Take Transit to the Trails

By K. Huntress Inskeep

My introduction to hiking and camping started in the foothills outside my hometown, San Diego. When I moved up to Washington for college, I started tagging along on trips with friends. I was immediately taken by Washington’s lush landscape.

I would have liked to explored even more, but without a car or a driver’s license, it was hard. Transit is how I got around, however, and eventually I realized it could even get me to trailheads. Since then, I’ve learned just how much hiking (and some backpacking) can be done by transit. And I’m trying to encourage others to give it a try — and show it’s worth it.

I like how safe buses and trains feel, especially at faster speeds. I appreciate that transit is by far the most climate- and salmonfriendly way to travel. Especially in transit systems that serve rural communities, the drivers often know their regular passengers well and the bus is its own town square. I often catch bits of local news and color I’d never hear otherwise.

Transit can take time — but it can give it back, too. Someone else is driving, so you can relax. Take in the views. Enjoy quality time with friends or family — younger kids seem to love the bus. Catch up on email. Call a friend. Read up on the natural history of the trail you’re headed to. Leave behind worries about full parking lots, break-ins or the cost of gas. Traffic jam? Your bus will glide right past in the HOV lane.

My favorite transit trek? A backpacking trip to escape June 2021’s heat dome. The closest bus stop left me 5 miles short of the Rialto Beach trailhead. The hike along Mora Road was only a minor slog — I loved getting to see sections of the Bogachiel, Dickey and Quillayute rivers and observing some extraordinary bald eagle activity that would have been impossible to see from a car. I also lost cell service almost immediately, allowing me several luxurious days to commune with the beach and the sea. Seeking out transit hikes has strengthened my belief that investing in transit expansion is one of the most effective things we can do to promote the overall quality of life for rural and urban Washington — and more equitable access to the outdoors.

Kim has a deep resume of helping improve access to transit. Currently, she’s writing “The Transit Trekker Manual” to help nondrivers more easily access the outdoors near and far, and to make it easier for people who want to drive less to enjoy car-free recreation. Read more about Kim’s tips and transit adventures at wta.org/kimtransit.

Kim Huntress Inskeep uses transit to get to many of her hiking and backpacking locations, including this trip to Third Beach.

Tips for trekking via transit

Start close to home!

Chances are your city’s largest parks are served by transit.

Know your transit schedule and plan your trip accordingly.

Check if cab service, if necessary, is available — ride-sharing apps are less likely to serve rural communities.

Practice bus etiquette. Let folks with mobility aids, kids and heavy loads go first, and yield ADA seating. Thanking the driver is always a good idea, too!

Prepare your fare by loading your transit pass or app or having small bills and change. Pro tip: Many smaller transit systems have gone farefree, and kids under 18 ride free on most transit systems.

My husband and I love larches and do a larch march every year. We thought it would be hilarious to bring out giant googly eyes and take photos of the larches, which we think look like Muppets. Last year, we convinced friends to go larch hunting to Star Lake, where this photo was taken of my husband and me. I love to share backpacking with people because there are no other distractions and you can just simply be together and enjoy the experience. I always feel a great sense of connection after a beautiful hike and adventure. My husband and I have always connected and grown by learning new skills and