, which is part of WTA’s Trail Next Door campaign, I knew I wanted to get involved, and so I decided to focus my capstone project on it. This past year, I had the joy of working with WTA and Rainier Prep to connect eighth grade science students with Glendale Forest Park. I hope my work is the first step in continued partnerships to engage students in the park for years to come. Glendale is a particularly attractive site for a new green space because Rainier Prep, a public charter middle school, is less than half a mile away. Glendale Forest Park and Rainier Prep are also located in an area that experiences the highest levels of environmental health disparities in Washington and, until now, did not have public open green space within a quarter mile.
1) To get a sense of what students thought about health and its connection to community and nature — and how that connects to classroom learning; 2) To explore how engaging students in outdoor education influences their understanding of classroom learning; and 3) To introduce students to Glendale Forest Park and the importance of parks for public health. Students filled out baseline surveys to give us some initial insights into what they thought about health, nature, community and learning. Then, I worked with students on engagement activities in Glendale Forest Park and the classroom. On a sunny day, I walked with students to Glendale, where WTA’s Kaci Darsow and Leina Seeley showed us the portion of the trail built so far, taught us about soil ecology and explained the tools WTA uses to build trails. Later, we cozied up in the classroom on a rainy day. I talked with the students about the connection between parks and health. I also shared information about the Glendale Park’s development and showed photos of the work. We chatted about King County Parks’ Open Space Equity Initiative, which was what made the purchase of the park land possible. Students talked about what they’d recently learned about racial restrictive housing covenants (like redlining) in social studies class and wondered if that had anything to do with the lack of parks and green space in south King County. It certainly does — and we had a really engaging conversation about how structural racism influences the built environment and Studentshealth.completed a follow-up survey the week after our time together. From the results of both surveys, I saw that students overall feel happy spending time outside and that they’re making connections between what they learn in the classroom and what they see in the “real world.” It reinforced the value of green spaces like this. The students also had ideas that could help future students. They’ll be graduating from Rainier Prep, but they pointed out that Glendale Forest Park is a good resource for students to use for science, social studies or P.E. class. I believe that outdoor experiences build community and build individuals into leaders and communicators, able to champion conversations and strengthen and sustain healthy communities. It’s been exciting and rewarding to be a part of this pilot project, to work with WTA and Rainier Prep and to spend some time with students in the park after a few long years of virtual learning. I’m excited to see where this partnership goes in the future. And as I’m also graduating to the “real world,” I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have learned with and from these students and been a part of connecting kids to Glendale Forest Park. I hope that the work encourages more connections between the community and the park and that Rainier Prep students can learn at Glendale Forest Park for years to come. I’ll take what I learned into my career in public health and outdoor equity.
lendale Forest Park, in unincorporated North Highline, is one of the first areas that King County acquired to address inequitable access to green space and improve health outcomes under its Open Space Equity Initiative. Since the county purchased the land, WTA has been working with King County Parks and other organizations to develop a trail system within the park.
Signpost: Connecting and mobilizing hikers WTA began in 1966 when Louise Marshall created Signpost, a grassroots newsletter that brought hikers together to share their knowledge and love of trails. In a way, Signpost was a very early form of hiking social media. With the newsletter, Louise created a more connected outdoor community — a theme that has continued through our work. She was also a woman leading in a predominantly male industry — and that tradition of strong leadership by women has continued throughout WTA’s history.
Louise Marshall (left) started Signpost in 1966 and it soon evolved into a platform for community building and activism.
Innovation 18 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org
How WTA has innovated over the years From WTA’s founding, we’ve been devoted to a better future for trails. And that means looking for creative, innovative solutions to problems — and stepping up to fill the gaps. Here are eight ways our innovations have been leading the way for trails and hikers in Washington — and even across the country.
Learning&Growing
WTA volunteers of all levels expertise can be found working on trail all year across Washington.
Trailwork: Securing wins for the future of trails
First-rate volunteer program Since our early years, it has been clear that many decisions impacting trails happen on a different kind of hill. WTA has a history of making the voices of hikers heard in Olympia and the U.S. Congress. Several years ago, we partnered with Washington Bikes to get the Legislature to approve state funding for a study, the first of its kind in Washington, about the health and economic benefits of trails. That information has been used by agencies and outdoor-recreation organizations to make a case for trails ever since. And, just this year, we successfully led an effort to get game-changing funding, securing $15 million in annual funding for state land agencies. It’s the first time in recent memory that an advocacy organization has been able to get more funding for the maintenance backlog on state lands.
Greg Ball, WTA’s former executive director, saw a problem in the early 1990s. Trails weren’t getting the maintenance they needed and he wondered, “What if we helped out?” Land managers were dubious at the beginning, but we’re now a trusted, essential partner. And we are the largest state-based volunteer trail maintenance program in the nation. WTA volunteers now give more than 150,000 hours to trails each year. And we make the absolute most of that time. We run a major logistical operation, using all of the tools we have to get the right people to the right trails at the right time. From vanishing backcountry trails to brand new urban green spaces, we’re making sure the hikes people want are safe and accessible. Innovation
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Advocacy:
Innovation
Emerging Leaders: A more inclusive outdoor industry Two years ago, WTA launched our Emerging Leaders Program (ELP). The goal of ELP is to offer more entry points to the outdoor industry for communities that haven’t always had equitable access to the outdoors. We believe that trails are for everyone. We’re working to make that a reality by helping build representation in the professional outdoor industry. The positions are paid and cohort members gain experience in trail work and earn wilderness first aid certifications. They also get mentorship and chances to work on projects of interest with WTA staff. Five of the 11 ELP cohort members are currently working for WTA, three are working for partner organizations, one is thru-hiking the PCT and two are in educational programs. We’re excited that the program will be able to expand in coming years thanks to a new partnership with Washington State Parks.
ShimabukuroZenwa (left) Bay.CommencementduringforofaboutlearnstheworkCommunitiesaHealthyBayatripin
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Tiffany Chou (below) cuts a log during ELP trail work at Deception Pass.
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Washington
The tech age: One-stop shop for hikers Every year, we help more than 5 million people plan their outdoor adventures. Our website’s expert, curated information, combined with up-to-the date trail conditions from trip reports, gives hikers of all skill levels the information they need to get out safely. And we keep adding new tools — like our wheelchair-friendly hiking filter and Hike Recommender. We can even help folks while they’re on the go with our free Trailblazer app, available on iOS and Android. The app is getting an update this year — download it to check out the recent improvements. Innovation
One of WTA’s strengths is our ability to bring people together, which we’ve been doing since the 1960s. We’ve helped various groups — conservationists, mountain bikers, equestrians, motorized vehicle users — see that we have more in common than in conflict and that we are more powerful when we work together. Over the years, we have helped protect countless wild places, including the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, where we continue to work today. And when COVID required quick and creative action, we took our coalition skills and inspired a national movement. The Recreate Responsibly Coalition led the way on a set of clear, consistent standards to help keep people safe while enjoying much-needed time outdoors.
WTA’s decades of advocacy work have helped protect many special places, including the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Trails
Building coalitions: Bringing all voices to the table
Innovation
Austin Easter, who manages our Lost Trails Found crew was a WTA volunteer in high school — and several of the crew members began volunteering with WTA in high school as well. We also want to ensure that youth and families that haven’t traditionally had access to trails can discover the joy and benefits of time outside. We learned we can do the most good by training folks who work with youth on how to get outdoors. From the first stages of training all the way through their trips, we support leaders. By empowering as many people as possible to lead outdoor trips, we have an exponential reach. Whether through trail work parties for youth, lending gear or training mentors, WTA helps young people get outdoors.
Youth: Supporting the next generation WTA believes in the power and potential of the next generation to steward trails. We know there are many paths to the outdoors and we are investing in our youth program to clear the way — connecting youth to mentors, offering training and helping them discover what is possible. For many, our programs have been a launching pad for outdoor careers.
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Silver Star in Southwest Washington is just one area where we are looking at the big picture to create a lasting trail system that works for a wide variety of trail users. Join us WTA has a history of seeing a problem and finding a solution. We support communities, inspire action and build creative new programs. We know anything is possible when hikers come together. Whatever comes next, WTA will be on the frontline to ensure trails for everyone, forever. Thank you for joining us in this work!
