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Fall 20
Washington Trails A Publication of Washington Trails Association • wta.org
Balance Finding it in our lives and on trail
Emotional equilibrium: Hiking as a path to healing
53
Hike for a lifetime: Healthy habits of a guidebook author
Stay on your feet: Exercises to improve your stability
Enter your photos in WTA’s
Northwest Exposure Photo
Contest for a chance to win
awesome prizes and be featured
in our annual calendar.
Contest opens on August 17
For contest info and to enter, visit wta.org/photocontest.
Photo by Jay Hoover
Front Desk: Chief Executive Officer
Washington Trails
A Publication of Washington Trails Association
Board of Directors
President | Susan Queary
A Time for Agility
N
Secretary | Mike Dunning
Treasurer | Geoff Martin
o year goes exactly as planned, but 2020, I think it is fair
VP, Philanthropy | Matt Martinez
to say, is nothing like anyone planned. The unexpected
VP, Board Development | Ken Myer
challenges have required all of us to be nimble and shift quickly
VP, Advocacy | Jenny Faubion
to new ways of living and working. Agility — adapting rapidly to
changing circumstances while maintaining forward momentum — is turning
Directors at Large out to be this year’s skill to master.
Andrea Baines • Bruce Burger • Ethan Evans As it turns out, agility is solidly in WTA’s repertoire. We are not doing the
Ashley Fontaine • Thomas Goldstein work we expected to be (and haven’t been since March), but we’re doing the
Joe Gregg • Ken Helm • Charlie Lieu right work to advance our mission during this highly unusual year.
Titti Ringström • Arun Sambataro
Mason White When our field work needed to pause, we ramped up online communications
and virtual engagement, connecting with our community in new ways to
provide support and inspiration while we stayed close to home.
WTA Leadership
As public lands opened back up, we stayed on top of the latest information
Chief Executive Officer
Jill Simmons
and partnered with REI to create the Recreate Responsibly Coalition —
nonprofits, land agencies and businesses working together to make sure
people know how to enjoy the outdoors safely.
Washington Trails Staff
And now, we’re back in the field with enhanced safety protocols so that our
Washington Trails Editor | Jessi Loerch dedicated volunteers can continue the essential work of keeping trails open
Hiking Content Manager | Anna Roth and accessible, providing places to find nature’s healing touch.
Graphic Designer | Jenica Nordstrom
Copy Editor | Cassandra Overby
I think the key to WTA’s agility lies in the breadth and depth of our work
and our community. We are a nonprofit community of thousands of hikers
who come together in myriad ways — as trail volunteers, as advocates, as
Volunteers information providers, as storytellers — to give back to the trails we love and
Contributors | Pam McPeek, to share that joy with others.
Chelsea Murphy, Roselie Rasmussen, In a year like 2020, the ways we planned to give back may be out the window,
Craig Romano, Sandra Saathoff but our motivations and urgency are as strong as ever. With indoor activities
Proofreaders | Jim Cavin, Rebecca Kettwig facing an uncertain future, the outdoors are where we will find rest, healing
Trail Team | Lindsay Leffelman, and community. And, it’s also important to remember, we are not only
Steve Payne, Rolan Shomber, working for the trails we need during these hard times; we are also working
Craig Romano to ensure trails are abundant and welcoming every year.
2020 has taught us the power of agility and the power of trails. At WTA, we
will continue to adjust, adapt and innovate to keep us on the path to our
vision of trails for everyone, forever. Thank you for coming along with us on
this year’s journey — and for making all of our work possible.
Washington Trails Association
705 Second Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104 Jill Simmons | Chief executive officer | jills@wta.org
206-625-1367 • wta.org
General Information | wta@wta.org
Membership & Donations | membership@wta.org
Editorial Submissions | editor@wta.org
Meet all our staff at wta.org/staff
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 3
Fall 2020: Contents
26
Find Your
Footing
Simple exercises to become
a more nimble hiker and build
confidence on any terrain.
Features
16 Taking Shape
Community input is helping to create a
much-needed green space.
24 Healthy Hiking
20
Guidebook author Craig Romano has hiked
more than 27,000 miles in Washington. Natural, Nature
Here’s how he takes care of himself to make
Photos: Imran Kasmani, Chelsea Murphy
After fighting her hair
all those miles possible. for years, a hiker learns
On the cover
to love it as it is — and
32 Hiking Toward Healing Kevin Clarridge stop letting it hold her back from outdoor
How time on trail has helped a survivor of took this photo of adventures.
sexual abuse find a measure of peace. his fiance, Lauren
Davis, on the Dock 38 Developing a Point of View
34 From A to Zzzzzz Butte Trail. Find
Find a new sense of creativity by taking
them on Instagram
How to gear up for a good night’s sleep in at @foxandpines. photos with film and taking it slow.
the backcountry.
4 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org
Signpost: Editor
Departments
3 Front Desk
Greetings from our chief executive officer
and Washington Trails editor
6 Community Balancing Act
R
Finding balance as a parent and an
employee in the time of coronavirus
ecently, I went backpacking. It was a short trip, just 2
8 Trail Talk nights, and I probably only covered a total of 12 miles.
How to sleep comfortable in your car; the But those 2 nights and 12 miles made all the difference.
value of urban green spaces
Normally by this time of year, I’d have gone on several
34 Trail Mix backpacking trips, but nothing about this year is normal. I needed that
Photography, sleep systems time outside more than ever.
When I returned home, I found that I had more patience and energy. I had
44 Hike It
Choose your hike — these trails can be a the mental capacity to tackle problems I’d been ignoring. Time outside
day trip or a backpacking adventure can do that — it’s like a reset for the brain.
50 Flora & Fauna I’ve always found time on trail and in nature to be centering. It puts
Lupine and river otter things back in perspective. That’s the focus of this issue of the magazine
— finding balance. How time in nature helps us find balance — literally
51 Snapshot
The story behind our favorite photos and figuratively.
We write about how to stay on your feet on trail. If you’ve ever found
yourself wobbling on a rocky trail or struggling on a steep slope, give this
story a read. You’ll thank yourself the next time you’re descending slick
POWERED BY YOU rock or navigating a rooty trail.
