This month, we're excited to feature Heidi Strickler in our Supporter Spotlight! After moving to Seattle in 2019, Heidi joined IATC through the local trail running community. A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, she has made significant contributions to preserving trail systems and public lands, ensuring these spaces remain protected for future generations.

It’s hard to remember exactly when I first heard about the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC), but I believe it was in late 2019 after I moved back to Seattle from England, where I had just completed my master’s degree. At the time, I was connecting with a group of trail runners, and I think it was through them that I learned about the club. This introduction to the IATC has fostered another layer of connection to the local trail systems and the community committed to preserving them.

I grew up in the Wasatch Mountains outside Salt Lake City, and from a young age my father taught me about environmental responsibility and stewardship. Respecting, appreciating & preserving the outdoors has always been a central part of my values. Growing up in the mountains fostered a deep love for nature in me, which is one of the reasons I found trail running after college. Over the years, I’ve volunteered in various ways to help preserve trail systems, including both advocacy and trail clean up with the IATC, as well as week long backcountry trail projects around the country. Given the current political landscape and the increasing threats to the places I love, I felt a strong desire to support my local trails in every way I could.

The mountains and natural spaces have always been where I feel most like myself—free, full of childlike joy, at peace. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up with easy access to the mountains, a privilege I don't take for granted. Nature has been a place where I connect with myself, my community, and a sense of something greater and bigger than me. Whether I’m trail running, skiing, cycling, climbing, hiking, or swimming, I find that nature is constantly humbling me and bringing a deep appreciation for my body. The outdoors has been a constant in my life, especially when other parts of my world feel chaotic.

Research shows that access to natural spaces has a positive impact on both mental and physical health. That’s why I believe it’s vital to maintain public green spaces, trail systems, and parks for public access—and to find ways to make these spaces more accessible. Of course, this comes with challenges: increased access can lead to overuse and degradation, especially when Leave No Trace principles are not respected.

I’m a Registered Sports Dietitian with my own private practice, specializing in working with endurance athletes, mountain athletes, and student athletes, including those with disordered eating or relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S). Many of my athletes rely on access to public lands for both their physical and mental well-being. These outdoor spaces are crucial not just for training but for maintaining balance in their lives, and connecting with their own communities and building trust in their bodies.

For me, spending time on the trails is essential for my own work-life balance. It gives me the space to decompress, process my work with eating disorders, and refill my own cup, be it solo or with best friends. The outdoor community I’ve found—through playing, training and racing—has become a pillar in my life. The connections I’ve built around shared experiences in nature provide a sense of community and support that is invaluable.

I have a hard time nailing down a favorite trail in the Issaquah Alps; there are so many beautiful places and spaces, and I still find myself constantly in awe of the many vibrant shades of green and the moss covered forest, despite having lived in Seattle for 17 years. However, here are a few of my favorites: Poo Poo Point and Tiger 2 or 3 Summit at sunrise for stunning views and the perfect way to start the day. I also love the section of Adventure Trail between the Puget Power Trail and the intersection with Wetlands Trail, as you run through a tunnel of moss covered trees Dr. Seuss-looking trees. Cougar Mountain or Grand Ridge in the fall is another favorite -- more colorful than Tiger that time of year, you can't help but smile as you run through the yellow and red tunnels of leaves. Finally, TMT (Tiger Mountain Trail) is a consistent favorite, with lots of variety, flowy trails, notably less traveled, and great way to get from the base to the summit of Tiger mountain.

Looking ahead to this spring and summer, I’m excited to spend more time climbing and cycling in addition to my usual weekly trail running. I’m also planning to race in either the Tiger Claw or Orcas Island 50k, and The Rut in September.

One of the most exciting changes is that I will be moving into my van full-time for the summer. This will give me the flexibility to spend even more time in the mountains—waking up at trailheads, exploring new places, and enjoying the fresh air and quiet. I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the Peninsula, the San Juan Islands, Mazama, Index, Roslyn, and the North Cascades.

The mountains have always felt like home to me—offering both challenge and refuge. I’m deeply grateful for the outdoor spaces that have shaped my life and for the organizations like the IATC that help preserve them for future generations.

One of the most exciting changes is that I will be moving into my van full-time for the summer. This will give me the flexibility to spend even more time in the mountains—waking up at trailheads, exploring new places, and enjoying the fresh air and quiet. I’m particularly looking forward to exploring the Peninsula, the San Juan Islands, Mazama, Index, Roslyn, and the North Cascades.

The mountains have always felt like home to me—offering both challenge and refuge. I’m deeply grateful for the outdoor spaces that have shaped my life and for the organizations like the IATC that help preserve them for future generations.

Learn more about IATC’s history of advocacy and current initiatives.

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Supporter Spotlight: Heidi Strickler

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