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Hike-a-Thon Registration is Now Open! Want to Join the ALLtech Team?

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The ALLtech team is getting ready to hike our hearts out in August, and we hope you’ll consider joining us as a participant in Hike-a-Thon. Registration is now open for the annual fundraiser for the Washington Trails Association, and for the third year in a row, ALLtech is taking its support of health and wellness to the trails by joining the challenge.

Connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and the ALLtech team knows that supporting Washington Trails Association (WTA) through Hike-a-Thon will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

What is Hike-a-Thon?

Hike-a-Thon is a community fundraising event that gives participants the opportunity to hike, share stories of their outdoor adventures, and raise funds that directly support trails in Washington.

It’s easy (and free!) to sign up, then you can set up and customize your own fundraising webpage (provided by WTA) to share the page with friends, family, or anyone else wanting to support trails in Washington. Participants can raise one time donations or receive donations per mile or per hike.

Once you are registered, you can choose whether to hike as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers. Consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues, and of course you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team! Check out the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit for tips on how to get started.

We hope to see you on the trails!

Rialto Beach in the Olympic Peninsula.

Tips to Celebrate Independence Day with a Walk in the Woods

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If you prefer the chirp of birds to the boom of fireworks, the upcoming long Fourth of July weekend might be your perfect opportunity to escape into the Washington wilderness.

We turn to our friends at the Washington Trails Association (WTA) for recommendations to take advantage of the summer season:

Wilderness Washington: Hike 12 Wilderness Areas

Did you know Washington state boasts 31 wilderness areas, the majority of which are within 100 miles of a major metropolitan area? That makes our state’s wilderness among the most accessible in the nation, explains the Washington Trails Association, which also offers tips to help you make the most of your visit to these protected areas.

Check out WTA’s tips for hiking in wilderness and 12 recommendations, which include Rialto Beach and Hole-in-the Wall in the Olympic Peninsula, shown above.

Read the article.

Half a Day or Farther Away: 11 Hikes for Summer

The Washington Trails Association has recommendations for every corner of the state, giving you the opportunity to travel near or far depending on your location.

Consider Mount Finlayson on the San Juan Islands, an easy 3.5-mile trail with scenes of the Olympics and Whidbey Island. Or maybe Crescent Lake in the Central Cascades for something with a bit more distance, at 12 miles including a 1,600-foot elevation gain in the first two miles.

Read the article.

More Summer Hikes from WTA

We know it’s hot out there and want to remind you that Washington Trails Association also has some ideas to help keep you cool in its Summer Hikes section, including:

Please stay cool and stay safe in the coming days!

We also hope you’ll consider joining us for the upcoming Hike-a-Thon this August, where you can log your hikes to help raise money for the Washington Trails Association. You can register (for free!) starting July 1, so it’s time to start considering whether you’d like to register as a team and planning your hikes. Of course, you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team, who is a proud sponsor of the annual fundraiser this year.

More tips and other resources are coming your way in the weeks to come, so be sure to follow us on Twitter to keep up on the latest. We’ll see you on the trails!

ALLtech Sponsors Hike-a-Thon to Support Washington Trails

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For ALLtech, the first day of summer means it’s time for us to start gearing up for Hike-a-Thon! Once again, we will be hitting the trails throughout August to raise money to support the Washington Trails Association.

In addition to forming a fundraising team for this year’s event, ALLtech is proud to also be a sponsor of Hike-a-Thon, along with the following partners:

Our sponsorship supports our belief that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health, and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure there are trails for everyone, forever.

Why Support Washington Trails Association

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

Its robust website, wta.org, is the go-to source for Washington state hikers looking for their next adventure. But the wealth of resources expands well beyond recommending your next hike, including Trail Smarts tips for both new and experienced hikers, ways to get involved, and much more.

Washington Trails Association also is a leader in advocacy to support trails and wildlands, and is responsible for creating the state’s largest volunteer trail maintenance program.

Becoming a member might be the easiest way to support Washington Trails Association, but joining Hike-a-Thon – the organization’s signature fundraiser – is definitely the most fun way to give back.

How You Can Participate in Hike-a-Thon

Hike-a-Thon takes place every year throughout the month of August. You can register starting July 1, then start collecting donations through your personal fundraising webpage. Check out the Hike-a-Thon Toolkit for tips on how to get started.

Once you are registered, you can choose whether to hike as an individual or to create or join a team of two to 10 hikers. Consider forming a team with your family, friends or colleagues, and of course you’re always welcome to join the ALLtech team!

This year, registration is free, and you’ll receive a T-shirt once you’ve raised (or donated) $20. For more information, see the Hike-a-Thon FAQ.

