2026 Washington State Trails Conference
About this Event
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, in addition to water, canoe, and kayaking trails.
Kick off the conference on Wednesday, October 7, 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 pre-register for these activities as an add-on with your conference ticket.
WSTC's Trail Awards Reception will return on Thursday, October 8, at the Pybus Public Market LocalTel Room. Admission to the Trail Awards Reception is included with the Full Conference and Thursday registration. Additional Trail Award Reception tickets are available for guests as an add-on. Join us in celebrating the Trail Award winners and enjoy local food and beverages!
For more information, please visit our conference website at Washington State Trails Coalition.
2026 Conference Tracks
1. Building Trails for Wildlife, Climate and Disaster Response: How is planning for climate change and disaster response changing the landscape of trails? Learn about approaches to and examples of trails that protect the surrounding landscapes, including water quality and wildlife.
2. Community Health and Accessibility: Trails are ultimately for people. Explore how trail planners are capturing the physical, mental, and community benefits of time spent outdoors.
3. Funding Trails to Fuel the Recreation Economy: Making the case for funding trails and public lands often rests on the economic contribution of outdoor recreation to our state. Learn how organizations and agencies are leveraging new funding sources and creative partnerships to unlock new resources for trails.
4. Culture and Community Engagement: Hear examples of outdoor projects that support cultural uses, community connection, celebration, and public education, and gain insight into how these values can be meaningfully integrated into planning, design, and programming.
5. Trails Spotlight: Showcasing trails that provide unique values and experiences for the public or that offer significant learning opportunities.
FAQs
How can I contact WSTC with questions?
Email us at [email protected]
What is your refund policy?
- If you need to cancel your registration, including guest tickets for the Trail Awards Reception, please send your request via email to [email protected]
- Conference cancellation requests received before August 30 will receive a full refund, minus a $20 processing fee.
- Conference cancellation requests received August 30 through September 15 will receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellation of a guest registration for the Trail Award Reception only will be refunded in full if received by September 15.
- No refunds will be issued on requests received after September 15.
Is it okay for the registration name not to match the attendee?
To ensure correct name tags, meals, and records, we ask that the registration be in the name of the attendee. If you need to transfer your ticket, please let us know the new name, email address, title, and organization/employer so we can update the record in our system.
Where can I stay in Wenatchee?
The adjacent Coast Hotel or nearby Residence Inn have discounted prices for conference attendees staying overnight on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. There are a limited number of rooms available at these special prices — so book early!
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 12.51 to USD 321.96
