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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New Trail Opens on Heybrook Ridge
Dec 21, 2017
In 2017, a total of 230 volunteers spent 21 days working at Heybrook Ridge County Park near Index. All of that work has paid off. On Oct. 21, volunteers and representatives from Friends of Heybrook Ridge, Snohomish County and WTA gathered at the trailhead to celebrate the project’s completion.
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9 Delicious Things to Fill Your Thermos
Dec 19, 2017
Don't let the cold weather keep you away from the trails this time a year. Here are 9 hot recipes to keep you going while on your next adventure.
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Meet the Trail Community: Wildland Firefighter
Dec 18, 2017
As a helitack manager, Chris O'Brien spends much of his time managing fire and looking at trails from the air. But when he can, he heads out to volunteer, or simply take a short walk on trails near his winter home in Olympia.
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Fee-Free Days at National Parks Drops to Four
Dec 18, 2017
The National Park Service slashed the number of fee-free days to just four in 2018. This news comes soon after the agency announced a proposed fee increase at 17 of the most popular parks.
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5 Exercises for Winter Sports
Dec 14, 2017
As the temperatures drop and the snow starts falling, it's time to dust off the skis and snowshoes. Here are five exercises to help keep you adventure ready, any time of the year.
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Hair Ice: Even Cooler Than You Thought
Dec 14, 2017
You’ve probably seen hair ice while hiking on a cold day. You might have thought it was a weird fungus. You may have even asked on a mycology forum or a trip report, “What kind of fungus is this?” If, however, you ever lean down to examine it and give it a touch, you’ll discover that it melts away from the warmth of your hand.
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Lost Trails Found: Regaining Access to the North Fork Sullivan
Dec 13, 2017
Strong partnerships and a lot of hard work in the field makes for big improvements in the Salmo-Priest Wilderness.
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Join WTA at our Outdoor Workshops for Educators
Dec 13, 2017
Do you work with youth? Would you like to get them outside? WTA can help!
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Last of the Best: 2017 Geminid Meteor Shower
Dec 13, 2017
Wednesday, December 13 is going to be one of the best nights to watch the Geminid Meteor Shower. Don't miss your opportunity to see this once a year event.
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Harvest Your Own Christmas Tree in the National Forest
Dec 07, 2017
Head to a National Forest this season to for your very own Christmas tree. Available to cut with a permit from now until December 24, harvesting Christmas trees is a unique way to experience your public lands.
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Story Behind the Photo: Going Against the Stream
Dec 06, 2017
Every year, WTA invites photographers to share their favorite photos for our annual contest. Photographer and avid hiker Mike Warren shared this shot at Sahale Peak during last year's contest.
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In Defense of Well-Traveled Trails
Dec 05, 2017
Not all hikes require rough roads and long drives to find a dose of solitude. Well-traveled trails offer something different: they offer a community of hikers—many who are first-time users trying their hand at a new sort of adventure.
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Meet the Trail Community: Mountain Biker
Dec 01, 2017
Mountain biker Melissa MacKelvie wants everyone to find their connection to nature. It's empowering, and builds the community of people who care deeply about trails.
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Think You Can't Go Camping Every Month? This Mom Did.
Nov 30, 2017
Find out what worked for mom and Washington Trails editor Jessi Loerch.
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Sharing Joy in the Outdoors
Nov 29, 2017
At Pinnacle Explorations, the goal is simple: to help kids have a good time outside. With the help of WTA's Gear Library, Pinnacle is able to offer hands-on, outdoor workshops at an accessible cost for youth and families.
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Meet J.R. Harris, Outdoor Enthusiast and Author of "Way Out There"
Nov 23, 2017
J.R. Harris is a hiker, backpacker, and proud New Yorker. A collection of stories from J.R.’s wilderness exploits from the Arctic to Australia, and everywhere in between, can be found in his debut book, “Way Out There,” from Mountaineers Books.
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WTA Will #OptOutside on Friday
Nov 22, 2017
WTA will be closed on November 24 so staff can enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Will you join us?
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Avalanche Season Is Here
Nov 15, 2017
Northwest Avalanche Center talks about how to prepare for and spot the hazards of high country travel in winter. Brush up your basics and warm up your brain for cold season safety.
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Studying Human Behavior at Big Four Ice Caves
Nov 15, 2017
The Forest Service and Baylor University have teamed up to see how they can improve visitor experience and safety on this popular trail.
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WTA Works for Wildfire Funding
Nov 10, 2017
Catastrophic wildfires have been increasing in severity and frequency for decades in Washington and across the United States. This difficult reality has had major consequences not just on the forests, but also on the U.S. Forest Service budget and the agency’s ability to complete trail maintenance, fire prevention and recreation projects.
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Trail Soft Skills: Have You Got Them?
Nov 10, 2017
Because there are people in nature here are some tips to help you interact effectively and harmoniously with other hikers.
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