Washington Trails Association is a
nonprofit supported by a community We also explore how relationships with nature can center us in a much
of hikers like you. By mobilizing deeper way. I love the story in this magazine by Chelsea Murphy, who has
hikers to be explorers, stewards and written for us before and is a force in creating a more just and equitable
champions for trails and public lands,
together, we will ensure that there world both on and off trail. Chelsea beautifully tells the story of how
are trails for everyone, forever. coming to love her own natural hair was an important part of her outdoor
journey.
Krista Dooley, one of WTA’s longtime employees, writes about how she’s
WTA was founded by Louise B. finding balance in her many roles — from parent to employee — in a year
Marshall (1915–2005). Ira Spring
(1918–2003) was its primary supporter.
when nothing is as expected. And maybe you just need some stories to
Greg Ball (1944–2004) founded the help you be a bit more comfortable when you get outside. We share tips to
volunteer trail maintenance program. help you plan your next hike or sleep through the night without shivering.
Their spirit continues today through Or learn how guidebook author Craig Romano keeps his legs, passion and
contributions from thousands of WTA
members and volunteers. career strong as he puts in thousands of miles on trail.
I hope you read this magazine, and then I hope you put it down and go
outside. Because there’s no better way to find a bit of balance in your life
Fall 2020 | Volume 55, Issue 3 than by enjoying a bit of time on trail.
Washington Trails (ISSN 1534-6366) is published
four times per year by Washington Trails Happy hiking,
Association, 705 2nd Avenue, Suite 300, Seattle,
WA 98104. Annual membership, which includes a
subscription to Washington Trails magazine, is $20.
Single copy price is $4.50. Periodicals postage paid
at Seattle, WA, and at additional mailing locations.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Washington Trails Association, 705 2nd Ave.,
Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98104.
Jessi Loerch | Washington Trails editor | jessi@wta.org
CLEAR
AREA
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 5
Community
Krista Dooley’s
Perspectives kids take a break
from a bike ride
Finding
to check out the
best spot for bug
viewing.
Balance
as A Parent
My life at home and work are
much different than what I’d
planned for 2020 — but I’m
finding ways to make peace
with that. By Krista Dooley
M
other, sister, wife,
friend, daughter, niece,
co-worker, colleague,
employee, neighbor,
community member. I wear many
hats in my life. It’s a constant, delicate
balancing act to care for myself and the
people I love.
At WTA, I’ve worn many hats, too, most
recently as the leader of our community
partnerships and leadership development
team. Part of my job is supporting
programs that help young people get on my refrigerator. I’ve had to be flexible, I’ve gotten to know my neighborhood
outside — challenging right now, when adjust my priorities and rethink how to much better during family walks and
we can’t be together physically. But we’re manage all that I’m experiencing on this bike rides. As the seasons have changed,
adapting, and doing all we can to provide adventure called life. we’ve noticed more flowers, trees and even
support, including by moving training As I reflect on the first half of the year, I gotten familiar with where the bugs live in
online and creating videos that will understand that good enough will keep the cracks of the sidewalks. I’ve channeled
ultimately allow more people to enjoy the things moving forward — but perhaps pent-up creative energy to encourage
benefits of time outside. not at the pace I had envisioned for the my kids to brighten our sidewalks with
I’m adapting in my own life, too. My new decade. I am looking at the second chalk and create window murals from
plans for the summer included wandering half of 2020 with a new perspective. I’ve their paintings. Even our mail carrier
across the Western U.S.. with my family done a few things to keep balance this commented that it brightened her day to
in search of outdoor adventures. Instead, year, including slowing down, finding see the colorful displays.
I’ve been staying close to home, trying new ways to stay connected, adjusting While I had high hopes in January for the
to find time in nature and balancing my routines and keeping creativity flowing. start of a new decade and grand outdoor
many roles as best I can. I take time each day to listen to what adventures, I have taken a step back.
Finding balance has been at the front brings joy to my family. At dinner, we ask I look forward to spending more time
of my mind since I welcomed my first “what was your favorite part of today?” on trails and getting outside to explore
daughter in 2016. It resurged again in and we each share a response. It’s been nature with my family and friends when
2018 when my second daughter arrived. great to hear the answers and a nice we can to do so safely. I’m adapting my
In a year such as this, with so much reminder of what joy can be at age 2, 4 work life to support my coworkers and our
uncertainty, I have realized I need to or 40-something. I’ve scheduled walk partners in new ways. And as I reflect, I
Photo by Krista Dooley
find new ways to create balance. I have and talk phone calls with colleagues to realize that the adjustments I’ve made to
accepted that being good enough is replicate the strolls we used to take from maintain balance are still keeping forward
what I have to offer. I’ve had some proud our office to get updates about work and momentum. And I know that the people
moments and big fails as a parent this life. I’ve had weekly zoom sessions with who I engage with each day, no matter
year and that’s OK. I don’t need a parent grandparents and cousins and shared what hat I’m wearing, only need me to be
of the year award or gold stars to hang long-distance celebrations of birthdays. good enough. And that’s enough.
6 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org
Share a story
Tell us about your first
hikes in Washington
Memorable moments from WTA’s Instagram community
Though I’d visited the region with family before, I went on my first
true Washington hike in 2015 with the person who would become
my fiancé more than 4 years later. We over-researched our route
and previewed sights online, but the peninsula rainforests still left
us winded in astonishment when we encountered them in person.
The Sol Duc environs in particular, with their quiet darkness and
— Albertine Wang, @alb.ert.ine air of mystery, left such a life-altering impression that we knew we
Photo by @thecellofellow needed to be in the northwest. Together, years later, we moved
halfway across the country (well, across an ocean on his part) to
the PNW so we could keep chasing that feeling.
Oyster Dome was one of my first hikes as a little sea otter!