Innovation
We know how important it is to look for big-picture solutions. For hikers and trails, that means thinking at the landscape level and working through the whole process. From the first idea to a ribbon cutting on a trail, we’re doing the work, including facilitating community input and designing and building trail systems. In the Teanaway Community Forest in Central Washington, we’re leading a trail-planning effort that will formally designate trails in Washington’s first stateowned community forest. And we’re working in Silver Star in Southwest Washington to find solutions in an area that’s full of potential for hiking but faces challenges from bad roads and trails that need to accommodate a variety of users. We’re bringing the community together to create a stronger trail system for a beautiful area. Work like this creates benefits for decades to come.
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Showing what is possible
Building Onramps to Nature’s Benefits
24 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org outdoors. Perceptions of outdoor recreation and natural spaces are laced with reminders of its history as a site of unsafety and harm. Braided Seeds is a community-based nonprofit organization joining a national effort to diversify the outdoors by removing critical barriers to access. Our mission is to provide opportunities for rest, restoration and reconnection with the land for communities of color. We know that in order for all people to view Washington public lands as spaces of refuge, healing and peace, there must be intentional and targeted efforts to increase safety and address historical exclusion and Braidedtrauma.
As a Black-led and Black-centering organization, we hope we can also actively commit to our survival, subvert harmful T ime in nature, when people can feel safe there, has been proven to reduce blood pressure, anxiety, stress, depression, and many other physical and mental health issues that disproportionately impact the Black community. Despite these benefits, much of the historical trauma experienced by Black Americans in the United States has occurred outdoors. Its legacy continues to live on as fear permeates the experiences of many. Washington state is home to one of the best park systems in the nation, yet not everyone has equal access. The Black Washingtonians Workgroup on Outdoor Recreation recently conducted a survey that found less than 1.5 percent of Washington State Parks visitors are Black. Their report further revealed that for Black Washingtonians, lack of safety is the number one barrier to accessing the
PARTNER VOICES Braided Seeds is helping communities of color rest and reconnect to nature. A wilderness first aid course, in partnership with WTA, has been one way to help people in their community feel safer outside.
By Ashleigh Shoecraft, Braided Seeds
Seeds was birthed in honor of our Black ancestors’ commitment to survival against all odds. Before boarding ships as a part of the Transatlantic slave trade, they braided seeds in their hair as an act of subversive resistance, commitment to survival and as a testament to their determination to set down roots in any environment.
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 25 SeedsBraidedcourtesyPhotos systems and set down roots in the PNW. Our vision is for those we serve to be rooted in an accurate and dignifying history of Black outdoor excellence and environmentalism, to be able to soak up the healing benefits of nature for positive mental and physical health outcomes and to be safe. All of our programs are designed with this vision in mind. Our work is contributing to a larger community organizing effort to get Black people to reclaim an inherent connection with the land that centuries of exploitation, othering and dehumanization have tried to strip away. Recently we partnered with Washington Trails Association to offer a BIPOCcentered wilderness first aid (WFA) class. WFA classes prepare participants with skills to respond to incidents that can occur in the wilderness. Especially for those BIPOC folks who were not raised exploring the backcountry, these classes can increase confidence, competence and peace of mind. This was the case for one participant, Marie Angeles. Marie didn’t grow up hiking or doing typical Pacific Northwest outdoor recreation activities. She got into outdoor recreation in adulthood. Like many, Marie has experienced firsthand the fear of being one of the only people of color on the trail. For her, taking the BIPOC-centered WFA class was an intentional act of preparation so that in the case of an emergency, she is equipped to problem solve in a crisis. She doesn’t have to wonder if someone will help her or her partner. She knows she has the skills to respond and feels more comfortable inviting friends and family out to explore with her. “Workshops like these provide a really important chance for us to get better at feeling comfortable in the outdoors in ways we never got to experience growing up,” Marie said. While WFA classes focus on physical safety, the reality is that for many people of color, mental safety can be a larger barrier to overcome. BIPOCcentered classes create space to honor the truth that safety looks different for communities of color and is a critical barrier to true enjoyment and rest in natural areas. “When we have confidence that we can manage both (physical and mental safety) well and that we are capable of making sure that we can protect and help each other in the outdoors, then we can experience peace of mind,” Marie said.
Marie is looking forward to hiking to waterfalls in the Snoqualmie area this Oftensummer.outdoor preparedness programs can be inaccessible due to average costs upwards of $200. Our partnership with Washington Trails Association enabled us to leverage the resources of both organizations and offer this course for $40 to all participants. It acknowledged the importance of increasing onramps to safety, ownership, empowerment, joy and confidence for BIPOC.
Barriers to access created by centuries of trauma will take intentional and targeted efforts to remove. BIPOC-centered community education and preparedness is one step in the right direction of addressing barriers that are removable right now. Learn more about Braided Seeds: braidedseeds.org
Braided Seeds is helping people find the joy of being outdoors and working to diversify the outdoors by removing barriers to access.
Right page: Both crews (top) taking a break during training in the Entiat. And scenes from trail work on Hidden Lakes.
This page: During a trip along Hidden Lakes, one of our Lost Trails Found crews cleared a staggering 1,600 trees — regaining access to Lucky Pass and sweeping views of the Pasayten Wilderness.
MooreGinevraEaster,AustinWendling,RachelbyPhotosthe first eleven trips logs cut 14.75 miles of brushing 4,370 feet tread
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TRAILSAT-RISKSAVING
repair 10 check steps installed
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WTA’s Lost Trails Found crews are cutting thousands of logs and clearing the way to trails across the state BEFORE AFTER
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This summer, WTA is supporting two professional Lost Trails Found crews who are working to revitalize Washington's beautiful backcountry. From the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Mt. BakerSnoqualmie to the Umatilla and Gifford Pinchot national forests, these crews are spending an entire season addressing the trail maintenance backlog across the state. Since the season began, we've returned to priority areas like the Entiat and Pasayten that have been hit hard by wildfires and storm damage — working to clear miles of fallen trees and reopening the trail corridor ahead of a busy summer. And, thanks to the addition of a second crew, we've been able to visit new locations like the Alpine Lakes Wilderness to spruce up higher-impact trails that are having trouble holding up to increased hiker demand — and focusing on sustainable fixes like water diversion and tread rehabilitation.
I was enthusiastic and curious about hiking, but it took a long time and a lot of community help to get to where I am.
Growing up, I didn’t hike much. Now, I love it so much I’ve made it my career — and this summer I’m working with WTA on our Lost Trails Found crew.
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First, I had to overcome some obstacles, such as getting to the trailhead without a car. I began with research on how to prepare for a hike. One of my first hikes was Lake 22, which caught my interest in trip reports and photos. I suggested it to a friend who was able to drive us there.
How WTA helped me gain the skills to transition from the classroom to the backcountry By Iman Chatila
My Journey to an Outdoor Career
I was stunned, seeing an alpine lake for the first time! I was going through an emotional conflict at the time, and getting to reflect on that with my hiking companion was relieving. Catching up while taking in the forest was the
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With every log that we cleared, we unlocked another few feet of trail. Seeing the mountains in the distance while getting into the back-and-forth rhythm of the crosscut is a feeling that can’t be beat. After work we returned to camp, slipped on our comfy shoes, cooked dinner and socialized. We played card games, shared stories and laughed. I don’t know what my future holds beyond this season, but I am confident I will be inspired as the season progresses. As someone who benefited from the generosity of this community to get my outdoor career started, I hope others wanting to get involved can also find the support they need.
