With gas prices rising and glaciers melting, hikers are finding themselves in a predicament.  A 200-mile round trip car ride for a day hike has suddenly gotten a lot more expensive, not to mention carbon-unfriendly.

What is a thrifty, environmentally-responsible hiker to do?

Carpooling to trailheads is becoming increasingly accessible and popular among northwest hikers. Find a hiking partner or carpool to join at  www.nwhikers.net. Also, a new Bus-Up 90 Shuttle runs weekends from North Bend up to Hyak, just east of Snoqualmie Pass, and makes stops at trailheads along the way. Transit-friendly hike options are limited, but there are a few good ones out there.

Thinking of joining a trail work party?  Washington Trails Association encourages those who register for trail work parties to carpool. That way, trail volunteers can be green, and save some cash as well.

Every time you sign up for a work party, you'll receive an invitation to our automated carpool system, which allows volunteers to coordinate rides with one another. After you register for a trail work party, you'll be prompted to choose one of these options: willing to drive, needs a ride, or willing to drive or ride. Then, in the space provided, give a brief description of your ideal meeting place  (often a local park & ride is a good meeting spot). This information, as well as your e-mail address, will be forwarded to the people who sign up for your trip. You can then contact, or be contacted by, others interested in carpooling.( If you're riding, don't forget to help your driver with the cost of gas!)

This service is pretty effective, a whopping 80 percent, and will give you the chance to meet your fellow volunteers ahead of time – and maybe even have sing-alongs on the way to the trail! If you have other questions, click here for more info.

Happy hiking!