I picked it because of the name. Sea otters love our shellfish,
and I was really looking forward to gorging on the oyster stash at
the top. In a highly disappointing turn of events, there were no
oysters at the top of this huge mountain. I learned a hard lesson
about humans and false advertising that day. The views were
pretty OK at the top, though, and I did find some oysters down
the road after the hike, so the day turned out pretty great after
all. Pro tip — eating too many oysters after a hard hike can lead
to belly aches, even for shellfish aficionados.
riverseaotter
ea Otter, @
— River S
I love this photo — probably the first time I photographed
my daughter on trail — because my husband, Doug, is
happiest and his most true self when he is in nature and
when he is with his daughter. When he’s in nature with his
daughter, I don’t think there is anywhere else in the world
— Sara
h Gard
he’d want to be. Greta was so excited on this hike because
ner, @o there was a deer in the woods. Now Greta is old enough to
_apostr
ophe
go fishing with Doug and jump into his Alpaca pack raft to
venture through some light rapids.
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 7
Community
Never leave your car running
The Art of Sleeping
In the dry heat of summer, leaving your car running for any
length of time can pose a wildfire risk, so it’s best to leave
your car off and parked safely. Remember to unplug any
in Your Vehicle chargers or other devices and turn off your lights when your
car isn’t running. The last thing you want is a dead battery
when you get ready to head home!
By Erika Haugen-Goodman
T
Keep the critters out
raditional car camping in a campground is a
In some areas you’ll need to be mindful of small rodents that
great way to enjoy time outside without the
can make their way into your car through vents and other
logistics of backpacking. However, camping
open spaces. Make sure to keep all food sealed and stored in a
in your car doesn’t have to be in a developed
hard-side container when not in use. You can also utilize food
campsite. With a bit of preparation, you can turn you car into
storage methods you’d use when backpacking, such as a bear
a cozy sleeping spot anywhere dispersed camping is allowed.
canister or hanging food properly from a tree.
It means you won’t have to set up or take down a tent — and if
you sleep near where you’d like to hike, it makes it easy to get Never light stoves inside
an early start. Here are a few things to consider. Make sure to do all your cooking outside of your vehicle
Photo by Holly Mandarich / Unsplash
(unless you’re in a camper van designed for it). Not only is
Know where you can park
an open flame in your car a fire hazard, it can also cause
Developed trailheads on Forest Service land are closed to hazardous breathing conditions that can be fatal.
camping; same goes for picnic areas. However, there are
many areas in national forests where you can camp in a Stay cozy
dispersed camping spot and be near trails. Check with local Think about how you can make your car more comfortable
land managers before heading out, and make sure your to sleep in. Depending on your car, you may be able to add a
car is capable of handling the roads you’ll encounter. The small section of flat board or other solid surface to give you
local ranger station will be able to provide you with the best a more comfortable space. Reflective bubble insulation, or
information. Most national parks will not allow you to sleep in similar material, can be cut to fit in your car windows, adding
your car outside of established campsites. some privacy and keeping you warmer.
8 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org
Highlights
A quick look at what WTA is accomplishing on trails around the state
Safety First
Trail maintenance volunteers
are back in the field! Since May,
we’ve hosted work parties across
the state, adhering to COVID-19
safety protocols including physical
distancing, hand washing stations
and smaller, more experienced
crews. We’ve even worked in
the backcountry with multi-day
backcountry response teams and
volunteer vacations. Keep an eye out
on our work party calendar — our
schedule may be limited but there are
still opportunities to get out on trail if
you are comfortable doing so!
Protecting
Each Other
WTA worked with REI and
outdoor organizations
across the country to shape
recommendations about
how to get outside safely
in the time of coronavirus.
#RecreateResponsibly
includes 6 safety tips and
a foundational principle to
help ensure that trails are a
safe and welcoming place.
Victory for public lands! projects. Additionally, federal agencies will
The Great American Outdoors Act has passed receive up to $1.9 billion a year (for five years) to
Congress! The act is a landmark piece of address the deferred maintenance backlog. As
a part of this funding, the Forest Service could
NOTEWORTHY
legislation that will make a massive impact on
receive up to $285 million a year. This investment
Photo by Barbara Budd
federal public lands in Washington.
in public lands and trails could support volunteer
The bill addresses two major priorities of WTA’s
maintenance for years to come.
advocacy work: permanent funding for the
Land and Water Conservation Fund and funding We appreciate the hard work Washington’s
for deferred maintenance projects on federal congressional delegation put in to make this
public lands. LWCF will now receive $900 million dream a reality. And thanks to everyone who
each year for land acquisition and conservation spoke up to help get this vital bill passed.
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 9
Trail Talk
Practice makes possible.
Interrupting bias can
be hard, so WTA offers
regular trainings and
scenario practice sessions
to help our volunteer crew
leaders prepare.
Caring for Each but these types of injuries are often harder to identify and
uncomfortable to address.
Other on Trail
We’ve responded to reports from work parties about a
volunteer demeaning another volunteer’s nationality, and
recurring instances where women are given less technically
The skills we teach our crew leaders and demanding projects. These experiences can be harmful
even if the injury isn’t visible, and we strive to prevent them.
volunteers can help cultivate a more When they do occur, we strive to address them with as much
welcoming trail community — whether on a determination and care as we do for physical injuries. To
work party or just out on your own. help our crew leaders respond to all kinds of injuries, we
By Janée Romesberg offer training in emergency response, group management
and how to address bias, like unwelcome jokes and
Safety, fun and work — in that order — has been the comments or stereotyping, on trail.
Photos by Janée Romesberg and Britt Lê
WTA trail maintenance motto since our program was When physical, emotional and mental safety are given equal
founded 27 years ago. Volunteers and staff have worked consideration, it’s possible to create an environment where
hard over those years to develop a culture of safety. Physical people can bring their full selves to a work party and have
safety is relatively straightforward — keep the sharp ends of a safe and rewarding experience. This culture of safety — of
all tools away from all body parts (yours and others) and be compassion and care for each other — can extend beyond
aware of your surroundings. trail work and into your personal hiking practice and daily
life. Here’s how.
But tripping over a tool left in the middle of the trail is not
the only kind of injury we’re concerned about on a work Situational awareness
party. Emotional and mental safety are just as important, Good situational awareness is crucial on a work party. The
10 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgPut it to work
If you have been on a WTA work
party, you know that our work
on a single trail is never finished.
