Putting it All Together

One of my favorite moments of creating every magazine is when it finally starts to take shape as a real thing. At some point, the stories and photos we’ve been working on for months start to come together on the page. It always feels a bit magical — I love seeing an amorphous concept begin to transform into physical form.

I also love how the stories start to feel different when put in context of all the others in the magazine. They’re more powerful together, just like the WTA community. In this issue, it’s a joy to share stories from individuals in our community, about how they’ve shaped WTA’s work, and how WTA’s work has shaped them. All these individuals’ stories add up to create an incredibly powerful impact across the state.

Thank you for being part of that community. And thank you for reading! In this magazine, you’ll find volunteers writing about how their time on trail has enriched their life off the trail as well (page 14). You’ll also get to know some of the people who make our invaluable Hiking Guide possible (page 22).

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.

Summer 2023 | Volume 58, Issue 2

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.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104.

We also have stories of people who are working to make the outdoor community more inclusive. One of the participants in WTA’s Emerging Leaders Program explains why that experience was so powerful (page 18). And you’ll get to know several professionals who are working to make the fitness and wellness industry more welcoming to everyone (page 28).

We also have hike suggestions (page 42), gear tips (page 34), photography tricks (page 40) and more. I hope you enjoy!

Happy hiking!

Jessi Loerch | Washington Trails editor | jessi@wta.org