Need Hiking Tips?

It’s never too early to start planning your Hike-a-Thon destinations, and we’ve got plenty of resources to get you started! Of course, the best place to turn to is the Washington Trails Association’s website, wta.org. Use the Hiking Guide to find a hike based on region, length, user ratings and other features, or check out the site’s Trip Reports or recommendations based by season.

We also have a recommendation to get you started in the above video from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myers, which highlights the Lake 22 trail in the North Cascades. We’ll have more tips from him and other resources in the weeks to come, so be sure to follow us on Twitter to keep up on the latest. We’ll see you on the trails!

People wearing masks at a bus stop.

Trailhead Direct Transit Service is Back for Summer 2021!

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Your access to some of Washington state’s most popular trails is even easier this summer with the return of the Trailhead Direct transit service to the Issaquah Alps and Mount Si.

The service was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, but is back for 2021 and scheduled to continue through Sunday, September 26, with service on weekends and holidays.

The Issaquah Alps route will start at the Mount Baker Transit Center with service every 30 minutes to Squak Mountain State Park and Tiger Mountain. Trailheads you can access on this route include:

The Mount Si route will start at the Sound Transit Capitol Hill Link light rail station with service every 20 minutes to:

Please be sure to follow these guidelines from King Country Metro to help keep you and your fellow passengers safe this season:

  • Masks are required onboard and while waiting for your Trailhead Direct vehicle at transit centers.
  • Respect the passenger limits onboard Trailhead Direct vehicles, and please observe the signage onboard to block seats to support physical distancing.

And in the spirit of the #RecreateResponsibly campaign, please keep these tips in mind both when utilizing Trailhead Direct, or when enjoying the outdoors on your own:

  • Know before you go. Check the status of the place you want to visit to make sure it’s open. Have a back-up plan in case of crowding.
  • Plan ahead. Prepare for facilities to be closed, pack lunch, and bring essentials like hand sanitizer and a mask. Give yourself extra time to catch your return trip and in case of changes to the plan.
  • Practice physical distancing. Be prepared to mask up to give others space. Keep your group size small. If you’re feeling sick, stay home.
  • Play it safe. Slow down and choose lower-risk activities to reduce risk of injury. Stay within your limits to prevent burdening search and rescue teams and health care providers.
  • Explore responsibly. Be mindful of where you’re choosing to take a trip and your impact on the communities you visit. Always keep pets on leash.
  • Leave no trace. Stay on the trail. Respect the land and water, as well as Native and local communities. Pack out everything you bring with you, including trash and pet waste.
  • Build an inclusive outdoors. Be an active part of making the outdoors safe and welcoming for people of all races, backgrounds, and abilities.

For more information on the Trailhead Direct service, including detailed maps of pickup and drop-off points, fares and more, please go to TrailheadDirect.org.

Photo of couple walking in woods from Roman Purtov on Unsplash.

Winter Gardens Offer Outdoor Opportunities for All

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The outdoors have been a source of solace for many people in the Pacific Northwest throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re just looking for an excuse to get out of the house or want to meet friends or family in a safe environment, the many trails scattered throughout Washington state offer an opportunity to get some exercise in a peaceful setting.

In the winter months, traveling long distances or planning lengthy hikes can be a challenge for some, but local gardens can be an ideal compromise that get you outside and can accommodate most levels of physical activity.

In the article 18 Gardens to Wander in this Winter, the Washington Trails Association features gardens from around the state that offer beauty throughout the year. With little to no elevation gain and usually snow-free, they are also accessible for the whole family.

Looking for a longer hike to enjoy this winter? Check out the Washington Trails Association’s website, wta.org, which includes sections on Winter Destinations, recent trip reports by fellow hikers that you can filter by location, and much more to help you get outside and enjoy the outdoors.

Man looking at smart watch and holding smart phone.

ALLtech Motivates Members with Enhanced Fitness Tracking, Discounts and More

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Need a little motivation to get started on your well-being journey? Just in time for the holidays, ALLtech is enhancing its Regence Empower* member rewards program with a new partnership that includes deep discounts on Fitbit products.

It’s easy to get started with Regence Empower: Just download the app and create an account, then you can start tracking your activity, exercise, food, weight and sleep while engaging in personal challenges and self-guided programs to support your goals. Make the most of the program by syncing your health and fitness apps so you can see all your data — including steps, calories, activity time and distance — in one convenient place.

In the market for a fitness tracking device? Fitbit is the newest addition to the Advantages member discount program, offering up to 30 percent savings on Fitbit devices, accessories and Premium membership.

