Save the date: 2026 Washington State Trails Conference

The 2026 Washington State Trails Conference is coming up on Oct. 7-9 at the Wenatchee Convention Center in Wenatchee! This multi-day event brings together trail enthusiasts from around the state to network, celebrate successes, and learn about the current issues facing trails.

Registration opens July 2026.

Become a sponsor

Our event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors — thank you! Interested in sponsoring Washington State Trails Coalition events? View our sponsorship levels and benefits.

Host an exhibit

The Washington State Trails Coalition welcomes trail-oriented exhibits at our conference. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the trail community and receive outstanding visibility for your organization or business.

Share knowledge

WSTC’s Program Committee is seeking presentation proposals for the 2026 conference. Please view our conference tracks and submit your presentation proposal. The priority deadline for proposals is Monday, May 11; however, proposals may still be submitted after this date.

Event schedule

Wednesday, Oct. 7: Pre-Conference Activities
12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Field trips
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.: Early check-in and social

Thursday, Oct. 8: Conference Day One
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Breakfast and check-in
8:30 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Welcome and opening remarks
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Breakout sessions
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Buffet lunch with keynote speaker, Ian Mackay
1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Breakout sessions
5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Trail Awards reception

Friday, Oct. 9: Conference Day Two
8 a.m. – 9 a.m.: Breakfast and check-in
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Breakout sessions
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Buffet lunch
1 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Outdoor field sessions

Registration

Registration for the 2026 Washington State Trails Conference opens in July!

Ticket pricing

Full conference (early bird rate): $250
Full conference (standard) $300
Thursday only: $180
Friday only: $150
Presenter (one-day): $140
Student/youth corps: $75
Pre-conference field trips: $10
Field session: $5

Event lodging

The Residence Inn and Coast Hotel are offering discounted rooms for conference attendees. A limited number of rooms are available at these special prices — so book early!

Keynote speaker

The Washington State Trails Coalition is honored to welcome Ian Mackay as our keynote speaker during the 2026 conference. Ian Mackay is the founder and executive director of Ians Ride, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in the state of Washington. Ian was an avid cyclist and nature lover before a bicycle crash in 2008 left him paralyzed from the neck down. He battled years of depression until he found a way to get outside again. He began traveling bike paths in his local area of Port Angeles, WA and kept going just a little farther. In 2016 he rode his power wheelchair across the state of Washington from North to South. The 2016 Ride garnered a great deal of media attention, and Ian became a spokesperson, encouraging the mobility challenged to get outside and advocating for outdoor accessibility – complete, connected trails and routes for ALL abilities.

Trail Awards

Our biennial Trail Awards recognize the efforts and achievements of exceptional individuals, organizations, and land managers working to make Washington State’s trails the nation’s best.

Winners will be announced at the 2026 Trail Awards reception in Wenatchee, WA on the evening of Thursday, October 8, 2026. Nominations are due by August 30, 2026.