Why Join Hike-a-Thon?

Every August, hikers across Washington turn their daily walks into something bigger by signing up for Hike-a-Thon with the Washington Trails Association. On paper the rules are simple—register, log your miles, and share your progress—but the impact reaches far beyond your step count.

 

Your miles power real trail work. Last year’s event drew 486 participants on 80 teams who logged 11,606 miles and raised nearly $190,000 for projects like bridge repairs, tread work, and new routes throughout the state. Add in WTA’s broader volunteer force—2,600 people giving 94,000 hours on trail crews—and you can see how every dollar and mile keeps Washington’s 12,000-mile trail network open and safe for everyone Washington Trails Association rco.wa.gov.

 

You choose your own adventure. Some hikers set personal goals like “a mile a day.” Others build small teams at work or gather family and friends for weekend outings. Whether you stroll city greenbelts or aim for alpine lakes, every mile counts exactly the same. That flexibility makes Hike-a-Thon welcoming for first-timers and seasoned trekkers alike.

 

Your body and mind benefit, too. A Stanford-affiliated study showed that a 60-minute walk in nature measurably calms the stress-response center of the brain—something an urban walk could not replicate Stanford Center on Longevity. Even short outings lower blood pressure, improve focus, and boost mood. Logging miles for Hike-a-Thon becomes an easy, built-in way to capture those gains.

 

Getting started takes five minutes. Register on the WTA site, set a mileage or fundraising goal, and you are in the game. You will gain access to an online dashboard for tracking progress, plus tools for recruiting teammates or donors. WTA even offers prizes—everything from commemorative T-shirts to gear raffles—to keep motivation high.

 

Every step tells a story. When you look back on August, your total mileage will be one number. Behind it lives a month of fresh air, new views, and the knowledge that you helped protect the places you explored. If you need a nudge to spend more time outside, let this be it. Lace up, log a mile, and watch how quickly a personal challenge turns into statewide impact.