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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Volunteer Profile: Clare Paden
Aug 01, 2018
How wrestling with one stubborn stump led one volunteer to taking a leadership role in trail work parties around the state.
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Show Your Love for National Forests!
Jul 31, 2018
Hiking is the number one use of national forest lands. Explore the trails they have to offer, and show your support recreation funding for our forests.
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Coordinated Chaos: The Logistics Behind Backcountry Trips
Jul 25, 2018
Outfitting more than 40 backcountry trips over a few months takes organization, patience, and innovation. Logistics Coordinator Rick Beckel relies on spreadsheets and volunteers to keep his cool in the heat of volunteer vacation madness.
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Being a New Mom Was Hard. Hiking Helped.
Jul 24, 2018
Shanti Hodges is the creator of Hike It Baby, and the author of a new book featuring hikes you can enjoy with your whole family.
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Teaming Up with Northwest Youth Corps Up in the Pasayten
Jul 23, 2018
Thanks to WTA supporters and new partnerships, a Lost Trails Youth Corps crew will spend five weeks fixing hard-to-reach sections of trail in the Pasayten Wilderness.
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Only YOU: The Best Smokey Bear Videos Ever Made
Jul 18, 2018
Wildfire season is upon us. As a friendly reminder that wildfires season is just around the corner, we put together a collection of some of the best Smokey Bear video ad campaigns from decades past.
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Scavenger Hunts: Finding Fun on Trail
Jul 18, 2018
When you go hiking with your kids, add a scavenger hunt for a new level of fun. | By Wendy Gorton
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How Time Outside Inspired My Music
Jul 17, 2018
As I got older, I realized that many of my favorite artists were drawing a great deal of inspiration from nature. I decided it was time to start experiencing these beautiful places for myself. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the connection between artistic expression and wilderness is a deeply ingrained part of the human experience.
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Speak Up for the Enchantments!
Jul 17, 2018
Chelan County and the Washington State Department of Ecology have proposed a plan called the Icicle Strategy. Parts of the plan call for new, larger dams in the incredibly popular and beloved Alpine Lakes Wilderness Enchantment Lakes region which have the potential to flood lakeside trails, campsites, and adjacent lands.
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Goat Removal Plan Could Temporarily Close Trails and Roads in Olympics and Cascades
Jul 16, 2018
Get the latest info on which trails and roads will be closed while nonnative goats are relocated.
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Where Are They Now? Seasonal Crew Leader Jacob Mandell
Jul 16, 2018
Jacob Mandell worked at WTA for two years and his enthusiasm, gentle leadership and big smile were big motivators for the many volunteers he worked with. He's since taken his expertise to Colorado, where he's on a trail maintenance crew in the Routt National Forest.
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Will This Be On The Quiz?
Jul 11, 2018
Take this short quiz to see how well prepared you are for backcountry hiking this summer.
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Connect to the Natural World Through the Sounds of Birds
Jun 29, 2018
BirdNote, a radio show and podcast, has been telling stories about the birds we share the world with for 14 years.
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Consider the Impacts of Your Noise on Trail
Jun 29, 2018
When on trail, remember that your actions and noises can impact other hikers' experiences.
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Where are They Now? Alex Compeau, Youth Ambassador
Jun 29, 2018
Learn how a past Youth Ambassador has used his experience with WTA to further his passion for trails, outdoor recreation, and the sciences.
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GirlTrek: Walking as a Radical Act of Self-Care
Jun 28, 2018
GirlTrek started as a hiking club. It quickly grew into a movement to reverse the systemic health crisis experienced by black women and transform the health and well-being of entire communities.
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52 Years of Trip Reports, Advocacy and Loving Trails
Jun 26, 2018
Exactly 52 years ago today, Washington Trails Association began with the publication of Signpost magazine by Louise Marshall.
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Gifford Pinchot National Forest Wants to Hear From Hikers Like You!
Jun 26, 2018
Gifford Pinchot National Forest is looking for input on recreation sites in the forest, like trailheads, campgrounds, visitor information sites and more. Fill out their survey by June 30.
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The Soundtrack of Trails
Jun 25, 2018
Part of the joy of hiking is the sounds you hear along the way. Here are some of our favorite sounds from along the trail.
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Alpine Lakes Dams, Water Project Proposal Could Impact Lakes in Enchantments
Jun 21, 2018
In 2016, Chelan County and the Washington State Department of Ecology proposed new, enlarged dams and other water-related projects in the incredibly popular and beloved Alpine Lakes Wilderness Enchantment Lakes region. That proposal, called the “Icicle Strategy” is now here.
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Proud to Help Foster an Inclusive Hiking Community
Jun 21, 2018
WTA is striving to create a space where everyone feels welcome and represented. We are grateful to powerful communities that continue to push for visibility and equitable inclusion in the outdoors.
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