rejuvenating experience I was looking for. I quickly fell in love with being in the forest and the fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. I wanted to try backpacking, but again, I had to figure out how. I was living off an Americorps stipend while working with high school students. I didn’t have gear, transportation or knowledge to execute a trip on my own. I googled “Seattle backpacking workshop” and found WTA’s Outdoor Leadership Training. It was the perfect opportunity for me to transition deeper into the outdoor world and combine that with being an educator. WTA’s OLT gave me a scholarship, got me a ride to the North Cascades and loaned me the gear I Ineeded.waseager to go on my first backpacking trip. We spent the first day getting to know each other and discussing planning and preparation. I learned about Leave No Trace principles, filtering water, food packing and reading a map — information that was useful to me and that I was excited to share with others. The next day, we hiked into the backcountry to practice what we’d learned. After that trip, I knew that being an outdoor educator would allow me to combine a passion for mentoring youth with the inspiration I gained from nature. After the trip, I asked Jean, one of the WTA instructors, for an informational interview to discuss ways to move into outdoor education. Jean recommended Young Women Empowered’s Nature Connections program and I became a volunteer mentor with them. Through Y-WE, I went hiking, snowshoeing and cross country skiing with youth. That led to a seasonal job as a wilderness instructor for the YMCA’s BOLD & GOLD program and later a job at the North Cascades Institute. Teaching youth in the backcountry brought me energy and joy. On one trip on the Olympic Coast, we had to climb steep bluffs between the forest and the shore. One by one, we pulled ourselves, plus our heavy packs, up makeshift ladders of frayed ropes and worn planks. It was something we had to do individually, but with the encouragement of the team. I felt pride and solidarity in persevering. A couple years into my outdoor career, I started to think more about the work that goes into making a trail. I wanted to try that work myself, so I joined a volunteer vacation with WTA. I enjoyed the work and wanted to keep pursuing it so I joined a chainsaw crew with Arizona Conservation Corps. As soon as I put my chaps, hardhat, safety glasses and gloves on, I felt like a professional. I learned how to put a chainsaw together, then I turned it on and cut through a log for the first time. I felt like I was challenging my gender role by running a power tool and being outside the “caregiver” duty that I embodied while supervising youth. I found that seasonal work pairs well with my love of traveling, learning technical skills and doing a variety of new hands-on tasks. I wanted to continue that work and grow as a professional, Iman Chatila is a member of WTA’s Lost Trails Found crew this summer. They’ve spent the summer working on at-risk trails. so I applied to the Lost Trails Found crew. I was thrilled to learn it would be a season full of backcountry camping and crosscut saw work. On our first trip, I again got the satisfaction of being part of a team, putting in long hours and seeing the before and after of our efforts.
There’s lots of opportunities out there, and the outdoor field can and should be accessible to anyone who is interested.
WTA is a great place to start, whether you decide to join a work party, talk to a staff member or just use their hiker resources.
How gear companies are using innovation to leave a lighter impact on the world.
In just a few decades the gear we used to get outside has been completely revolutionized. While older gear has a nostalgic charm, you’re unlikely to miss heavy, bulky packs and semi waterproof gear.
With improvements in weight and durability, sustainability is becoming the newest area for innovation. These days, companies are trying to leave a lighter global footprint while giving customers what they want. Here’s how three of them are doing that.
By JessiBrandonLoerchBowers looks at data about the insulating value of products.Therm-a-Rest
30 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org Better SmallerGear.Footprint.
Spokane-based GSI Outdoors puts its focus on fueling outdoor adventures. GSI was founded in 1985 with its enamelware collection. Since then, the company has grown its business to include technical, innovative, and fun outdoor cookware and gear for eating and drinking.
“Sustainability is our future,” he said. “The outdoor industry is a bellwether to all other industries.”
While Kurt is really excited about the work with recycled and recyclable materials, he also knows it’s not the end. “Re-use will be the next challenge for our industry,” he said. “We as an industry have to figure out how to be profitable with reselling.”
More recently, they released a car-camping stove that’s only an inch-and-a-quarter thick. Right now, their biggest focus is on sustainability. Kurt Gauss, GSI’s director of marketing and product design senior product designer, says that sustainability has always been important for GSI — he talks about the work with a lot of energy and excitement. “If we mess up the outdoors, we’ve messed up our industry,” he said. “And our children, the next generation and generations to come, we have to make it better for them.” GSI designs and builds their products to last for generations. But that’s not enough. They want to do more.
He points out that the outdoor industry was able, practically overnight, to stop making materials with polycarbonate, which contains BPA, a chemical with a number of known health risks. “The outdoor industry has a huge impact on the design and sales of all consumer goods,” he said. “This is our golden opportunity to really change the world. We work in an industry that has this unique position to affect changes in all industries. We have to do as much as we can and we can’t blow it off.”
In the 50 years since Therm-a-Rest started, a lot has changed in the outdoor industry. There’s a lot more gear out there, and it’s a lot easier to find information on it.
Over time, GSI has leaned into many outdoor innovations they’re proud of, including nesting cookware, an extremely popular innovation that inspired many companies to make their own versions. They also introduced hard anodized aluminum cookware to the camping world, which upped the quality for lightweight aluminum cookware by providing a durable surface that is much easier to cook on without food sticking. They eventually expanded to stoves as well, creating a tiny backpacking stove with a large base so the pot won’t tip over.
GSI is also working to increase the amount of recycled metal in their steel products. By 2024, they want their stainless steel bottles to be made of recycled material. They’re also working to offset their carbon use, with a goal of offsetting more than they use by 2030. Kurt says forward thinking like this is important to the outdoor industry as a whole and that the outdoor industry can spur changes in other areas, too.
Therm-a-Rest Therm-a-Rest is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and the company is using it as a chance to look both back and forward. Therm-a-Rest, a name that’s a type of shorthand for “outdoor sleeping pad” is part of parent company Cascade Designs, which has manufacturing facilities in Seattle. They’re proud of making mattresses that last, and appreciate that people feel a strong connection to their gear. Jeff Moberg, product line manager at Cascade Designs, was recently at an REI event where someone brought in one of the first Therm-a-Rests. “It was an old dinosaur model,” said Brandon Bowers, product manager at Cascade Designs. “But in a way, it’s still the same concept. We have just continued to make improvements that focus on giving a camper the best possible experience.”
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GSI Outdoors
An employee tests MSR stoves in the Seattle factory.
“Someone who wants to get into the outdoors has so much more ability to get better gear now when they start out,” Brandon said. “It does seem like the advanced gear we have now makes it more interesting for people because you don’t have to suffer so much to get outdoors. The thing that has stayed the same is that people who love to get outdoors and
Two main areas GSI is working on is reducing plastic use by switching plastic products to recycled materials by 2024. That gives Kurt, and GSI, a lot of work to do. “We have to do over 400 product conversions from virgin plastics to recycled plastics,” Kurt said. “It will probably be the most important thing I have done in my career.”
REI is also trying to be creative and reduce the impact of their business in their work with partners. In 2018, they launched their product impact standards, which establish minimum sustainability requirements for any brand who wants to sell products at REI. They were the first to do so in the industry.
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Gear for good For hikers, a solid piece of gear that helps you enjoy your time on trail is a joy. Of course, use your gear up, wear it out, repair it when you can. But when you do need to buy something, if you have the option, buying from a company that cares about sustainability can mean longer-lasting gear for you, and a lighter footprint on the natural world. Gear companies have made it easier for hikers to get outside safely and comfortably over the years.
Like the camper at REI, many folks have held onto their Therma-a-Rest pads for years, even decades. That’s something the company is proud of. “We make products that last as long as possible, and from early on that has been a point of pride,” Brandon said. Therm-a-Rest has a repair facility in Seattle. Customers can send in their gear to get it repaired, which is one of the ways the company tries to minimize their impact. They also have deliberately chosen to make their products in the U.S., many in Seattle, where the company is based. This reduces how much fuel has to be used to move products and supplies around the world. It also gives them better control over their products because they control all aspects of the manufacturing. They’re also working to increase their use of recycled materials — and recycle or repurpose their own materials. Therm-aRest is starting to use recycled materials as often as possible, including in their sleeping bags. They’re looking into using recycled materials in their pads as well, but they are proceeding carefully to ensure the new materials will last. They’re also working with other companies to make use of extra materials that would otherwise just sit on their shelves. One way they’ve gotten creative with what could have been waste product is with their pillows. Therm-a-Rest makes selfinflating pillows using open-cell foam. To produce these, scrap foam from sleeping pads is shredded and then stuffed into the Brandonpillow. and Jeff are excited to think about the innovations to come in the future — and the pandemic has made it extra clear how important that time outdoors is for people. They’re thinking about those new campers, and looking forward to meeting their needs in the future.
REI REI is an undisputed leader in the outdoor industry — and it’s using that position of influence to help drive changes. “We believe innovation can play an important role in bringing about solutions to tough social and environmental challenges,” said Greg Gausewitz, REI’s senior sustainability product Gregmanager.explains that for REI, innovation around sustainability takes two routes. First, with their REI Co-op brand products and second, by supporting sustainable changes via their relationships with other outdoor companies. For their own REI gear, the company has been a Bluesign system partner for more than a decade. Bluesign works to eliminate harmful substances in the production of textiles. It also works to ensure that the whole process of production is safe for the environment, workers and consumers. REI’s newest line of boots, for instance, include recycled and bio-based materials that are more sustainable. One other way that REI is working to reduce its impact is by selling used gear. That also allows folks to buy gear at a lower price. REI’s research shows that buying used versus new cuts carbon emission by 50 percent or more.