In order for us to have trails for
future generations to enjoy, we
return time and time again to
maintain trails to a standard that
provides safe access for all those
who may visit.
The same can be said for our work
making Washington state a place
where trails are truly welcoming
and safe for everyone, especially
those who are most marginalized
in society. It’s an ongoing project
that requires all of us to take
regular and mindful actions in
our daily lives.
WTA and our trail maintenance
crew leaders are committed to
continuing to help make trails a
safe place for everyone, and we
hope you will join us in this work.
Here are some suggestions on how
to get started.
• Situational Awareness: Learn
crew checks the project site for hazards experience or ability based on their about the history of racism in
when they arrive on trail, and they keep body type or size; expressions of your community and how to
an eye out for new hazards throughout surprise when seeing a hiker of color; identify instances of bias like
the day. Crew leaders in particular need or comments about safety to women microaggressions.
to recognize potential dangers to the hiking alone are just a few ways bias • Preparedness: Reflect on how
group as a whole — like dead standing can creep into on-trail encounters. you might respond when you
trees in a windstorm or crews working Hikers can increase their situational notice someone saying or doing
with large rocks on switchbacks above awareness by researching unconscious something harmful to another
other crew members — so we offer bias and microaggressions, then hiker on trail.
trainings that develop these awareness evaluating their own interactions
• First Aid: Make a commitment
skills. with other hikers. Only when you can
to yourself to speak up when you
recognize biases in yourself and others
Situational awareness is vital for mental witness something. Interrupting
can you start to avoid and address this
and emotional safety too. One of a crew the interaction provides support
type of harm.
leader’s core responsibilities is creating to your fellow hiker and shows
a welcoming environment for the entire them that trails truly are for
Preparedness
crew. This means greeting volunteers everyone. Take into account your
Crew leaders carry big packs full of
as they arrive and learning their names. own safety, especially if you are
everything they might need to keep the person impacted by the biased
But creating a welcoming space also
volunteers physically safe — extra behavior.
requires tuning into social interactions,
gloves and warm layers, a first-aid
recognizing potentially harmful, often If you’re looking for anti-racism
kit, a radio for additional help. What
subtle, actions and stepping in to and bias resources, you can find a
you won’t see is the suite of tools
address them when they occur. curated collection on our website
these folks have for maintaining a
These subtle interactions happen at wta.org/wtas-equity-work.
crew’s emotional and mental safety.
outside of work parties, too. It is important that our crew leaders
Assumptions about a person’s hiking recognize and interrupt situations
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 11Trail Talk
that put volunteers’ mental safety at risk. But it can be
intimidating to speak up in these situations, so to help crew
leaders prepare for moments like this, WTA offers recurring
leadership trainings where crew leaders are able to practice
realistic scenarios in the field. Over the course of the day,
they are given scenarios (some of which have occurred
THANK YOU TO OUR
during past WTA events) to work through just as they would
on a real work party. After each scenario, leaders discuss
CORPORATE PARTNERS
how it went and continue practicing strategies that will help
them speak up and interrupt bias in the future.
RAINIER | $25,000+
You may not be able to attend a trail maintenance
leadership training, but you can create your own
opportunities to practice scenarios. Spend some time
reflecting on past situations where you witnessed racism
or bias and were unable to or chose not to act. Think about
what you could have said or done differently. Don’t waste
energy feeling guilty about these missed opportunities!
Instead, refocus that energy into preparing yourself to
OLYMPIC | $10,000–$24,999
respond in the future. If you feel comfortable, talk about
what you’ve learned with a friend.
First aid
No matter how strong our culture of safety is, occasionally
crew leaders need to respond to an injury. They’re prepared
to respond to physical injuries with first-aid certifications,
carrying a first-aid kit and having systems in place for
addressing emergencies.
As a hiker, you likely carry a first aid kit too, and may
even remember that the main goals of first aid are to
preserve life, prevent further injury and promote recovery.
These goals also apply to mental and emotional safety.
Microaggressions can cause significant damage to mental
health (sometimes the example used is “death by a thousand ALPINE | $2,500–$9,999
cuts”). Continually facing bias can make a joyful activity,
like hiking, exhausting, and enough microaggressions may
lead someone to stop hiking entirely. Hiking is healing and
we want trails to be a safe, welcoming place for every hiker.
By addressing a microaggression or other biased interaction
when you see one, you contribute to creating an environment
where everyone feels welcome.
Interrupting bias requires you to step outside your comfort
zone. Don’t feel obligated to do so if you feel unsafe,
especially if you are the one being impacted by the racist
or biased interaction. Just like physical first aid, the scene
should be safe before a responder provides care. And just MATCHING GIFT CORPORATIONS | $5,000+
like first aid, properly addressing an incident requires
some knowledge of how to address it. If this is new Apple • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation • Boeing •
ground for you, do some research into this subject and Google • Microsoft
get comfortable with techniques that interrupt bias but
maintain compassion. Take your cues from first aid training
— if you know how to address the problem and the scene
is safe, challenge yourself to push past discomfort and Find out if your company matches charitable gifts.
respond. This work is a journey that can be challenging, but Your donation could go twice as far! To learn more
about supporting WTA’s work, call us at 206-508-6846.
the payoff is powerful, creating spaces where everyone feels
welcome.
