On this January's Washington Trails News Update, learn about the impact of staffing cuts to national forests, celebrate the winners of WTA’s 2025 photo contest and discover what’s at stake in this year’s state legislative session. | Washington Trails Association

It is with great pleasure that we share the winners of our 2025 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest 📸 🎉 From mountaintops to pebbly beaches, we’re endlessly inspired by the beautiful memories you’ve shared with us. Check out the winners and their stories at go.wta.org/NWX25 Our deepest thanks to everyone who submitted photos to last year’s contest. Your photo submissions and stories are immeasurably valuable to our work at WTA. Stay tuned for when our 2026 Northwest Exposure Photo Contest opens a

When you volunteer on trail with WTA, you’re giving back to trails, helping hikers and supporting public lands. Sign up for a trail work party today. Work parties aren’t just great for building trails, they’re also great for building community — all while enjoying time outside! All are welcome, ages 10 and older. No experience necessary. Plus, you get to wear a cool hat. Visit wta.org/volunteer to learn more and sign up. 📸 Video produced by Sky Bear Media | Washington Trails Association

WTA is proud to be a founding member of The Outdoors Empowered Network — a coalition of community-led, youth-centered outdoor education groups dedicated to getting young people outdoors. The Outdoor Leadership Training program is a cornerstone of WTA's work to connect the next generation to greenspaces. Outdoor Leadership Training supports youth programs by providing workshops for educators and leaders to learn outdoor facilitation skills — like hiking, camping or backpacking workshops. WTA's ge