The standards also encourage going above and beyond those standards, with additional ways of decreasing impact that REI prioritizes when deciding what to sell in their stores.
“REI is in the fortunate position of getting to work with many of the world's leading brands making high-quality products and advancing more sustainable business practices,” Greg said. “We're also lucky to get to work with small, up-and-coming brands that are bringing innovative new products to market by may not initially have significant resources or know-how on sustainability. We view this as an opportunity to highlight emerging, innovative products … and to provide guidance on sustainability to emerging brands to help them embed responsible practices into their business from the beginning.”
32 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org love to challenge themselves, they still love gear.”
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 33 Help us secure this vision for the future. Join the Legacy Circle by including WTA in your estate or will — it’s never too soon to start planning your legacy. To learn more about your giving options, contact Corinne Handelman at chandelman@wta.org. Photo by Erynn Allen Learn more at wta.org/legacy At WTA, we envision a future where everyone who seeks nature’s splendor can quickly find themselves outdoors. A future where trails are so abundant and high quality that anyone can use them safely and enjoyably. A future where our shared wild spaces are cherished and protected by all. Trails ForeverEveryone,for
So join me as I reflect on the gear and gadgets that I don’t miss one bit — and express my gratitude for the gear that gets me out there today.
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Then and Now When it comes to hiking gear, I don’t long for yesteryear. By Craig Romano Craig Romano has been hiking and backpacking for decades. And while he has many fond memories from those years on trail, he’s more than happy to leave behind leather boots and external-frame packs.
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As someone who has been on the trail for many a mile, there are definitely aspects about the “good ole days” that I miss. Wellmaintained Forest Service roads and fewer traffic backups. Better campsite availability. Fewer fees to access trails. Kennedy Hot Springs (buried by a landslide). But one thing I don’t miss is the gear.
For gear, we are hiking in the best of times. Thanks to affordable, lightweight performance gear, I am doing some of my longest and most challenging hikes now — 40 years after I first started hiking. I recall with no nostalgia how miserable I used to be backpacking with a ridiculously heavy load — often suffering through wet and cold due to inadequate gear and clothing.
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I love the array of durable form-fitting packs available today — including frames for women and body-hugging running packs. You can even find waterproof packs!
While some old timers love their external frame packs, I don’t. They were heavy, held onto odors and chafed your back or shoulders. Durability wasn’t great either — the zippers rusted and the material broke down in the sun.
THE PAST TODAY
THE PAST TODAY
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MahieuJulieDiekema,DougAltra,Nordstrom,DavidbyPhotos
I hike almost exclusively in trail running shoes and lightweight low top boots that breathe, dry out rapidly and are super comfortable. And they require a single pair of durable, lightweight poly-blend socks. Old footwear was heavy, hard to break in, made your feet sweat and, even with the required socks and sock liners, caused countless blisters.
My old backpacking stove weighed nearly two pounds and I got quite an upper body workout priming it. BAGS AND PADS
My huge sleeping bag was cumbersome and had to be attached to the outside of my pack, where it was exposed to the elements. My blue pad also used to dangle from the outside of my pack and snag bushes.
THE PAST TODAY
COOKING GEAR SLEEPING
TezakChristopherLaughery,AndreaRomano,CraigNorsen,LaurabyPhotos
36 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org
My MSR Pocket Rocket weighs 3 ounces and the isobutane propane fuel is lighter than white gas.
THE PAST TODAY
My lightweight down bag squishes to the size of a water bottle and is safely stuffed in my pack. My lightweight sleeping pad is just a tad larger than my sleeping bag.
While I have wholeheartedly embraced GPS, maps — specifically Green Trails Maps — always come with me. A GPS can’t show the big picture of a landscape. When used with a map however, it’s a perfect combination.
WTADiekema,DougBiolite,Haupt,JoebyPhotos
Modern headlamps put out an amazingly strong light and half the time you don’t even know you’re wearing the darn thing because they’re lighter than a hat.
I remember hefting flashlights and big heavy D batteries. Then I remember how excited I was to get my first headlamp, even though it was huge and the alkaline battery was heavy.
NAVIGATIONLIGHTING
THE PAST TODAY
A good ol’ fashioned map has always been in my pack — and it still is, on every trip.
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THE PAST TODAY
A Book Made for Disabled Hikers
BauerEddie/GiordanoElisebyPhoto
Syren Nagakyrie hopes their new hiking guide gives many who have felt excluded the information they need to get outside. By Jessi Loerch Trail Mix Bookshelf
Syren Nagakyrie takes a hike with their dog, Benji.
38 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org
Syren has multiple disabilities and chronic illnesses and is “Forneurodivergent.me,thekind of information I need to be able to decide if I should attempt a trail, it doesn’t exist,” Syren said. “There’s a bit here and there and all over. I would spend hours researching a single hike. Then, I would get there and it wouldn’t be accurate.”
Syren wanted to provide a resource that was written by a disabled person for disabled people. They also wanted to write a book that would work for as broad a community as “Disabledpossible. folks are so diverse,” they said. “They have a wide range of needs. I can’t serve everyone, but I am trying to be as inclusive as possible.” Syren Nagakyrie wrote the book they wanted to see in the world. Syren is a disability advocate and the creator of Disabled Hikers. They have loved being outdoors since childhood, but found access difficult due to a lack of information for disabled people. Syren’s book, “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon: Outdoor Adventures Accessible by Car, Wheelchair and on Foot,” will be released Sept. 1 by Falcon Guides.
This book was written during the most challenging season in recent history — a pandemic, which closed many sites while also encouraging more people to get outdoors; record-breaking wildfires, which altered many places for the foreseeable future; and major snowstorms, which also left many areas with severe damage. For the first time, many people who typically do not have to think about access were faced with unclear information and questions about whether or not they would be able to access their favorite places. As more of these changes take place, the experience of non-disabled hikers is going to more closely resemble that of disabled hikers. It is the perfect time to think more about accessibility in the outdoors, and who better to learn about access from than Disabled people? I’ve always loved nature, but it took a long time for me to feel comfortable doing outdoor recreation. A lack of information that met my needs, limited understanding and acceptance of disability in the outdoors, and not seeing any other disabled people represented in the community all contributed to feeling excluded from outdoor recreation. It just didn’t feel like something that was meant for me. But nature has always offered a sense of belonging even when I felt excluded otherwise.”
Syren hopes their book will expand the definition of and information about what makes an accessible trail. They say that there tends to be a narrow definition of an accessible trail as one that’s accessible for folks in a standard wheelchair. But hikers who use specialized equipment, including wheelchairs, walkers, canes or other mobility aids, can explore a variety of trails as long as they have a good idea of what to expect. Syren has included detailed information in the book to help hikers decide if the trail will work for them. That includes information on the distance, elevation gain, maximum grade on trail and maximum cross-slope (how much a trail slopes from side to side), as well as the surface of the trail, the trail’s typical width and whether or not the trail has cell phone reception.
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 39
Syren developed their own rating system for the book to help describe how much effort a trail might require. The rating gives readers an idea of how accessible the hike is, how much effort it will take and how replenishing the hike might be. It’s a sort of combination of accessibility, difficulty and quality rating. Syren hopes their book helps more disabled people get outside and that it encourages efforts to make trails more accessible overall. They’ll continue to do this work, both with Disabled Hikers and in further guidebooks. Their next book will be for Northern California. “My hope is that people will see this book and that it exists to help them get outside. They can feel like they can have access to the outdoor community and be able to have these experiences. Disabled people have been an afterthought at best,” Syren said. “I hope this book prompts more conversation about disability in the outdoors and about what people need.”
— Excerpted from “The Disabled Hiker’s Guide to Western Washington and Oregon: Outdoor Adventures Accessible by Car, Wheelchair and on Foot.”
“Western Washington and Oregon offer an incredible diversity of ecosystems. Old-growth temperate rain forest, craggy mountain peaks, stunning beaches, active volcanoes, and fertile river valleys define the region, making the area one of the top recreation spots in the country. You can visit the ocean, the rain forest, and the mountains all in a single Ofday.course, this popularity has had an impact, and outdoor recreation has been experiencing a boom in the past several years. While land managers and outdoor enthusiasts scramble to figure out how to adapt to increased use, many communities get left behind, including Disabled communities. Improving access to outdoor recreation is often viewed as a way to (a) make the experience less authentic for outdoor enthusiasts, and (b) make it too easy for people to enjoy the outdoors, thus bringing in more people. But improving accessibility benefits everyone. That includes access to information. While this book is written specifically for people who are disabled, chronically ill, or otherwise face access barriers to the outdoors, my hope is that non-disabled people will also recognize the importance of detailed, objective trail information. We all need information to decide whether or not to attempt a trail, and it should be easily available.