12 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgWild Grief, which usually
connects people on Wild Grief started facilitating monthly
in-person wilderness online hikes that begin with an opening
outings, has shifted
circle via video call — similar to the
this year to adapt to the
reality of COVID-19. opening circle on the group’s in-person
hikes. Then everyone finds a safe place
close by, to be in nature for 30–45
minutes. This could be a walk around
The Power of Wild Grief’s programming is driven by
three core beliefs in the healing power
the neighborhood, a sit spot in the yard,
or even just opening a window to feel
Community
of nature, the importance of community the fresh air and see the sky. After some
and the need to acknowledge the impact quality time reflecting in nature, everyone
of death in our lives. The Olympia-based reconvenes for a reflective closing circle.
and Nature nonprofit facilitates peer groups for
children and adults who are grieving a
This summer, Wild Grief is expanding
online offerings for teens age 13–18 who
Although in-person trips aren’t death by creating the space for sharing,
have lost a loved one. Solo Together is a
connection and healing.
possible right now, Wild Grief four-day online opportunity to explore
is finding a way to fulfill its Like many local programs that use nature the wild in your own neighborhood,
as a tool for positive youth development, engage in creative activities to help deal
mission. By Andrew Pringle
C
Wild Grief’s big summer plans were with loss, connect online with other
onnecting with nature upended by the COVID-19 health crisis. grieving teens and receive support from
and each other is more And while some programs have been able skilled guides.
important than ever in to resume backpacking outings for youth How you find nature and community
these challenging times, with extra precautions, the small size of during the pandemic might change,
but the reality of the health crisis means the organization means it’ll have to wait but we are committed to helping our
many of us are having to find new and until next summer to get back into the community and our partners explore new
innovative ways of coming together wilderness. But that hasn’t kept it from ways to connect, explore and experience
while maintaining physical distance. The building community and supporting the benefits of time spent outdoors. And
creativity of many of WTA’s community participants. when we can all safely return to making
Photos courtesy Wild Grief
partners has inspired us and reminds us Wild Grief believes in the power of new friends on outdoor adventures,
that connection is the most important wilderness exploration to aid in the WTA will be there to support schools
part of this work. Guided by this value of healing process, but until they can return and community organizations leading
connection to nature, one of our partners to nights under the stars, they’re finding independent outings with skills training
— Wild Grief — has been exploring how to innovative ways to reach new people, for group leaders, mini-grants to cover
bring together people and nature in this create community and support each other trip costs and free lending of clothing and
new reality. through the process of grieving. equipment.
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 13Trail Talk
Archana Bhat loves to on Whidbey Island this spring, which
explore with her twins has a wealth of trails that are not super
and use photography to
encourage taking a closer crowded and beach walks at low tide.”
look at nature. Archana has also made use of her skills in
nature photography, a hobby she says is a
vital component of her work-life balance.
“Being a working mom and primary
household manager, I have found that
photography gives me an outlet to find
peace and solitude in my busy life,” she
said. “A little bit of balance.”
Along the way, Archana has relied heavily
on WTA as a resource to navigate what
outdoor activities she and her family
could partake in while staying in line
with public health recommendations.
According to Archana, it’s resources like
these that convinced her to become a
supporting member of WTA years ago and
continue sustaining her support over time.
She also uses her stunning photography,
featured here, to put together calendars
that raise funds for WTA.
“I think it is important to give back to the
communities you care about,” she said.
“And just like paying for food, gas and
essentials — hiking is an essential activity
for our family. I also appreciate the efforts
Finding a Little Bit of
WTA makes to welcome families of color
and the focus on diversifying the outdoors
Photos by Archana Bhat
for all. Growing up in a family of non-
Balance in the Outdoors
hikers, I have had to learn about hiking,
conservation and backpacking on my
own. Having an organization like WTA
By Patrick Myers has been tremendous in my education.”
For long-time WTA member Archana landscapes and learn about ecology. On
Bhat and her family, there’s no such their hikes, Archana enjoys taking in the Find Archana at www.archanabhat.com
thing as an uneventful backpacking trip. world with her macro photography and and @travelingbhat on Instagram and
encourages her twins to find richness in Facebook.
“The recurring theme with our
backpacking trips is that we always have the details of the natural world, rather
some sort of ‘excitement,’” she said. than simply striving for the summit.
“On our very first backpacking trip, my But like every other hiker, Archana has
son sprained his wrist. Last summer in found herself adjusting to an altered
the Goat Rocks (Wilderness Area), my hiking reality in 2020. The family’s
daughter got sick and we had to camp in annual backpacking trips were either
a site that was closer than planned. We canceled, postponed or altered due to
end up making a lot of memories that, in trail closures implemented in the interest
retrospect, make great stories and lots of of public health. The closures forced
lessons learned.” Archana’s family to find creative ways to
Since their twins, a son and daughter, stay connected to the outdoors.
were young, Archana and her husband “We ended up hiking on our
have prioritized hiking and backpacking neighborhood trails once they opened,”
as a way to stay active, explore new she said. “We also spent a lot more time
14 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgCheck your city
If you’re curious about
what park distribution
in your city looks like,
check out The Trust for
Public Land’s ParkScore
index, tpl.org/parkscore.
Cities Need You can see where parks
are distributed where
More Open
you live, who has access
to them and even the
highest-need areas for
Spaces new parks. While no tool
is perfect, this is a great
starting point if you’re
Street closures have made it clear interested in learning
that we need room for people to more about how green
space is (or is not)
move and enjoy green spaces in
equitably distributed.
urban areas. By Allie Tripp
T
here have been a number Drummond, WTA’s digital content along the coast, could at least have this
of inspiring stories and manager, who lives in Seattle. “Seeing kind of safe space — to walk, breathe,
innovations to come out this rich tapestry of people out walking, play with their kids and stay connected to
of our ongoing public running and biking by the house every each other.”
health crisis. One such day keeps me feeling so much more WTA launched our Trail Next Door
bright spot is the closure of streets to connected to the real community of this campaign this year to focus on urban
through-traffic to create pedestrian-only city. I’ve even had friends from across trails, prioritizing those in areas with
zones in cities like Seattle, Bellevue, town hike their way here on mostly
less access to nature and supporting
Olympia, Everett and Edmonds, as well as closed streets to meet our 2-month-old
the development of new green spaces
others across the nation. son from a safe distance.”
in our cities. We are actively listening to
These closures have helped urban While these street closures are a great communities about what they need and
residents maintain a safe distance from win for nearby urban residents, the need want in their own backyards, whether
one another while walking, biking and for close-to-home recreation and outdoor that’s a brand-new trail or simply
running and have played a critical role time during the pandemic has further access to an existing green space. And
in allowing people to get much-needed highlighted the inequitable distribution we’re using all our skills — advocacy,
exercise, fresh air and nature exposure of green space in our cities. Were you able fundraising, outreach, teamwork — so
when access to even local parks was to walk to parks from your home during that everyone has better access to all
restricted. the stay-at-home order? Many folks living the things nature has to offer. We want
in Washington’s urban centers were not to ensure that the benefits and joys
As of June, the City of Seattle has even able to do so. from creative solutions like these street
decided to permanently close 20 miles closures aren’t temporary and that cities
“I feel incredibly grateful to have this
of these “Stay Healthy Streets.” Local continue to invest in parks and trails so
network of closed streets right out my
access for residents (as well as deliveries that all residents have easy access to time
front door, but I’m also keenly aware of
and services) will continue. For many in nature.
