Supporter Spotlight: Will Hoover
This month, we're thrilled to highlight Will Hoover in our Supporter Spotlight! After moving to the Seattle area in 2021, Will quickly became involved with IATC through the Issaquah Alps Trail Running Club. As a passionate geologist, he's made significant contributions to our conservation efforts, from leading geology hikes to mapping trail usage across the Issaquah Alps. Will is deeply committed to land stewardship and Indigenous knowledge, ensuring these stunning public lands are protected for future generations.
Will trekking through the Italian Alps, with Monviso behind him, photo courtesy of Will Hoover
By Will Hoover
I first became involved with the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) through the Issaquah Alps Trail Running Club, founded by IATC Board President Kelly Jiang. After moving from Washington, DC in 2021, I was eager to meet others who shared my love of running and spending time outdoors. Running has always been central to my connection to place—it's about feeling the earth beneath my feet, learning the terrain, meeting neighbors (both human and non-human), and putting my sweat into the ground. The hours spent on the trails in the Issaquah Alps, and the community I built through the running club, made the Seattle area feel like home. This connection is why my wife and I decided to stay in the area.
Wanting to give back to the region that welcomed me, I was drawn to the work IATC does in conserving and advocating for public access to these outdoor spaces. The Issaquah Alps are incredibly accessible, and I wanted to help ensure that everyone had the opportunity to experience them. Getting involved with IATC felt like a natural next step.
At the same time, I was working on a research project on Pimu'nga/Santa Catalina Island (Southern California), in collaboration with Gabrielino-Tongva tribal members. The inspiration for this project stemmed from my time in Aotearoa/New Zealand studying Māori language and culture, where I realized how little I knew about Indigenous peoples in North America. The California project led to more local involvement, including the Duwamish Heron’s Nest project in West Seattle. My growing interest in Indigenous communities and land conservation brought me to IATC, where I could contribute to preserving the Issaquah Alps while learning from local Indigenous communities.
Will inspecting geological formations; photo courtesy of Will Hoover
As a member of the IATC Advocacy Committee, I’ve learned about Washington’s public lands, the complex relationships between stakeholders, and the balance that makes such resources possible. I’ve also contributed to several meaningful projects. One highlight was getting a sneak peek at plans for new trails. I've run on a few new trails, and provided input to County and State agencies on their plans from a runners perspective. Another project I’ve worked on is a map of recreational use in the Issaquah Alps, using Strava data to analyze trail usage and patterns. This has offered valuable insights into how people engage with these lands and where there may be opportunities to protect quiet spaces for wildlife habitat. This balance between recreation and habitat conservation, particularly for treaty-protected species, is crucial for ensuring local Tribes have space to exercise their treaty rights without disturbance.
With my background as a geologist, I’ve been able to contribute to IATC's field trip offerings through geology hikes. The Issaquah Alps showcase rich geological processes, and I’ve enjoyed helping others see the land through a different lens. The geology and history of places like Tiger Mountain’s Grand Canyon Trail offer a fascinating glimpse into the forces shaping the land we recreate on today.
Conservation is important for many reasons. Spending time in nature brings me joy, restores my energy, and keeps me healthy. As a geologist, I see Earth as an interconnected system in constant motion. This perspective highlights the urgency of addressing human-driven environmental destruction. Protecting public lands is essential for a sustainable future.
Conservation is also a moral and equity issue. Public lands, particularly those near urban spaces like the Issaquah Alps, should be accessible to everyone. Many marginalized communities still face barriers to access, and we need to increase access for all. These are the ancestral territories of Indigenous peoples, many of whom were forcibly displaced. Safeguarding these lands and co-managing them with Tribes is not only the right thing to do but an opportunity to learn from Indigenous knowledge about how to steward these lands for future generations.
Among my favorite trails in the Issaquah Alps is the exhilarating descent on the Chybinski Trail on Squak Mountain. I also love the Grand Canyon Trail on Tiger Mountain, where I lead geology hikes. The quiet beauty of that corner of Tiger Mountain makes it a peaceful retreat. My most transcendent experiences, though, have been on winter afternoons descending from West Tiger #1, weaving between shadows and trees on the Poo Top and One View trails. If you catch it just right, the golden light of an early sunset illuminates the ridge, creating a magical scene as you pass beneath the fairy arch.
Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about a new chapter in my career. In December 2024, I began working as an environmental consultant with Ramboll, and my new role aligns even more closely with IATC’s work. I’m eager to explore the field and contribute to local projects that can improve the health of the land, air, and water in the Greater Issaquah Alps. This position will also provide more opportunities to engage in IATC advocacy projects.
After taking most of 2024 off from leading geology hikes due to these career changes, I’m looking forward to returning to the trails in spring 2025. Stay tuned for my upcoming field trip in the Grand Canyon of Tiger Mountain! On a personal note, I also plan to run the 42-mile Snake-to-Lake route from Rattlesnake Lake to Lake Washington this spring—an exciting challenge I’m eager to tackle.
In all of these efforts, my goal remains the same: to help conserve and safeguard the beautiful spaces we are fortunate to have in the Issaquah Alps while ensuring they remain accessible and beneficial for future generations.
Learn more about IATC’s history of advocacy and current initiatives.