To that end, they wrote their book for folks with physical disabilities, as well as sensory disabilities, intellectual disabilities and neurodivergent people. The book is also for the family, friends and caregivers of disabled people. Syren included scenic drives, which are not standard entries for hiking guidebooks, as another way to offer outdoor recreation to as many people as possible.
DayIsaacbyPhoto
Spend the Night in a Fire Lookout What you need to know to find and enjoy a historic structure with 360-degree views. By Leina Seeley
Tyee Fire Lookout in the Entiat Ranger District is reservable on recreation.gov.
GalambosKatebyPhoto
42 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org
Before wildfire detection technology advanced, fire lookouts were the best way to spot developing fires in the forest. Fire lookouts are perched at a high elevation and occupied during fire season by the lookout. The lookout visually scans the area for lightning strikes and forest fires from the vantage point. Once a fire is spotted, they alert the closest ranger station and give local landmarks to help firefighters locate the fire quickly. At one point, 686 lookouts were operating in Washington, but only 106 structures are left with 28 still functioning to this day. Not all of those retired lookouts are in disuse, though. Some are accessible via hikes and available for overnight stays. The fire lookouts offer primitive shelter and are a fun way to experience nature from a great viewpoint of the surrounding landscape. We compiled a list of some of Washington’s most popular fire lookouts that can be reserved or are available on a “first-come, first-served” basis. These fire lookouts offer very sparse amenities, so check beforehand for specific details per lookout and bring what you will need to enjoy your time. Very important: no running water is available at any location so bring enough water for your stay. And as always, use extreme caution when using an open flame and pack out all trash, food and waste. Guests are also expected to clean up after themselves after their stay at the fire lookout. Most rentals are operated by USFS, but a couple are privately owned and have a separate booking process. Nightly fees for rentals can range from $75–$150 per night. Reservations are typically made available 6 months in advance of the peak season (from mid-June to mid-October) and book up fast (like, really fast) so be ready to lock in those dates early. Each rental has different rules for the minimum or maximum length of stay and some fire lookouts ask for a key deposit that is refunded upon Whenreturn.itcomes to the fire lookouts that are available on a firstcome, first-served basis, it is important to gauge what your expectations are for your experience. It is very unlikely that you will have the entire lookout to yourself, so expect to share the space and potentially make new friends. Sometimes the lookout might be too crowded and you might have to hike back the same day or find an alternative campsite. Confirm ahead of time with the ranger district or the land manager if the fire lookout is open for overnight use and make sure you have the appropriate permits, if necessary, to explore the area. Whether you reserve ahead of time or opt for the first-come, first-serve option, the unique experience of staying in a lookout will be one to remember.
Indian Ridge: East of Eugene on I-105 E. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Bald Knob Lookout: South of Powers on Oregon Route 542. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Reserve a fire lookout in HeybrookWashingtonLookout: East of Index on U.S. 2. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Drake Peak: West of Plush on OR-140 W. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Oregon rentals
Little Guard: North of Kingston on I-90. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Shorty Peak: West of Porthill on Hwy 1. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Bald Mountain: West of Harvard on Hwy 6. Reserve on recreation.gov. Flexibility RVs
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 43
rive than
Lorna Butte Lookout: Located in Goldendale off of Hwy 97. Privately owned. Contact Lefever Holbrook Ranch on facebook.com.
Fall Mountain: South of John Day on Hwy 395. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Fivemile Butte: West of Dufur on Hwy 197. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Hager Mountain: South of Silver Lake on Hwy 31. Reserve on recreation.gov.
North Mountain Lookout: Located in Darrington on SR 503. Operated by Friends of North Mountain. Reserve on airbnb.com.
Idaho rentals Arid Peak: North of Avery on St. Joe River Road. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Green Ridge: West of Sisters on Hwy 20. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Not all fire lookouts are open to the public, or are only open during the day when lockeddon’twhenhistoricgoodRememberstaffed.totakecareofthesestructuresvisitingandtrytoenterlookouts.
Deadwood: East of Garden Valley on Hwy 55. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Reserve
Clearwater Lookout: South of Pomeroy on Hwy 12. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Surveyors: East of Avery on St. Joe River Road. on recreation.gov.
First-come, first-served in Washington Mt. Baker Ranger District: Winchester Mountain, Park Butte, Hidden Lake and Lookout Mountain lookouts.
Deer Ridge: North of Moyie Springs on Hwy 2. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Lunch Peak: East of Sandpoint on Hwy 200. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Warner Mountain: East of Oakridge on Hwy 58. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Pickett Butte: East of Tiller on Tiller Trail Hwy. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Steliko Lookout and Tyee Lookout: West of Entiat on Hwy 97. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Independence and
Acker Rock Lookout: East of Tiller on Tiller Trail Hwy. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Season Camping ainy Tent Setup ecure Shelter C A M P E R I Z E Y O U R V E H I C L E P N W C r a f t e d CAMPNCAR.COM 3 6 0 - 5 5 4 - 9 6 8 4 I N F O @ C A M P N C A R . C O M E x p e r t A d v i c e B u d g e t F r i e n d l y
Quartz Mountain Fire Lookout: Located in Mount Spokane State Park off of SR 206. Reserve on parks.wa.gov.
Evergreen Mountain Lookout: Northeast of Skykomish on U.S. 2. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Clear Lake Cabin: South of Mt. Hood on Hwy 26. Reserve on recreation.gov.
Lake Of The Woods: recreation.gov.
Darrington Ranger District: Three Fingers, Mount Pilchuck Cowlitz Valley Ranger District: Burley Mountain
Drink Up If you spend time in the backcountry, you’ll need a way to treat drinking water. Here’s what you need to know about the options. By Sandra Saathoff
Pumps Most pumps are designed to filter out bacteria and protozoa, though you can find pumps that filter viruses as well. A pump comes with a main body, an internal filter cartridge and a hose you drop into the water source, making pumps easy to use in shallow areas like tarns and low flow streams. The internal cartridge is replaceable at end-of-life. Post-trip maintenance includes sterilizing and drying the cartridge.
TL;DR It’s important to treat your drinking water so you don’t get sick by ingesting bacteria, protozoa or water-borne viruses. In Washington, a filter that eliminates the first two is generally all you need. If you want to be extra safe, or are hiking outside the U.S./Canada or in a location with stagnant water and lots of humans, either find a pump that also takes care of viruses or add a couple drops of chlorine to your water and wait 30 minutes before drinking.
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 45
UV UV light purifiers are placed inside your water bottle and, when turned on, sterilize water that may contain parasites, bacteria and viruses in about 90 seconds. You’ll need to be sure the mouth of your bottle is large enough for the purifier. They don’t work in murky water, so you’ll need to either pre-filter or have a backup water treatment solution if you will be in areas where the water isn’t clear. Battery-powered, this method does require recharging after several days. Best for short trips or when carrying a charging device.
TreigerMordechaiSeelye,EvabyPhotos
You’re out with friends for a hike or a backpacking trip and you get thirsty, but your water bottle is empty. What do you do? Hopefully you’ve planned ahead and are near a stream, but in most areas it’s not safe to drink right from the stream. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for! You reach into your pack and whip out your trusty water treatment device, saving the day for you and your crew. All is right with the world, and that backcountry water tastes so good! What, you say? You aren’t sure what this water treatment stuff is all about? Read on, dear hiker, and let’s learn about some Whyoptions.treat your drinking water? The short answer: It’s not fun to get sick. We’re in the wild, where animals live, doing all those animal things like drinking, pooping and rolling in strange stuff then walking through streams. There can be anything from silt and dirt to protozoa, bacteria and viruses in the water. We’d rather not be drinking those things. What types of water treatment options are there and what do I need to remember about them? There are several types of water treatment options and while all of them are relatively simple, they are not created equal. Most water treatment options do a good job of removing protozoa and bacteria. Only some also destroy viruses; however, in the U.S. and Canada viruses are generally not a problem. Filters Filters contain a built-in internal cartridge designed to catch particulates, bacteria and protozoa in the water and deliver clear, clean water out the other end. Most do not filter out viruses, but in Washington, we generally don’t need to worry about water-borne viruses. What we do need to remember is that glacial sediment or silty water clogs filters quickly, which can ruin a trip, so finding a feeder stream in areas with glaciers is important when using this method of water treatment. Pre-filtering your water (more on this later) before sending it through the filter can help, and an included syringe can be taken on trips to back-wash as needed. The water filtration industry has given hikers many options ranging from screw-on squeeze filters and straws to bottles with integrated filtration and gravity-fed hanging filtration systems that can be used for small groups of people. Each has its flow rate and sweet spot and you’ll need to decide the right system for you, if you go this route. Post-trip maintenance includes back-washing and sterilizing the filter and allowing it to dry fully before storing. Comparisons of filter options can be found with a quick online search. A filter is usually a great choice for day hiking or backpacking.