what a privilege it is to have this kind of
Photo by Allie Tripp
urban residents, the street closures are a
outdoor space and access to green spaces
welcome silver lining to a difficult time.
within walking distance,” Loren said. “I You can read more about The Trail Next
“What I’ve learned from all this is that wish every person in this city, especially Door campaign and our work to bring
I really love being surrounded by my those without cars or the money to reach better trail and green space access to
neighbors, not their cars,” said Loren other public lands in the mountains or south King County on page 16.
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 15A New Trail
Next Door
WTA is partnering with King County to help ensure
everyone has access to green spaces close to where
they live. By Erika Haugen-Goodman
King County Executive
Dow Constantine and
Warren Jimenez, King
County Parks director,
walk along a street to
take a closer look at the
new park property. Once
work is complete, people
will be able to access
trails in the area from an
already existing sidewalk.
16 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgT
o enjoy the benefits of
being in nature, you
must be able to reach
it. And, as the challenges
of the last few months
have shown, having close access to
green spaces is more important than
ever for people’s mental and physical
health. WTA’s Trail Next Door campaign
is working to make this the reality by
exploring the challenges of inequitable
access to green spaces and working to
solve them.
Looking at both demographic and
park data from across the state,
it’s abundantly clear that not every
Washingtonian has equal access to
green spaces. In many areas, higher-
income neighborhoods scored better for
access when compared to lower-income
neighborhoods, and the same divide
showed up when comparing the racial
makeup of the area’s population. In fact,
there are places across the state that lack
even a single accessible green space for
miles while others enjoy a multitude of
parks and recreation opportunities. Given the immense Charleisha Cox and
her son, Marlon,
This disparity in access and need for
urban green spaces and trails has
physical and mental health joined WTA and King
County Executive
been all the more apparent during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Those who live near
benefits of time spent in Dow Constantine for
nature, it’s clear that access
a tour of the future
green spaces have been able to enjoy King County park that
the outdoors while practicing safe social
distancing, but for many, that simply to these spaces is needed will be behind their
backyard in urban
isn’t an option without getting in a car
and traveling farther afield (assuming a
more than ever before unincorporated North
Highline. “We are very
car is even available). Given the immense
physical and mental health benefits of
as urban populations appreciative of this new
park,” Charleisha said.
time spent in nature, it’s clear that access continue to grow.
to these spaces is needed more than ever
before, especially as urban populations
continue to grow. long and successful partnership with start working in a neighborhood, it’s
King County, together we're bringing important that you’ve listened to the
And while we can’t predict the long-term
to life a new urban green space in hopes and needs of the people that
impacts of the pandemic, we know that
unincorporated North Highline, between live there. We’re committed to working
Photos by Eli Brownell / King County Parks
there will continue to be a widespread
need for additional green space. That White Center and South Park. This directly with community members and
is why we launched our Trail Next Door project will allow WTA to be involved in local residents, as well as the three local
campaign earlier this year, to ensure that urban green space work in a deeper way schools and nearby places of worship,
nature is always within reach for all of us. — from the very beginning of this project in order to support King County’s
Despite experiencing some slowdowns to the on-the-ground trail work. community engagement goals for
due to COVID-19, we’re hard at work This new urban forest will provide developing this park.
with partners in solving the inequity we much-needed access to the outdoors in In early July, Jaime Loucky, WTA’s chief
currently see in urban outdoor recreation. a community lacking developed outdoor impact officer, joined King County
Enter our largest pilot project to date recreation sites. But this work doesn’t Executive Dow Constantine for a tour of
for The Trail Next Door. Building on our take place in a vacuum. Any time you the future King County park. They saw
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 17crews doing work to remove debris and
non-native species to make the forest
safe, welcoming and healthy. They met
neighbors, including a mother and her
son, who are excited to have a park in
their neighborhood. The nearest public
green space right now is two miles away,
across busy roads and a highway.
As they reached the center of the small
forest, Jaime showed Dow Constantine
potential options for the new trail and a
bridge that will cross the seasonal stream
and wetlands.
“Staying home to prevent the spread of
COVID-19 has given each of us an even
greater appreciation for open spaces, yet
too many underserved communities do
not have a park, trail, or green space,”
said Constantine. “The new forest park
we are creating with community input WTA will play a key role in improving the coming year.”
will make it possible for more people access to the outdoors. But these projects aren’t possible
and families in urban unincorporated “Planning and developing an entirely without you. Each step, from planning
King County to experience the benefits of new green space for an area previously to putting together trail work parties,
green space in their own neighborhood. without access is incredibly exciting for requires your help. Consider supporting
It reflects our progress toward making both our work and the community who our Trail Next Door work this year by
access to open space more just and will get to enjoy it,” Jaime said. “We’re giving to WTA so that we can continue
equitable.” excited to be moving forward with this to move our work forward quickly in
This project in King County is just one important work and to learn and evolve bringing accessible and safe trails to
example of many across the state where our approach to The Trail Next Door over everyone in Washington.
DOUBLE
your IMPACT
Many companies in our state generously
“
My ability to donate money to
the causes and organizations I
care about is limited, but time is
match employees charitable contributions something I can give. Working for
or volunteer hours by making a donation a company that matches my time
to WTA. If your employer makes matching
with a donation to WTA means
donations, as a donor or volunteer at
WTA, you have the power to direct these that my time isn’t just volunteer
contributions. Ask your HR department how hours, it’s also a donation that
your support can go even further for trails! fuels WTA’s amazing work.
wta.org/matching — Aaron Peabody
Photo by Rick Goble
18 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgfriends
skill building
Become a Accepting applications through
Sept. 27, 2020.
