A handy tool for finding just the right hike, and a good place to start when you’re just beginning your adventures in the mountains. With their Hike Map Finder and filters available to sort hike by region, distance, and elevation, this is the perfect place to start learning what the great state of Washington has to offer. Look out for user trip reports too which will give you the most up to date information on trail conditions (snow, fallen trees, washed out roads and trails, and breakfast orders at McDonald’s).
I would also like to add that the WTA does extensive trail building and trail maintenance work throughout the year. Please consider volunteering with the WTA. It has always been fun, and it feels good to know that you are expanding our access to the wild places that we find so special. If we can get people out into the woods, maybe we’ll decide that we want to preserve them.
Washington Trails Association
When your desire for adventure takes you beyond the WTA site, this is the next place you’ll land. This site has beta on all of the modestly popular summits out there. Maintained by local communities, this site often answers the question: “How do I get up THAT?”
The most comprehensive list of peaks that is out there. The mountain nerd’s dream website complete with stats, maps, trip reports with GPS tracks, and lists - so many lists. Create an account and log your peaks. Break down your summits in every way possible. Compare to buddies for bragging rights.
One of the most powerful mapping tools out there. Feel free to create an account with your Facebook login. You can save up to 5 user-created maps for later reference with the free account. You will have access to all of the public map layers with overlays of slope shading, weather, current and past fire activity, land ownership, and more. You can build your own GPS tracks by using the millions of miles of trails already built into the maps. You can download, upload, edit, and pull analytics on all of your GPS tracks from your other devices or friendly strangers on the internet.
Consider supporting CalTopo by upgrading to a yearly account for only $20 with the ability to save up to 20 custom maps.
Pacific Northwest backcountry skiing and snowboarding trip reports, mountain weather, snow, avalanche, telemetry information, trail conditions, and forest road conditions all tailored for backcountry ski touring, telemark skiing, randonne skiing, and snowboarding all year round.
If you are already into the sport and want to join an active community who shares current conditions around the state, consider sending an application into their Facebook page.
Using a KML or KMZ export from your GPS (or CalTopo - above) you can overlay your GPS tracks onto Google’s interactive 3-D maps. Load up your tracks, find just the right angle, and send a screen shot to your friends to make them jealous.
A forum full of passionate Northwest Hikers who post detailed descriptions of their hikes. Want something a little more unique that what you find on WTA? Look here for inspiration.
Honestly, I’m just trying to get a beer sponsorship for this brewery. They make amazing sour ales & IPAs. Go check them out after you’re done posting your picture to Instagram with a #TreeRainAlpineClub hashtag in there.