$15 Boiling Boil for 1 to 3 minutes to sterilize water In camp or as a backup None Extra fuel as needed The cost of the extra fuel
disinfectsChlorine/iodinewater Areas with viruses or as a backup None 2 oz ~
Filters Strains water of particulates, bacteria and protozoa Non-silty water Backwashing cleans and restores filtration speed; sterilize and dry after trip 3 to 12 oz $30 to thedepending$120onsetup UV Battery-powered UV light pen purifier Clear water Battery recharging every 5 days or so 5 oz $120 Pumps Hand pumps water from snorkel Low flow or standing water Sterilize and dry cartridge after trip 16 to 20 oz $80 to $390
A couple drops of chlorine or iodine, either in liquid or pill form, kills bacteria and viruses in the water. This option does require a 15- to 30-minute wait time before the water is safe to drink, but it’s a foolproof, inexpensive and lightweight method for treating water. It may taste a bit like chlorinated city water. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, chlorine and iodine have a low effectiveness in killing Giardia and are not effective in killing Cryptosporidium, making this treatment less desirable for some of the most annoying parasites we’re likely to run into. Chemical treatment also does not remove particles like bugs or leaves in the water. You can run the water through a bandana before chemically treating it to take care of the larger particles. Boiling Boiling water for one minute will kill bacteria, protozoa and viruses; above 6,500 feet, you’ll need to increase the time to three minutes. This method works well, but takes planning, as not everyone wants to stop and boil water every time they are thirsty. You’ll also need to figure in the extra fuel required over what you’ll need for regular cooking. This would likely not be the most convenient option for a day hike.
Gravity filters let you hang up a bag of water, and then let gravity do most of the work. approaching freezing and keep your filter inside your jacket if the days are that cold. Batteries on UV pens will not last as long in cold conditions. Keeping them next to your body can help. And boiling water may take longer, necessitating even more fuel. Finally, it’s important to remember that though the water you’ve spent time filtering or purifying is clean and useful for drinking, washing and cleaning wounds, the water around it has not been treated. A bag you’ve used to collect water should never be the same bag you drink from (unless it has a filter attached). The water on the outside of your bottle is also not clean unless it has splashed out from the inside after being treated. Keeping the clean and dirty things separated and labeled is a helpful way to stay safe in the wild. Making a choice about what water treatment option is right for you might be overwhelming, but this info can help you figure out what you need. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the best setup for you, whether you’re out for a day hike or multi-day backpacking trip.
Pre-filtering water If conditions are particularly gnarly, you may want to pre-filter the water before sending it to your primary treatment choice. A low tarn in late summer may be your only option. If that’s the case, use what you have with you to maximize effectiveness and palatability. A doubled-up bandana, buff or pantyhose placed over your cook pot can filter out the biggest chunks making filters and UV purifiers much more effective. Protect your filter from freezing For most water treatment options, freezing temperatures are your worst enemy. Filters and cartridges will freeze and crack on the inside, rendering them useless. Even though you won’t notice this, your filter is no longer doing its job, so sleep with your filter in a plastic bag inside your sleeping bag on nights Type Description Best Use Maintenance Weight Cost
Chemicals
SawyercourtesyPhoto
Chemicals
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Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 47 Learn more and sign up at wta.org/olt Photo by Lily Poppen Get ready to share the awe and wonder of spending time outside with the youth and families you work with. Teachers and youth workers can join our Outdoor Leadership Training workshops to learn skills and gain confidence when facilitating outdoor excursions. No experience required. Once you attend a workshop, you can gain access to WTA’s free gear libraries! Let us help you get outside with youth and families The most useful parts of the workshop for me were learning to include the entire group in decisions, how to manage risk as a group leader and how to keep everyone engaged and having a good time! “ — Snowshoe workshop participant, 2021 Camping workshop Aug. 27, Dash Point State Park, Federal Way Hiking workshop Oct. 1, Point Defiance, Tacoma Online gear orientation Join a free, hour-long webinar to learn how to borrow from WTA’s two gear libraries in Seattle and Puyallup. Aug. 25, Sept. 22, Oct. 28, 2022 Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 22, 2023 Learn • Lead • Inspire
WTA’s photo contest opens on Aug. 17. Enter your photos at wta.org/photocontest
48 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 5 Northwest Exposure favorites
from WTA’s photo judges
Judging WTA’s photo contest is a privilege and a challenge. We see hundreds of images that would look great hanging on the wall. The best photos are well-composed and technically strong. But, just as importantly, they evoke an emotional response. Great photos invite the viewer to linger and imagine and spend more time with the image. We asked our photo judges to pick honorable mentions from last year’s contest — and explain what they love about the images.
Trail Mix Camera Bag Honorable Mention
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This photograph of Mount Adams and the Tatoosh Range from the Paradise meadows captures a peaceful scene with interesting elements and textures and pleasing light and colors. It makes me want to be present in the scene and brings peace and calm to my day. It passes the basic technical challenges. It is tack sharp from the foreground to the distant peaks. It doesn’t contain distracting elements. The “golden hour” morning light illuminating the middle of the photograph is lovely, and the indirect light on the foreground decreases contrast and helps bring out the detail in that part of the photo. Compositionally, the photo follows the “rule of thirds,” with the sky, clouds and meadow each taking up roughly one-third of the photo. Most importantly, the presence of the trail not only adds interest but invites and leads the viewer into the scene. Trails are the way we access places like this.
Paradise Above the Clouds
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 49
By Suzanne Hartman
Placing the trail slightly to the right of the center improves the composition, and the gentle curve to the right as the trail disappears down the slope adds some mystery.
I love that this image combines a close-up view of lupine and balsamroot with the wide-open feeling of hiking on the east side of the Cascades. The combination of strong colors in the foreground, paired with the more subtly colored hillsides and the streaky clouds in the sky, give the photo interest. I like the rock formation in the background, which makes me want to pull out a pair of binoculars and take a closer look. I appreciate any photo that makes me want to get out and explore.
I want to follow that trail!
By Ethan Lington
— Doug Diekema, photo judge
— Jessi Loerch, photo judge
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Old Butte
— Archana Bhat, photo judge
I love the light in the photo and the playful mood. I also love how it tells a story. The kid is enjoying his time hiking and the borrowed sunglasses imply he is having fun with his adults.
50 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org Trail Mix Camera Bag Tipsoo Lake | By Trang Phan
— Erika Haugen-Goodman, photo judge
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 51
— Buff Black, photo judge Picnic Park | By Kristine Johnson
I think there's something to be said about images that are captured from familiar destinations, particularly those close to home. That “Hey!” moment of recognition draws me in to admire the image further.
This portrait of a yellow caterpillar is a fine honorable mention from the Northwest Exposure 2021 photo contest. I’m immediately drawn in by the sharp focus and very narrow depth of field, characteristic of macro photography. We can see the head of this caterpillar closer — much closer — than we usually do with the unaided eye, while the rest of the photo is pleasantly out of focus. The excellent side lighting and superb exposure make the colors pop. The composition follows the rule of thirds, giving it a nice balance. It all adds up to a striking and beautiful photograph.
In addition to that, I love how perfectly exposed the silhouette and sun are, creating that gorgeous mood that you can practically feel yourself just by looking at it. From a technical standpoint, the use of the fence to draw the eye to the subject of the photo is done really well, and I think seeing the mix of urban and natural gives us the idea that these beautiful sights and trails can be found anywhere, even next door.
Caterpillar | By Rahul Kashikar
I like this photo for a few reasons but initially it caught my eye because it's from a park not far from me here in Seattle and my mind instantly recognized the exact place it was taken.
