2024 Washington State Trails Conference

Every two years, the Washington State Trails Coalition (WSTC) brings hundreds of trail advocates and agency leaders together for two days of networking and information sharing. Conference speakers and participants from across the state gather to inspire and inform users and providers about trails – including equestrian and stock trails, pedestrian, bicycle, ski, and snowshoe trails, snowmobile, motorbike, and OHV trails, plus water, canoe and kayaking trails.

The DRAFT conference schedule is available now.

Start off your weekend on Thursday Oct 3rd with a guided hike or trail run in Wenatchee or Leavenworth, a mountain bike ride outside Wenatchee or a voyageur canoe experience on the Columbia River. Please register for these pre-conference activites.

WSTC's 4th Trail Awards Reception is Friday evening at the Pybus Public Market LocalTel Room. Admission is included with the Early Bird, Full Conference, and Friday registration. Separate tickets are available for guests. Join us in celebrating the Trail Award winners and enjoy local food and beverages!

Returning to the conference line-up are field sessions Saturday afternoon! Choose from three diverse offerings taking place in the Wenatchee Foothills or nearby. Please also pre-register for these sessions so we can plan transportation.

For more information, please visit our conference website at Washington State Trails Coalition.

1. Building Sustainable Trails for the Future: Inspired by the Forest Service definition of sustainable trails, this track will include components that make a trail sustainable ecologically, financially, and socially. From the envisioning of a trail through tribal engagement, multi-year planning processes, and creative funding solutions – to the partnerships, contracting, technology, and construction techniques needed to create and maintain the physical trail for decades to come.

2. Envisioning Trails for All Users: As we look toward the future, the demographics of trail users are changing, and we need new approaches to meeting their needs. Sessions will explore: how research into user expectations and behaviors can inform trail management; how trail design and management can protect natural resources and reduce conflicts between different types of users.

3. Educating and Empowering Tomorrow's Trailblazers: This track explores innovative ways to engage and support new hikers, bikers, equestrians, and motorized users of every age. Topics should highlight impactful mentorship and training programs that foster future careers in the outdoor recreation field as well as ambassador programs, community groups, and marketing strategies designed to inspire and educate new trail users.

5. Trails Spotlight: Showcasing trails that provide unique values and experiences for the public or that offer particularly significant learning opportunities.

Email us at [email protected]

• If you need to cancel your registration, including guest tickets for the Friday Night reception, please send your request via email to [email protected]
• Conference cancellation requests received prior to August 30th will receive a full refund, minus a $20 processing fee.
• Conference cancellation requests received August 30th through September 15th will receive a 50% refund.
• Cancellation of a guest registration for the Friday Night reception only will refunded in full if received by September 15th.
• No refunds will be issued on requests received after September 15th.

So that we can have correct name tags, meals, and records we ask that the registration be in the name of the attendee. You can transfer your ticket if desired, just let us know the new name, email address, title, and organization/employer and we'll update the record in our system.

If you’re going to be staying overnight Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday then the adjacent Coast Hotel has discounted pricing for conference attendees. There are a limited number of rooms available at these special prices so book early!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Wenatchee Convention Center, 121 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee, United States