Learn more about the Activities & Fitness discounts available to ALLtech members. Not an ALLtech member yet? Contact us to learn more about the health plan.

*For members of Asuris Northwest Health, a subsidiary of Regence BlueShield that services the Asotin, Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties, please see the Asuris Motivate member rewards program flyer and accompanying information on how to sync your fitness device.

Video: 3 Trails to Get Away in Nature from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer

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Looking for an outdoor escape this fall? Ken Myer, the Trustee for ALLtech, teamed up with partners Regence BlueShield at the GeekWire Summit last month to share some tips in the above video to help attendees “get out, get away in nature.”

Especially with the new statewide COVID-19 restrictions that are giving some Washingtonians cabin fever, hitting the trails is a great way to get you out of the house safely.

“I just wanted to encourage all of you to consider getting out on our trails,” Myer says in the video. “It’s great for your mind and your body and fall is just a wonderful time to get out hiking.”

A few trails he recommends:

“Whatever trail you choose, I encourage you to get out, get away in nature,” Myer adds. “This is a wonderful time to explore our fantastic trail system.”

Looking for something closer to you? Myer recommends the Washington Trails Association to search for a hike and for important hiking safety tips.

Video: 3 Parks for Getting Out in Nature from ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer

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As a sponsor of the GeekWire Summit from October 13-29, 2020, ALLtech Trustee Ken Myer took advantage of his time in front of the camera to share resources that truly embody the value ALLtech places on wellness.

“Getting out in nature, and hiking and walking, is just so good for the soul and for our physical condition,” he says in the video from ALLtech medical providers Regence BlueShield, also a sponsor of the GeekWire Summit. “We’ve got a beautiful place to do that, especially in the fall.”

If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the outdoors while avoiding some of the more crowded parks, Myer recommends three parks in the Puget Sound area:

“I encourage you all to take advantage of our wonderful trails,” Myer adds, “and if you need more information, check out the Washington Trails Association.”

Hiker standing in autumn forest photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Get Outside with Fall Hikes for Vibrant Color

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Whether you are willing to travel far to enjoy autumn leaves or prefer to stay close to home, we have gathered a few ideas to help you get outdoors and enjoy the season with help from the Washington Trails Association, whose list of fall hikes includes:

  • Golden Hikes for Fall: “Autumn hiking is golden in more ways than one. Besides the leaves and larches burning brightly on alpine slopes, the shorter days mean you’ll catch more sunrises and sunsets.”
  • Late Fall Hikes for Vibrant Red: “Hyper-bright huckleberries and vibrant vine maples; fall is when the mountains of Washington shed their green reputation in favor of multi-color displays. Winter may be right around the corner, but there is still time to savor the flaming colors of the leaves.”

Before planning your trip, take heed in the WTA’s advice to pack the 10 essentials and check conditions before you head out, including their Hiking in the Time of Coronavirus page with updates on trail and facility closures, along with tips on how to #RecreateResponsibly. To find the area with the most color, you might also want to check the Fall Foliage Prediction Map.

And because we care about your wellness first, be sure to bring the doctor with you by registering in advance for telehealth, which is offered through MDLIVE for members enrolled in ALLtech.

Hikers at Discovery Park in Seattle.

Geeks on Trails Team Named Top Fundraisers for WTA Hike‑a‑Thon 2020

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Geeks on Trails logoThroughout August 2020, the eight dedicated members of the Geeks on Trails team raised funds to help support the Washington Trails Association (WTA) in its annual Hike-a-Thon event.

Geeks on Trails, a team created jointly by GeekWire and ALLtech, is proud to announce that it has been named the top fundraising team for the second year in a row, raising a total of $8,575 to support Hike-a-Thon 2020.

“As a team, we believe that connecting with nature is critical to everyone’s mental and physical health,” says Geeks on Trails Captain Ken Myer, “and we know that supporting Washington Trails Association will help ensure they achieve their vision of  trails for everyone, forever.”

GeekWire and ALLtech, which offers health benefits through GeekWire’s membership program, would like to thank all of its donors for their contributions, including the following ALLtech partners:

  • Delta Dental of Washington, with a $2,500 donation
  • Regence BlueShield/Asuris Northwest Health, with a $1,000 donation
  • Wellspring EAP, with a $300 donation

This year’s Hike-a-Thon had the highest participation ever, with 743 hikers who raised a record $176,854 to support trails throughout Washington state – the highest total ever for the event.

The Washington Trails Association is a nonprofit that mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward and champion trails and public lands.

If you missed your chance to donate during Hike-a-Thon, you can still give to help protect Washington trails at wta.org.