Finding New Ways
52 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org Hike It
Even though the longest days of the year are behind us, there is still plenty of sunlight season in the fall. And with the late snowmelt this year, now is a great time for new outdoor experiences. Try a new trail, link up multiple trails to create a new loop or find different ways to hike in new places. Enjoy the late sunsets and warm weather for new hikes before winter returns to the high country. and Invent
Imagine
White Pass — Pilot Ridge Loop Mountain Loop Highway Begin and end in old-growth forests, traverse high pacific crest ridges and visit beautiful alpine lakes on this loop that links together multiple trails. By Jim Kuresman This trip shows just how spectacular the Glacier Peak Wilderness is. Start out hiking in a deep forest with giant old-growth trees. After Mackinaw Shelter, the trail begins a long series of switchbacks that take you from the forest to high alpine parklands. White Pass provides terrific views of peaks in all directions. A short, steep side trip goes to the summit of 7,043-foot White SouthMountain.toDishpan
NEARBY HIKES
At last, the trail begins a long descent in cool forest on the north side of the ridge. At the bottom, the North Fork Sauk River must be crossed. Big logs are usually available. The trail returns to the forest of huge trees for the last few miles to the trailhead.
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 53 NewellSmithMaddiebyPhoto
Gap the route is on the Pacific Crest Trail. When the snow is gone there are many fields of wildflowers. Pass by Indian Head Peak and continue south to Kodak Peak. A short side trip goes right to the summit with more great views. The trail passes the Little Wenatchee Trail coming up Meander Meadow from the east. Along with the Cady Ridge Trail, that makes another fine loop. At Dishpan Gap, a right turn takes you to the Blue Lakes High Route. This narrow trail goes over a pass and drops steeply to Blue Lakes with spectacular views of Sloan Peak and nearby Johnson Mountain. There are more terrific wildflower fields in season. The lakes are quite scenic. The last leg of the trip takes you up onto Pilot Ridge. Another possible side trip follows a trail to the site of the old fire lookout atop 6,721-foot Johnson Mountain. The trail along Pilot Ridge is often on the south side and occasionally on the ridge top. There’s some forest and much open parkland, as well as wildflowers galore along the ridge. The ridge has ups and downs to keep it interesting.
Trailhead: On the Mountain Loop Highway, drive 16 miles south of Darrington or 26.2 miles east of Verlot to Forest Road 49. Turn east and proceed 6.4 miles to the sign for the North Fork Sauk parking lot.
Distance: 29.2 miles ◆ Elevation gain: 7,500 feet Highest elevation: 6,360 feet ◆ Permit: Northwest Forest Pass Dogs: Leashed ◆ Map: Green Trails 111SX: Mountain Loop Highway Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/white-pass-pilot-ridge-loop
Twin Lakes — Monte Cristo: Take a walk up the old Monte Cristo Road grade and stop by the townsite, then trek along a steep mountain-side to look down on Twin Lakes and make the steep descent to the campsites. (17.2 miles roundtrip, 2,939 feet elevation gain) Meander Meadow — Dishpan Gap — Cady Ridge Loop: Miles of wildflowers and fantastic views of the Cascades, Glacier Peak and plunging valleys will delight the hiker who passes through in August. (16 miles roundtrip, 5,600 feet elevation gain)
54 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org Hike It AndersonBenbyPhoto
Split Creek Trail Near Spokane Meander alongside Liberty Creek, staying close to the water, on a rehabilitated trail that provides a shorter loop option than the full waterfall loop. By Holly Weiler Liberty Lake Regional Park has one of the most popular trails within the Spokane County Parks system, and with the rehabilitation of the Split Creek Trail, the system just got an Originallyupgrade. built in the 1970s, the Split Creek Trail had fallen victim to erosion damage and lack of maintenance. Over the summer of 2015, volunteers donated their muscles to a major overhaul of the entire trail, rerouting long portions out of flood-prone areas and working on drainage and brushing throughout. Many visitors to Liberty Lake are seeking a shorter, easier hike than the entire Liberty Lake Loop. Combine the Split Creek Trail with the main trail to the cedar grove, and there is now a loop option of approximately 4.5 miles. Or take Split Creek on the way to the cedar grove, waterfall and beyond, and enjoy the way this trail stays closer to the creek. There are many chances to see mini cascades as the creek makes its way down to Liberty Lake. Watch for deer and moose in the forest, or at least the tracks they leave in the trail tread. Listen for birds flitting overhead, and in spring watch the forest floor for flowers and fungi. Start this hike on the main Liberty Lake Trail, staying left at the intersection with the Edith Hansen Bridal Trail. The Split Creek Trail bears left just before the first bridge crossing over Liberty Creek, and continues upstream along the creek. The main trail runs parallel to the Split Creek Trail but on the opposite side of the creek. Split Creek Trail rejoins the main trail just above the second bridge, approximately one-quarter mile below the cedar grove. The trail may be hiked in either direction to form a loop with the main trail, offering new views on this popular hike.
Permit: None (seasonal $2 per person entry fee in summer) Info: creek-trailwta.org/go-hiking/hikes/split-
Trailhead: From I-90, take exit 296 and head south on Liberty Lake Road for 1 mile. Turn left onto Sprague and continue straight; Sprague becomes S. Neyland Ave. In 0.5 mile, turn right onto S Lakeside Road. Continue for 0.75 mile. Turn right at the wood sign onto Zephyr Road and you’ll soon see the park entrance.
NEARBY HIKES Saltese Uplands: Trek a loop around the uplands through canyons and up ridges to views of nearby Liberty Lake, Mount Spokane and Saltese Flats. (3.6 miles roundtrip, 630 feet elevation gain) Hog Canyon Lake: Experience the area’s unique geology and plant diversity through open grasslands, seasonal wetlands, native shrub-steppe habitat, basalt outcroppings and steep cliff faces on this hike. (5.3 miles roundtrip, 300 feet elevation gain)
Distance: 4.1 miles roundtrip Elevation gain: 451 feet ◆ Dogs: Leashed Highest elevation: 2,491 feet Map: https://bit.ly/3cfmKe2
Distance: 10.4 miles roundtrip ◆ Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet Highest Elevation: 5,150 feet Map: Green Trails 176: Stevens Pass Permit: Northwest Forest Pass Dogs: Leashed Info: josephine-lakewta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ Trailhead: Drive Highway 2 east from Seattle or west from Leavenworth to Stevens Pass. The trailhead is accessed from the parking lot just east of the ski area, on the south side of Highway 2. The trailhead is also accessible by Greyhound or Amtrak bus from Seattle, Wenatchee and Spokane.
Josephine is a beautiful lake 5.2 miles south of Stevens Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail winds through the Stevens Pass ski area, climbing for 2 miles to top of the hill, gaining 1,000 feet along the way. When snow is not present, the ski runs are covered in wildflowers and sun-loving shrubs. After crossing the ridge which forms the backbone of the ski area, the trail descends 500 feet, crossing a number of talus fields and ducking under the power lines, heading west. Once past the power lines, civilization retreats. The only sound is the occasional bird, and the marmots and pikas chirping their “Here come hikers” warning. The trail starts climbing again, recapturing the 500 feet lost from the top of the ski area and passing a small frog pond with the fancy name of Lake Susan Jane. The trail heads over a small unnamed pass, where you will find a junction with the Icicle Creek Trail 1551. You can look down on Lake Josephine shimmering 300 feet below and call it a day, or follow Trail 1551 down half a mile to the lake. If you’re hiking the trail in August or later, you will likely meet PCT thru-hikers heading north to Canada. These are fun folks to talk with, since they often have come all the way from the Mexican border. For full trail angel status, watch for thru-hikers at Stevens Pass who are hitch-hiking down to Skykomish for a resupply. The 30-minute ride will be deeply appreciated and the stories they have can be inspiring.
By Rob Shurtleff
NEARBY HIKES
Hope and Mig lakes: Hike through the forest to a couple of sparkling lakes. The route includes a short section hike of the PCT. (5 miles roundtrip, 1,550 feet elevation gain)
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Josephine Lake Stevens Pass — East Do a short stint on the Pacific Crest Trail through wildflowers and over talus fields to a shimmering lake. You can even take a Greyhound or Amtrak bus to the trailhead!
