Signpost Blog
"This little newsletter has been an experiment so far, testing a hunch I've had that such a means of communication among walkers is needed." — Signpost magazine, 1966.
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7 Leave No Trace Tips We Found in Star Wars
May 03, 2019
Whether you're hiking through Hoth or camping on Endor, these 7 Leave No Trace principles will protect you from the path to the dark side.
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Hiker Headlines: Legislative Debrief, Morning Star Meeting, Big Four Closure, Mount Rainier Chains
May 02, 2019
The state legislative session is over, and there were some big victories mixed with disappointments. You have a chance to learn more about Morning Star Natural Resources Conservation Area. The Big Four Ice Caves trail bridge is closed. And chains are no longer required at Mount Rainier.
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State Budget: The Wins and Losses in the 2019 Legislative Session
Apr 30, 2019
The 2019 legislative session has some big wins and some disappointing losses for state lands. Here's a roundup of decisions that affect public lands and hikers.
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Preparedness Pays: How Two Washington Hikers Helped a Canyonlands Search and Rescue Effort
Apr 25, 2019
When trip reporter austineats and his partner came across a badly-injured hiker on vacation, they provided assistance, summoned search and rescue, and alerted the Park employees. He recounts the rescue, and offers a few tips for being as prepared as possible when you head out.
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Trail Magic: Not Just for Thru-Hikers
Apr 25, 2019
Whether it's food, sharing spare gear, or making an extra effort to recognize a special moment, our volunteers help make WTA's volunteer community friendly, and work parties fun to return to.
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Hiker Headlines: Safety Pink, National Parks, Climbing Ranger Gigs and Bats
Apr 25, 2019
It's April 25. Pink is for safety. Spring is for celebrating national parks And bats needs us humans to take care of them. Here’s some hiker news that you may have missed while out on trail this week.
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Volunteer Crew Leaders Make Our Work Happen
Apr 22, 2019
If you've volunteered with WTA, you know the impact just one day on trail can make. But there might be more volunteers on your work party than you realize...
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It's National Parks Week — This Author Wants to Introduce You to Them All
Apr 22, 2019
Get to know our national parks, either in person or from the comfort of your favorite reading chair.
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Hiker Headlines: Park Rx, New Public Lands Holiday, North Cascades Hwy Opens
Apr 18, 2019
It's April 18. The North Cascade Hwy opened today. King County's Trailhead Direct bus hiking service starts up this weekend. And, fresh out of Olympia, our state has a new Public Lands holiday.
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5 Ways to Celebrate National High Five Day
Apr 18, 2019
Celebrate the trail community with a high five!
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Rapid Response: WTA Crews Clear Popular Trails at Cougar Mountain
Apr 15, 2019
Winter storms took a toll on trails in Issaquah. WTA crews took a toll on the trees that came down in the winds.
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Everyone Has a Legacy
Apr 15, 2019
For Russ Levy, caring for trails means thinking beyond his own lifetime — and planning to leave a legacy that includes caring for trails and wild space for generations to come.
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Let's Roll: Trailhead Direct Service Begins April 20
Apr 11, 2019
Trailhead Direct, the popular transit-to-trails service co-led by King County Metro and King County Parks returns April 20 with more routes connecting convenient transit locations to popular trailheads.
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Hiker Headlines: New Wolf Pack, Raise a Toast to Trails, Beware Olympics Road Construction and Cascades Snow
Apr 11, 2019
It's April 11. Washington wolves have moved to the west side of the state. We'd love to raise a toast to trails with you in Ellensburg. It's the beginning of road work season — and it's still snow season in the mountaing.
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Avalanches: Staying Safe in Spring
Apr 08, 2019
It's spring and we're eager to get out on new trails, but with warming temperatures comes an increased risk for avalanches.
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Nature on Trail: Avalanche Lily, Pygmy Rabbit
Apr 05, 2019
Washington's wild places are teeming with life. Learn a bit more about two common species, the Yellow Avalanche Lily and Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit, and where you can find them.
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Hiker Headlines: Make Camping Reservations, Flowers are Blooming and Please, Watch Your Step at Palouse Falls
Apr 04, 2019
It's April 4. It's definitely time to be thinking about making summer camping reservations. Wildflowers are starting to put on a show. And officials would really like you to stay safe at Palouse Falls.
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A Map In Your Pack Is Worth Two Left Behind
Apr 04, 2019
If you’ve read almost anything from WTA about getting outside you know we want you to be prepared when you go hiking. Have water and snacks, extra clothing and all the other 10 Essentials, including a map.
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Staying Safe When Days are Short
Apr 03, 2019
The air is growing colder, the leaves are beginning to turn and the long days of summer are behind us.
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Milk Madness: New Beverage Taking Washington Hikers by Storm
Apr 01, 2019
If you're still drinking plain H2O on your hikes, stop what you're doing and check this latest phenomenon out.
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Hiker Headlines: North Cascades Hwy and Olympics Road Updates, Wildfires (Already) and Rainier Permits
Mar 28, 2019
It's March 28. Some roads are closed for roadwork; others are just starting to be cleared for the spring. Surprisingly, wildfire season has already begun. And if you want to backpack in Mount Rainier this summer, now's a great time to apply for a permit.
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