WTA youth Throughout the program year, youth
ambassadors will:
ambassador! • Earn 30+ service hours
• Design leadership projects
• Attend skill-building workshops
The Youth Ambassador Program is a free
• Practice public speaking
opportunity open to all high schoolers who enjoy
nature and want to connect others to the outdoors. • Win prizes for participation
• Connect with WTA and other
Learn more about the program and outdoor agencies and organizations
application process at wta.org/ • Make new friends
youthambassador or email Britt Lê at
britt@wta.org.
Learn more at wta.org/youthambassador
Photo by Britt Lê Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 19MY HAIR
WAS MADE
BY
CH ELSEA
M U RPHY
FOR WILD
rowing up, my outdoor I wanted that versatility, too, even with
adventures came at harsh, dangerous chemicals. European
a cost that my White beauty standards made many African
friends didn’t have to American women and children think that
deal with — and didn’t they weren’t beautiful if their hair wasn’t
understand. They could straight like White women’s.
hike, camp and swim
I first started relaxing my hair, with
without worry, but for me, water meant
my mom’s help, when I began playing
wild, frizzy hair and hours of work later.
competitive sports in middle school.
It took time, but I’ve now come to love my
own natural hair — and learned how to It seemed to make my hair more
balance my beautiful natural hair and my manageable. Now, I realize I didn’t have
outdoor adventures. a good representation of Black women
with natural hair. In my mind, a relaxer
That good hair, at a cost was the only way to play sports and still
I have come to an amazing place in my life look decent the next day. Over time, the
where I love everything about myself and chemicals in the relaxer damaged my
the woman I have become. My favorite hair, flared my eczema and created limits
features are now my hair and my full on outdoor adventures.
lips — the two things I most struggled
to love while growing up in a White- Nature or natural?
centered world. Most of my role models As I began enjoying more outdoorsy
— Aaliyah, Brandy and the ladies of activities, I soon realized my hair was
Destiny’s Child — relaxed their hair, and holding me back. My White friends went
20 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgChelsea Murphy
finds great joy
getting outside,
either with her
daughters or on
her own.
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 21THE MOVEMENT
ALLOWS BLACK
adventuring with ease. For me, going camping,
swimming and sweating all came at a price,
because water brought back the natural frizz to
WOMEN TO BE
my hair. Water and hair relaxers do not mix.
I didn’t want to jump into the river for fear of the
grueling hair day that would follow so I could
THEIR MOST
be cute for school by Monday. A spontaneous 5
minutes in the water was not worth the 5 hours
it took from wash to being style-ready. I wasn’t
AUTHENTIC SELF
afraid of the water; I was afraid of what my hair
would look like exiting the water. What would
people think of my natural hair when it wasn’t
prim and proper?
Eventually, some friends just stopped asking me
to join them in the water, or made fun because
they didn’t understand. I lived in an area with
little diversity and most of my friends were
White. I tried, but they never understood why I
skipped adventures. Having hair that requires
little maintenance is a privilege, and they never
understood my reservations.
Curls on trail
After moving to Central Washington about 7 years
ago, I decided to change my story. Would I continue
to say no to adventure and the things I loved most?
Would I risk showing my daughters that beauty
is determined by a lack of curl patterns? Hell no.
I cut off a lot of my hair, eventually stopped using
relaxers and started my natural hair journey in
2015. I did not anticipate how hard it would be
to find someone on this side of the mountains
comfortable enough to tackle my natural hair with
me. I found no one in Central Washington who
could do hair like the Black women in Tacoma. I
kept hearing, “I’ve never done hair like yours” and
my requests for the types of products I needed — they were focused
“I don’t know if the product I use will work on your
on what they usually sold. They’d been trained to style White hair.
kind of hair.” Again, I saw that beauty standards
and products were not created with me in mind. I realized I needed to do my own hair — but my mom had always
White women have privileges I don’t. done it. I didn’t even know how to braid my hair, and I couldn’t find
Eventually I did find someone who was the products I needed in my rural town. I had so many fears. But,
comfortable with putting her hands through my one YouTube video at a time — and with some trial-and-error online
thick, beautiful hair and that satisfied me for a orders — I began my natural hair journey.
while. I brought my oldest daughter to her for I bought oils, creams and detangling spray. I tried different styles
haircuts. My daughter’s hair is closer to what of braids and twists — protective styles that nourished my hair
many stylists are used to because she is biracial. and allowed it to grow. With no chemicals, less heat and prenatal
My daughter loved that the stylist would give her vitamins — in preparation for daughter number two — my hair grew!
temporary hair color, like a rock star. But the thrill
Photos courtesy Chelsea Murphy
The longer it got, the easier it was to style. As I worked at it with
was short-lived for me. The stylists missed that
some of my favorite YouTubers, my hair stresses began to melt away.
my hair needed a different process and different
As my hair grew, so did my love for the mountains and forests that
products. I felt like I was wasting my time and
surround me. My hair would not continue to hold me back from an
money. The last visit, I left with an Afro as big
outdoorsy life the way I had allowed it to as a teenager.
as the moon, which I didn’t ask for. I’d simply
wanted the stylist to wash and dry my hair and As a proud African American woman who has joined the natural
even offered advice. I felt defeated. No one heard hair movement, I now choose not to relax my hair. The movement
22 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgallows Black women to be their most authentic self.
For 5 years, I’ve been free of that awful chemical and a
routine that skewed my idea of beauty.
My daughters and I love the mountains around us and
we hike weekly. Their father is White and their hair is
more reasonable than mine on most days. I love doing
my girls’ hair each week. If there are new styles I want
to try, I can use their hair to practice. I started young
with them, so we all know the routine. After baths,
I style and wrap their hair with a silk scarf, which
protects their hair so they can get up the next morning
and be ready to go. I alternate a few different styles
on our hair, ones that last longer for our adventurous
lives; I lean on protective styles like braids and twists.
My favorite twist style is a three-strand twist. It can
last 2 weeks in between wash days and it helps keep
twigs, dirt and rocks out of my hair. These days, I worry
less about what I look like, because as an adult I know
beauty is measured from the inside, out. Nature has
taught me a lot, and confidence is one of those things.