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 55
Bygone Byways Interpretive Trail: For something a little different, head to this easy loop trail along the Great Northern Railway, where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. (1 mile roundtrip, minimal elevation gain)
56 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org Hike It
NEARBY HIKES
Once the site of a historic lookout, this craggy, ridgetop perch serves up excellent views of Lake Crescent, Mount Olympus and the Sol Duc River Valley. Start by following an abandoned section of Highway 101 that parallels the Sol Duc River. Several access points allow close-up views of the river. In fall, the many vine maples lining the path put on a colorful show. At 0.2 mile, take the signed trail toward Kloshe Nanitch. Cross a bridge at 0.5 mile, and start the ascent of Snider Ridge by way of Continueswitchbacks.through dense second-growth Douglas-fir and an understory of greenery, including salal, ferns, mosses and liverworts. The trail crosses several drainages while steadily climbing 1,700 feet in about 2 miles. Briefly, the grade eases and travels through a stand of hemlocks before climbing a series of tight switchbacks to a small ledge. At 3 miles, the trail passes beneath cliffs and arrives at a junction; the right fork continues along Snider Ridge for 3 miles, where it connects with the Mount Muller Loop. Follow the left fork, through a meadow beneath the site of the historic lookout. Arrive at the viewpoint after a final steep climb.
Mount Muller: It’s a steep climb, but those who make it to the lofty ridgeline are rewarded with a panorama that includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mount Olympus and Lake Crescent. (12.7 miles roundtrip, 3,350 feet elevation gain) Pyramid Mountain: When it is hot and dry, escape to this shaded hike through old-growth forest, culminating with views of shimmering Lake Crescent and its surroundings. (6.8 miles roundtrip, 2,400 feet elevation gain)
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Trailhead: From Port Angeles, follow U.S. 101 west for 37 miles to the Klahowya Campground. Proceed west, turning right on West Snider Road. In about half a mile come to the Forest Service work center and continue straight on the paved road. In another half mile the road ends at the trailhead.
Kloshe Nanitch Olympic Peninsula — Northern Coast Hike to a former fire lookout site. Fires are now patrolled by aircraft here, but the beautiful, rugged surroundings can still be viewed from the lookout, whose name draws on a Chinook phrase translating to “take care.”
Kloshe Nanitch — a Chinook phrase for “take care” or “look out” — served as the site of a fire watch for many years. Originally built in 1917, the lookout was abandoned and destroyed in 1963. A replica of the historic building was built in 1996, only to be removed once again in October 2012. On clear days, views extend beyond the surrounding peaks, all the way to the Pacific Ocean and James Island.
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By Kelsie Donleycott
Distance: 6.4 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet Highest Elevation: 3,260 feet Map: USGS: Snider Peak Permit: Discover Pass Dogs: Leashed Info: nanitchwta.org/go-hiking/hikes/kloshe-
Fall foliage wildflowers:andHikers love seeing autumnal and bright colors on the trail! Share your best photos of the flora on your hike so others know where to go. New snow: Especially later in the season at high elevations, snow can begin to fall and drastically change trail conditions. Let hikers know what to expect in high country if you run into any snow. Bugs: As it cools down, mosquitoes, gnats and flies become less of a nuisance. Let hikers know where to go to escape bugs as the heat of summer dissipates.
Trip CornerReport
wrotereporterPaschino,FrancescaakatripFrancescaP,atripreportabout her great hike on the Margaret Lake Trail on a sunny Wednesday. In her report, she includes useful information about the state of the road to the trailhead and the trail itself, and also shares how she made a good decision about stopping short of reaching the lake due to her comfort level on a
Although Francesca has been a part of the WTA community for a long time, using our Hiking Guide for trail information and volunteering on our trail work parties since 2012, this was her first trip report. She has found trip reports to be invaluable in her adventures and now wants to return the favor. “To me, this is just giving the same information back to the community that I continue to rely on, year after year, and I hope it informs other people so they can have a safer trip. I can’t thank everyone else who’s written trip reports enough — you’ve taught me little tricks, showed me cool spots, helped me be prepared and kept me stoked over the years!”
In each magazine, we like to highlight the great work of our trip reporters by sharing a great trip report.
tripreportswta.org/ Help hikers.fellow File a trip report at:
Water: Many water sources dry up in late summer, so hikers and backpackers want to know where they can get water. Help others stay safe by letting them know where you found water and how easy it was to collect. Sun exposure: We’re not out of the sunny season yet! Let other hikers know how exposed the trail was so they can adequately protect themselves from the sun or time their hike accordingly.
Fall tips for trip reports
Spotlighting a great report and celebrating its writer snow-covered steep trail section without poles or Francescamicrospikes.isnostranger to hiking and has explored Washington over most of her life. “I’ve been hiking in Washington state for as long as I can remember. My parents started taking me camping and hiking when I was tiny,” she said. “Now I hike because it helps me reconnect to a curious, creative mindset that seems hard to find with my feet on pavement; plus, the lush views, birdsong and fresh growing smells are hard to beat.”
Margaret Lake Region: Central Washington Trip reporter: FrancescaP As we move away from the peak of summer, weather and trail conditions can change a lot — and sometimes quickly. While writing your trip reports this fall, sharing certain details will be extra helpful to other hikers. Here are some specific things you can share that other hikers will appreciate this season.
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How is Food Freeze Dried?
SeelyeEvabyPhoto Trail Mix Ask WTA
The water vapor is allowed to condense and is removed from the chamber, leaving freeze dried food behind. At the end of this process, the food is stored in air-tight packaging to keep it from re-absorbing moisture from the air, which could cause it to Freeze-driedspoil.
The commercial equipment required to freeze dry food is expensive, which means that some freeze-dried food can be expensive. The advantage, however, is that freeze-dried food is extremely light. And, once it is reconstituted, the food is similar to its original state and many of the nutrients are preserved.
food has tiny holes from where the ice
58 Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org I
By Jessi Loerch sublimated away. When water is added back to the food, it rehydrates quickly thanks to the little holes. Some freeze-dried foods, such as strawberries, can be eaten without needing Therehydration.Incashave long used freeze drying at high altitudes to preserve foods, repeatedly leaving food out in the cold overnight and then putting it in the sun during the day. Freeze-drying equipment, which speeds up that process, was invented at the end of the 19th century. It wasn’t used widely, however, until World War II. At the time, there wasn’t a way to keep materials cold while transporting them. So freeze drying was used to preserve blood and plasma so they could be safely transported without refrigeration. Astronauts use freeze-dried food for the same reason backpackers do it: to maximize the amount of food they can carry while minimizing the weight. In addition to meals and even ice cream, freeze drying allows backpackers (and astronauts and soldiers) to have access to the all-important morning beverage: coffee! (To freeze-dry coffee, manufacturers brew it extremely strong and then freeze dry the resulting liquid. The leftover bits are ground up to become your morning ritual on trail. )
f you do much backpacking, you know the weight of food adds up quickly. Backpackers have come up with many innovative ways of reducing that weight, including freeze-drying. But what IS freeze drying? Freeze drying removes the water from substances to preserve them. For commercial freeze-drying, food is first prepared — meat is cooked, vegetables are chopped into bite-size pieces, and grains are cooked. The prepared food is then cooled to well below freezing and placed into a vacuum chamber, where it is warmed and the pressure is reduced. As the pressure lowers, the water in the food sublimates — meaning that it changes directly from solid ice to gaseous water vapor.
Washington Trails / Fall 2022 / wta.org 59 MEMORIES AND FRIENDSHIP
Kayla Simpson and a group of friends took an overnight trip to Meander Meadows on a warm July day, hiking in from Cady Ridge. One of Kayla’s best friends, Jasmin, who was also on the trip, had recently lost her dog, Lance, and this trip was planned in his memory. Jasmin had taken Lance on this hike several years ago, and she wanted to memorialize him by hiking the trail again. I love that when I get on trail, I can disconnect from work, social media or any (stress) back home. It’s a mental reset. I like how simple life is out on the trail, and getting to spend quality time with friends and my fiancé.
On their hike, the friends reached a section of trail surrounded by colorful wildflowers. “We had just taken a break to admire all the wildflowers that had bloomed. I snapped the picture quickly with my iPhone before we continued on,” Kayla said. “I like how you can see the trail off in the distance and how some of my favorite ladies are in the photograph. I love all the wildflowers. I like the composition of the trees on one side and the glimpse of (the) mountain range on the left.”
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Photo by Douglas Dunbar, @dsquared.5 Enter your photos in WTA’s Northwest Exposure Photo Contest for a chance to win great prizes and be featured in our calendar. Contest opens on August 17 For contest info and to enter, visit wta.org/photocontest. 2022
