JOIN IATC!

What is the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC)?

The IATC is a local club dedicated to the protection of nearby wild lands, and the quality of life they provide. Founded in 1979 by Harvey Manning, (who dubbed the local mountains the Issaquah Alps), we are advocates for the lush mountains, valleys, rivers, and streams in the Issaquah Alps region.

To educate and involve the public, we build trails, advocate for our nearby wild lands with city, county, and state managers. Additionally, we offer multiple free guided hikes every week to introduce folks to our trails and local wild lands.

What is an Active Member?

An active member is anyone who has contributed $20 or more in the last 18 months, or has volunteered 9+ hours of service (Lifetime Members, a membership offered in the past, are also considered Active Members.) Active Members receive our quarterly newsletter, the Alpiner, an updated hiking schedule, and are eligible to vote at the Annual Meeting, typically held in January.

Why Should I Join?

You will be supporting local efforts to advocate for new lands and additional hiking trails. The IATC has always been more than a hiking club. From its earliest days in the 1970's, the club has been a voice for the protection of not only trails, but the wildlands through which they run. The IATC has achieved massive victories with the creation of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Tiger Mountain State Forest, and the many-fold expansion of Squak Mountain State Park.

The advocacy work of the club is ongoing, and takes many forms:

  • Protecting public open space and parks from improper use and the impacts of nearby development
  • Negotiating and working with developers to secure trails and open space within their projects
  • Working with public agencies and private landowners to secure more acreage for parklands, trails, and wild habitat in and around the Issaquah Alps.

But What Have You Done Recently?

  • We led the effort to acquire 220 acres on Squak Mountain by King County Parks, resulting in a new trailhead, new hiking trails, and the retention of wildlife habitat.
  • We helped to sponsor the youth taking part in the 9-day Mountains to Sound Trek from Ellensburg to Seattle. This introduces young people to both the land itself, and the many people who wish to protect it.
  • We provided information and advice on property acquisitions, land use decisions, trails, and restoration efforts to state, county and city agencies and private foundations.
  • Through our Bill Longwell Memorial Scholarship, we provided scholarships to three high-achieving, college-bound students committed to environmental excellence and a sustainable future for our planet.
  • Members volunteered for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Watch program, the King County Parks Ambassador program, Issaquah Parks events, Washington Trails Association and Mountains to Sound Greenway trail work parties. In addition, volunteers participated in local advocacy meetings with the city, county, and DNR.

SO JOIN US!  Be a Part of the Effort to Save Our Local Wild Places!

IATC Staff