Now, I can paddleboard, float or swim down the local
river without hesitation. And my natural hair dries fast!
Last summer I hiked to Colchuck Lake and jumped in
almost immediately. After getting out, I put my cap on
and started descending. My hair was dry and ready for
more by the time we got to the car.
My hair was made for wild adventures; I simply needed
to start my journey. I love my hair. I am so thankful for
Chelsea found the natural hair movement for encouraging Black girls
that learning to let their hair go. My hair no longer defines me or
how to manager
dictates my adventure for the day. My hair is natural.
her hair gave her
more freedom It’s original, versatile, and it’s everything I could ask for
outside. in a crown.
Learn MORE
If you need style tips for Black hair, you can
watch hair influencers online to start your own
hair journey. Keep in mind there are different
curl patterns for everyone, from 1A to 4C.
It helps to find a role model with the same
pattern as your own hair. I have a 4A curl
pattern, so I have found women with hair that
matches mine. I suggest you start with that and
branch off accordingly! My favorite YouTubers
are Cali Curls, Alana Simone and
Shanice Cox.
Find Chelsea Murphy online at
shecolorsnature.com and
on Instagram @she_colorsnature.
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 23How to Stay
Healthy for a
Lifetime on Trail
By Craig Romano
I
have been hiking and running regularly since my and not out of routine. I shun soda and many processed foods
early 20s. Now in my late 50s, I’m still going strong. In and eat plant-based meals about 60% of the time. On the trail,
my 20s, I could never have imagined the kind of mileage my intake is primarily carbohydrates and protein, and I graze
that I am putting on the trail in my 50s. I regularly do as I go. This keeps my caloric intake consistent, my blood sugar
20-plus-mile day hikes and 30-mile trail runs. I ran 50 from crashing and my engine continuously motoring.
miles for my 50th birthday and to celebrate my next decade, Move your body: I engage in cardiovascular workouts 6 days
I’m training for my first 100K (62-mile) trail run. a week, year-round. I hike, run, walk or bike almost every
If you’re interested in endurance athletics, genetics might day. Keeping your heart strong is one of the best ways to
help, but it really comes down to lifestyle. And whether you’re stay conditioned for the trail. But regularly exercising is not
20 or 60, right now is the perfect time to make changes and everything. I also strive for an overall active lifestyle. I shun
commitments to living a healthy lifestyle. While living healthy elevators for stairs, park farther from the front of stores and
may not guarantee longevity (there are factors we cannot embrace activities like lawn mowing. My vacation, down and
Photo courtesy Craig Romano
control), it will almost certainly guarantee a more satisfying life leisure time is rarely sedentary. You’re at your own place in your
fitness journey, so wherever you are, find a way to move that
— and one that makes hiking more enjoyable and rewarding.
works for you.
So here is what I have learned over the decades and from tens
Mix it up: Cross-training is vital. I stretch regularly (although
of thousands of miles on the trail.
never enough — and I swear this is the year I finally take up
Eat well: Eat for performance and strive to eat healthy. I enjoy yoga) and do weight repetitions and resistance exercises to
burgers, pizza and other treats like most people — but I limit strengthen core muscles. Keeping the upper parts of your body
my intake of them, often to after a long hike or challenging run, in shape also enhances your trail performance — especially
24 Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.orgCraig Romano has been
regularly hiking and
running for decades. Now
in his late 50s, he shares
advice on how to stay
healthy and keep hiking for
many miles on trail.
when carrying a pack, scrambling or important to me is that they redistribute And as we age, accept that we may not
climbing up and over obstacles. half of my weight to my upper body when be able to do things like we once did. Set
Be gentle with your body: One of the I am coming down a steep slope. That’s new goals. I no longer have the speed
a lot of pressure off of my knees — and that I had when I was younger. Now I aim
most important lessons I learned was
a lot of weight off of my feet, lessening for endurance. And eventually I won’t be
while backpacking (and hurting) on
chances of a sprain. able to go as far as I once did — but that
Vermont’s Long Trail during my 20s.
is okay. The mere fact that we continue to
Always listen to your body. It will tell Stay hydrated: Always staying properly get outside, move and explore the world
you when it needs a break — don’t ignore hydrated is tantamount to staying around us is enough.
it. Just as important as regular exercise healthy on trail. Drink plenty of fluids.
are rest and recovery days. Get adequate Remember too that with age comes years
Sports gels and electrolyte tablets are
sleep and take time off to recover after of experience and conditioning that can
great too — especially in warm weather
exhausting days on the trail. As you age, very well lead you to doing things on the
and when you’re sweating profusely.
recovery time increases — don’t rush trail and pushing your body to points that
Staying properly hydrated helps prevent
it. But don’t be completely sedentary. If were inconceivable to your younger self.
heat stroke and fatigue. It also helps you
you’re sore, take an easy walk to work Last summer, I chatted with a seasoned
think clearly and stay focused, which hiker on the top of West Tiger 3. I asked
out lactic acid and prevent muscles from
tightening up. To really work out the lessens your chances of being injured or him if he gets out much. He told me yes,
kinks and tightness, I regularly schedule getting into a bad predicament. but not as much as he did 4 years ago
deep-tissue massages. These are intense Mental health matters: Hiking and before he turned 80!
Photo by Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs
— but the results are rejuvenating, and running are excellent for maintaining Living a healthy lifestyle is contagious
within a couple of days I am renewed good mental health, which is more too. Model it and encourage others to live
and ready to push myself again. important than ever during this age of healthy so that they too can look forward
Gear up: Equally important as eating COVID-19. When we head outside and to many fulfilling years on the trail.
properly and exercising is having the move freely through the backcountry, it
proper equipment — especially footwear. helps validate our existence. And when Craig Romano is a guidebook author
Be properly fitted and purchase quality we feel good mentally, it helps us stay who has hiked more than 27,000 miles in
shoes. And consider trekking poles. physically healthy — creating a circle of Washington. Learn more about him and
They have many applications, but most positivity. his books at craigromano.com.
Washington Trails / Fall 2020 / wta.org 25You can also read
