Trail Blog by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Promoting Walkability in America – From Coast to Coast

Posted 03/10/14 by Amy Kapp in Trail Use | Tagged with Local Organizing, New Jersey, Walkability and Bikeability, Washington

In America’s urban centers and rural areas, walkability is becoming a hot topic. Both the public and public leaders are recognizing the way in which pedestrian-friendly policies and infrastructure can help spur economic development, improve individual and community health, and make neighborhoods more livable.

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Top 10 Trails in the Evergreen State

Posted 02/28/14 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Washington

As we round out the month of February, RTC is pleased to present this list of top 10 trails that are making Washington, the Evergreen State, first rate for walking, biking, skiing, hiking and the myriad outdoor activities the state is well-known for.

Photo of the Klickitat Trail © Kim Brown

Three Great Winter Hikes on Washington's Former Railroads

Posted 02/25/14 by Loren Drummond in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Washington

The sun may be climbing higher in the sky, but Washington's high country will be buried under ice and snow for months to come. To get outside and watch for the first signs of spring, try one of the many gorgeous rail-trails running across the state; there are many perfect, low-elevation options for hikers.

Photos © Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

Washington’s Iron Horse: Under and Over the Cascades

Posted 02/21/14 by Amy Brockhaus in America's Trails | Tagged with Heritage and Restoration, Washington

The John Wayne Pioneer Trail in Iron Horse State Park winds its way through the Mountains to Sound Greenway as it travels more than 100 miles, from Rattlesnake Lake near North Bend, and heads east across Washington State.

Photos © WABI Burien and Patti Means Project Solutions

In Washington: How Nostalgia—and Lots of Passion—Made a Town More Bikeable

Posted 02/18/14 by Amy Kapp in Success Stories | Tagged with Local Organizing, Trail Communities, Washington, Why Use Trails?

In this post, as RTC continues our month-long focus on Washington State, we are pleased to explore a local community's transformation into a more walkable and bikeable place, and the nostalgic passion of one local champion who put the gears in motion.

Where to Rent or Borrow Outdoor Gear in Washington

Posted 02/12/14 by Amy Kapp in Trail Use | Tagged with Washington, Wild and Wonderful

The diverse terrain of Washington (mountains, deserts, forest, volcanoes and lots of coastline) makes for some great hiking. And, according to Washington Trails Association (WTA), you don't need to break the bank to do it.

Vintage Washington: Historical Map Gives Glimpse of Modern-Day Trails

Posted 02/06/14 by Barry Bergman in Building Trails | Tagged with Washington

RTC was extremely intrigued by this Jan. 30 article by Gene Bisbee, avid cyclist and author of the prolific bike-touring-advocacy-racing-recreation-focused Biking Bis blog. If you’re curious, Bisbee’s wife nicknamed him “Biking Bis” years ago because, as Bisbee maintains, he always seems “to be itching for a bike ride.”

Photo © Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust

Ten Great Things Happening in Washington State

Posted 02/03/14 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Washington

There’s no denying that Washington is a place where nature, development and active transport are one with each other (for real; see bike-in-tree story by Discover Washington State)—but we’ll let the evidence “speak” for itself. Kicking off our month, here’s a list of 10 great things making the Evergreen State evergreener.

Reopening Iron Horse Tunnels Would be Worth Millions to Washington

Posted 03/28/13 by Laura Cohen in Trail Use, Building Trails, America's Trails | Tagged with Heritage and Restoration, Tourism and Economic Stimulus, Washington

In central Washington, the rail-trail we know as the Iron Horse State Park is one of the truly iconic trail experiences. Part of the broader John Wayne Pioneer Trail system stretching across the state, the Iron Horse's 82 miles pass through one of the most spectacular landscapes in America.

Centennial Trail Now Bigger and Better in Pacific Northwest

Posted 01/29/13 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in America's Trails, Building Trails | Tagged with Washington, Wild and Wonderful

There's a powerful Pacific Northwest vibe on this trail -- leaping coho salmon, bald eagles, stores selling growlers of IPA, snowy peaks in the distance and the grey-blue icy waters of the Pilchuck and Stillaguamish rivers.

"Bad News Bears" of Rail-Trails, Good News for Ferry County, Wash.

Posted 09/18/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Building Trails, Success Stories, Taking Action | Tagged with Local Organizing, Maintenance and Volunteers, Washington

Winners of the first-ever Rails-to-Trails Conservancy very unofficial award for Best Trail Organization Tagline: the Ferry County Rail Trail Partners ("The Bad News Bears of Trail Groups").

Photo of the trail crossing Carbon River © TrailLink.com/TrailBear

Momentum Builds Behind Foothills Trail in Washington

Posted 07/03/12 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in | Tagged with Local Organizing, Washington

This month, the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition celebrated the designation of the trail as a National Recreation Trail, recognition of the tremendous strides the group has taken in developing what is now one of the most used rail-trails in the state.

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